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Through the Piedmont: A Wine Lover’s Itinerary

May 11, 2026

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, it’s Sonoma or Napa without leaving the state. Whether you are planning a weekend escape or just passing through, this itinerary highlights some of the region’s most memorable stops, including the beautiful Swan Creek AVA which is like a taste of Italy right here in our own backyard.

Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery

Start in Swan Creek AVA

Tucked into the large Yadkin Valley AVA , you will find the Swan Creek AVA. Swan Creek is known for its slightly higher elevation and cooler climate than the surrounding area. These conditions help produce balanced, expressive wines that continue to gain national recognition. It is the perfect place to begin your Piedmont wine journey, offering scenic views and a relaxed pace that invites you to slow down and stay awhile.

A Taste of Italy in Wilkes County

If you are craving old-world charm, Wilkes County delivers with a cluster of Italian-inspired wineries that feel like a true escape. Most wineries in North Carolina are spread out, but here you will find 4 producers with vineyards that are contiguous. You will feel as if you have traveled to Tuscany with the views you get to see in this special part of the state.

➤ Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery

Ronda, NC

Often called the “Chianti of the Carolinas,” Raffaldini offers stunning views and elegant European-style wines. Their Sangiovese and Montepulciano are standout selections, and the terrace alone is worth the visit. This is a visit for those that love bold red wines. These wines consistently win medals both in and out of the state.

➤ Castello Barone Vineyards

Ronda, NC

Castello Barone Vineyards offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere that feels like a hidden escape. Expect bold reds and a relaxed tasting that encourages you to slow down and enjoy a quieter, more personal wine experience. Don’t miss their Bacchus red blend, it’s delicious and award winning.

➤ Piccione Vineyards

Ronda, NC

Piccione Vineyards is a family-owned winery rooted in tradition and hospitality. Visitors often find themselves in conversation with the people behind the wine, making each visit feel personal and welcoming. With a modern tasting room set high on the hills you will enjoy your wines with some of the most breath taking views available.

➤ Sotrio Vineyards & Winery

Ronda, NC

Sotrio Vineyards offers a boutique experience with a focus on quality and craftsmanship. Each tasting is thoughtfully curated, giving guests a more elevated yet still approachable visit.

➤ Dynamis Estate Wines

Jonesville, NC

Just down the road you will find Dynamis Estate Wines. Here we make the move from Italian varietals to Bordeaux blends. They are known for producing the highest-scoring wines in North Carolina. Reservations are recommended to fully experience their guided tastings. Dynamis Estate mirrors its thoughtful winemaking with an equally polished, elevated atmosphere designed to enhance every tasting experience.

Divine Llama Vineyards

Small Vineyards, Big Conversations

One of the best parts of exploring the Piedmont is discovering small, family-run vineyards. These are the places where you are almost guaranteed to meet the winemaker, hear their story, and feel like part of the process. While there are many to choose from, here are a few worth seeking out. If you love to hike trails check out the trails in Yadkin Valley. The first two wineries on this list are located directly off of the trails making them an excellent starting or ending point.

➤ Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery

State Road, NC

Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery offers a laid-back, welcoming environment rooted in local charm. Guests can enjoy approachable wines while soaking in peaceful countryside views that reflect the heart of the region. They offer overnight accommadations if you want to make a weekend out of trial walks and hikes they are an excellent starting point.

➤ Adagio Vineyards

Elkin, NC

Adagio Vineyards combines wine, music, and scenic beauty into one inviting experience. Live music often pairs perfectly with their thoughtfully crafted wines, creating an atmosphere that feels both lively and relaxed. This tasting room is separated from it’s vineyards but makes an excellent stopping or starting point to discover the local trails in the area.

➤ Golden Roads Vineyards

State Road, NC

Golden Road Vineyards is all about celebrating the journey of winemaking from vine to glass. Guests can enjoy estate-grown wines in a relaxed, scenic setting that highlights the Piedmont’s agricultural roots. Come enjoy wine amongst the vines to see some of the most breathtaking sunsets you will ever witness.

➤ Divine Llama Vineyards

East Bend, NC

For a winery experience full of personality, Divine Llama Vineyards is a must-visit stop in the Piedmont. Known for its scenic vineyard views and friendly resident llamas, Divine Llama offers guests a relaxed atmosphere that feels uniquely North Carolina. Sip award-winning wines, enjoy the countryside, and make a few four-legged friends while you are there.
Each stop offers something a little different, but the common thread is connection. These vineyards remind you that North Carolina wine is built on people, passion, and place.

JOLO Winery and Vineyards

Want a Winery Where You Can Enjoy Lunch or Dinner at a Full Restaurant? Try These Out

Sometimes the perfect wine day includes more than a tasting flight. If you are looking for a place where you can linger over lunch, enjoy a full dinner, and pair great food with North Carolina wine, these winery destinations offer the complete experience. From scenic patio views to elegant dining rooms, these stops are worth making part of your Piedmont itinerary.

➤ JOLO Winery and Vineyards

Pilot Mountain, NC

Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Yadkin Valley, JOLO Winery & Vineyards offers an elevated tasting experience paired with its full-service restaurant, End Posts Restaurant. Guests can enjoy thoughtfully prepared dishes alongside estate wines, making JOLO a perfect destination for a leisurely lunch or memorable dinner.

➤ Shelton Vineyards

Dobson, NC

Shelton Vineyards combines classic vineyard charm with one of the region’s most established winery dining experiences. Their on-site restaurant offers a welcoming setting where guests can pair locally inspired cuisine with a wide range of wines crafted on the estate.

➤ Rayson Winery & Vineyards

Mocksville, NC

Rayson Winery is a great stop for those looking to pair quality wine with a full dining experience. With beautiful surroundings and a menu designed to complement its wines, Rayson creates the kind of destination where guests can settle in, sip slowly, and stay awhile.

Plan Your Next North Carolina Wine Country Trip

The Piedmont is not just a destination, it is an experience shaped by discovery. From the structured elegance of curated tastings to the warmth of small vineyard conversations, there truly is a taste for everyone.

Before you go, download the NC Wine app to explore even more nearby wineries and plan your route with ease.

Explore more wineries across the state on our producers page and discover your next favorite North Carolina winery.