Wineries and Vineyards in North Carolina

North Carolina ranks 12th for wine production and 10th for grape production in the United States. At first this may seem surprising or unlikely, but when further thought is given to North Carolinas climate it becomes apparent that North Carolina is fine breeding grounds for quality, affordable wines. North Carolina Wineries are growing rapidly, with approximately 64 wineries in 34 counties with ten additional wineries expected by December 2007.


In 2005, state produced grapes were valued at nearly $3.7 million and the value of state produced wine was estimated at $37 million. Based on a recent impact study, wineries and vineyards impact the North Carolina economy by $800 million with 5600 jobs created. There are 350 individually owned grape vineyards in North Carolina, including North Carolina's first commercial vineyard, Medoc Vineyard, which was founded in 1835 in Halifax County. Other notable wineries include Shelton Vineyards, Raffaldini Vineyards, Lake James Cellars Winery, and perhaps the most recognizable winery, The Biltmore Estate. The winery on the Biltmore Estate is the most visited winery in the United States, receiving nearly one million visitors annually.


So go ahead, explore the wine that North Carolina has to offer you. Many vineyards offer tours and tastings of their locally grown wine, so feel free to compare local Muscadine to Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese Blends, and many more.



North Carolina Tourist Guide - NC Wineries