You’ve seen the winners. Now it’s time to taste them! North Carolina is home to award-winning wines, handcrafted ciders and one-of-a-kind meads made by talented producers across the state. Each year, the North Carolina Wine Competition celebrates some of the best of...
September in North Carolina means harvest season is underway, and for muscadine lovers, that means one very important thing: it is time to start picking! There is something special about walking beneath rows of vines, spotting the ripest bronze and purple grapes, and...
What Makes a Winning Bottle? Every bottle tells a story, but how do you know which wines, ciders and meads truly stand out? This is one of the reasons wine competitions matter. They celebrate excellence, provide valuable feedback to producers and give you another way...
Summer is one of the most exciting times in North Carolina wine country. Vineyard rows are lush and green, grape clusters are developing, and growers are keeping a close eye on every vine as harvest draws closer. Visitors may see beautiful landscapes and thriving...
As America continues to celebrate 250 years of history, it's easy to think of tradition in terms of centuries. But some beverages have stories that stretch much farther back. Long before wine became a global industry and before beer was brewed commercially, there was...
As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, there is no better time to reflect on the stories that helped shape our nation. Some are found in history books. Others are woven into the landscape itself. In North Carolina, one of those stories grows on a...
Summer in North Carolina has a way of bringing people together. From mountain escapes and lake weekends to backyard cookouts and beach vacations, warm weather creates countless opportunities to gather around a great drink. While many people think first of wine, North...
Summer has officially arrived in North Carolina. The days are longer, the evenings stretch a little later, and weekends quickly fill with beach trips, lake days, backyard cookouts, and dinners enjoyed outside with friends and family. It is the season of slowing down...
No matter where you stay, the mountains of North Carolina make a beautiful getaway in every season. From cozy cider houses and family-run wineries to lively tasting rooms and scenic wine trails, this region offers a little bit of everything. Whether you are planning a...
There is something special about the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Nestled between the costal plains and mountains you will find rolling hills, quiet backroads, and over 60 vineyards that feel both welcoming and refined. This region is easy to fall in love with,...
There’s something special about a trip to the North Carolina coast. The air feels a little lighter, the pace slows down, and every stop along the way becomes part of the story. As you make your way east this spring and summer, consider turning your drive into...
Spring is one of the most critical and exciting seasons in the vineyard and North Carolina is no exception. What happens in the vineyard during spring directly determines what ends up in your glass. From bud break to bloom every decision a grower makes in March,...
There is something special about the first warm days of the year in North Carolina. The sun stays out a little longer, the air feels fresh, and suddenly a day trip to wine country sounds like the perfect plan. Across the state, from the rolling foothills of the Blue...
Across our state, from the mountains to the coast, women are working in every facet of wine, cider, and mead production. They are vineyard managers, winemakers, cidermakers, mead makers, marketers, tasting room host, logistics coordinators, compliance experts, and...
After Valentine's Day, when the last of the chocolate boxes are tucked away and we are still having nightmares of back-to-back winter storm, the weather has not yet turned warm. Winter reminds us that it's still very much in charge. And something important is...
Not Everything Has to Be Beer: NC Wine at the Super Bowl When Super Bowl Sunday rolls around, beer usually steals the spotlight. But game day is about more than just beer. It's about food, friends, and finding the perfect drink pairings to match your spread. But let's...
When you choose a bottle of North Carolina wine, cider, or mead, you’re doing more than picking out a drink. You’re supporting a living, breathing ecosystem of NC wine producers, local wineries, and craft artisans. Every bottle carries the dedication of families who...
A Toast to North Carolina’s bubbly Drinks North Carolina isn’t just about still wines. Sparkling wines, ciders, and meads are growing in popularity, offering exciting bubbles, bright flavors, and a welcoming introduction to the state’s beverage scene. Whether you’re a...
Vinifera, Hybrids, and Muscadines Made Simple When you think about wine, you’re probably imagining classic European varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, or Merlot. These grapes are known as Vitis vinifera, and they are the foundation of most of the world’s...
A Grape With Deep Carolina Roots Muscadine is North Carolina’s native grape, and its story here is older than the state itself. One of its most famous varieties is Scuppernong, a large, bronze-hued grape that holds the distinction of being North Carolina’s official...
Any Time Is a Good Time for NC Wine One of the best things about visiting North Carolina wineries is that there’s no wrong season to go. There are only different experiences waiting to be discovered. From spring blossoms and summer concerts to harvest celebrations and...
Start with a Little Planning. Then Let the Wine Lead the Way A North Carolina wine weekend isn’t about rushing from place to place. It’s about discovery, connection, and enjoying the journey as much as the destination. With more than 200 wineries, cideries, and...
An Invitation to Explore North Carolina’s Beverage Culture When people think of North Carolina’s craft beverage scene, beer often comes to mind first, but the story is far richer than that. Across the state, you’ll find thriving wineries, cideries, and meaderies, each...
If you’ve ever wondered what makes a wine region special, or why some wines list a specific place on the label, this guide is for you. In North Carolina, wine isn’t just made; it’s grown in places that have distinctive climates, soils, and stories. Understanding these...
If you’re new to North Carolina wine, welcome. You’ve chosen a wonderful place to begin. North Carolina’s wine community is built on hospitality, discovery, and the simple joy of sharing something local and meaningful. You don’t need a background in wine to enjoy it...
North Carolina wine doesn’t ask you to already know the rules. We invite you in. Across the state, wine is less about formality and more about hospitality. We welcome you to meet people where they are. Our wine makers love sharing a story, and offering something...