North Carolina is a top-10 U.S. wine-producing state whose industry spans the Blue Ridge foothills of the Yadkin Valley — home to European vinifera — to the coastal plain, where the native muscadine and its bronze Scuppernong grape have grown for centuries. With around 250 wineries across seven AVAs, it’s anchored by Biltmore Estate in Asheville, America’s most-visited winery.
The Yadkin Valley became the state’s first AVA in 2003; the Scuppernong, North Carolina’s state fruit, is often cited as the first cultivated wine grape in the United States.
Tunnel Creek Vineyards
Established in 2013, Tunnel Creek Vineyards is a family-owned winery and vineyard located in Roxboro, North Carolina. Offering locally grown wines, wine tastings, stunning views, and an award-winning events venue, Tunnel Creek is a perfect ...
Explore Tunnel Creek Vineyards →Know the wines of North Carolina
Wineries to visit
Best time to visit North Carolina
Tour Biltmore House and its winery near Asheville, then head to the Yadkin Valley for the state’s densest cluster of vinifera estates along the Surry County and Swan Creek trails. Fall — harvest season plus Blue Ridge foliage — is the classic time to visit.
More about North Carolina
Wineries to Visit in North Carolina
- Biltmore Estate Winery (Asheville) — America’s most-visited winery, on the Vanderbilt estate, where a complimentary tasting of 20+ wines comes with Biltmore admission.
- Shelton Vineyards (Dobson) — the estate whose owners petitioned the Yadkin Valley AVA into being, with wines grown and bottled on site and the Harvest Grill restaurant.
- Raffaldini Vineyards (Ronda) — “Chianti in the Carolinas,” specializing in Italian varieties like Sangiovese and Vermentino in a Tuscan-style villa.
- Jones von Drehle Vineyards (Thurmond) — estate-grown, dry European-style wines including Viognier in the Blue Ridge foothills.
North Carolina Wine Tours
Note: dedicated Yadkin Valley wine tours are largely run by independent shuttle operators rather than packaged online.