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 filling a bucket with muscadines picked with your own two hands. U-pick vineyards give you the chance to experience one of North Carolina’s most beloved native grapes right where it grows.
Whether muscadines remind you of afternoons at your grandparents’ house or you are tasting one for the very first time, September is the perfect time to experience this piece of North Carolina agriculture.
And don’t forget to bring the kids!
A Grape With Deep North Carolina Roots
Muscadine grapes have been growing in the Southeast for centuries and hold a special place in North Carolina’s agricultural story. Scuppernong, one of the most recognizable muscadine varieties, is even North Carolina’s official state fruit.
Their thick skins, bold flavor, and ability to thrive in North Carolina’s warm climate make muscadines unlike just about any other grape.
Today, North Carolina producers continue finding new ways to celebrate them. You can enjoy muscadines fresh from the vine or experience them transformed into everything from traditional sweet wines to dry, sparkling, and specialty styles.
But during harvest season, one of the best ways to get to know this native grape is simple: pick one yourself.
Pick Your Own at These North Carolina Producers
Ready to grab a bucket and head to the vineyard? Several NC Wine producers offer opportunities to pick fresh grapes during harvest season.
➤ Hinnant Family Vineyards
Pine Level, NC
➤ Gregory Vineyards
Angier, NC
➤ Grapefull Sisters Vineyard
Tabor City, NC
➤ Cauble Creek Vineyard
Salisbury, NC
➤ Dennis Vineyards
Albemarle, NC
➤ Bannerman Vineyard and Winery
Burgaw, NC
Make It a North Carolina Farm Day
Your muscadine adventure does not have to end when your bucket is full.
Visit NC Farms makes it easy to discover even more agricultural experiences across the state. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services program connects visitors with U-pick farms, wineries, farm stays, farmers markets, seasonal events, farm tours, and plenty of other ways to experience North Carolina agriculture firsthand.
Planning a weekend trip? Search for a muscadine vineyard, then see what other farms, markets, or local stops are nearby. You might start the morning picking grapes, stop at a farm stand on the way home, and end the day sipping a North Carolina wine made from the same fruit you saw growing on the vine.
That is the beauty of agritourism. It gives you the opportunity to meet the people, see the places, and experience the agriculture behind the flavors you love.
Before You Go
Harvest depends on Mother Nature. Ripeness, availability, and picking hours can change throughout the season, so always check directly with the vineyard before making the trip.
A few other things to keep in mind:
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
- Bring water and sun protection.
- Check whether the vineyard provides picking containers or asks you to bring your own.
- Look for current harvest updates on the producer’s website or social media.
- And most importantly, taste a few muscadines along the way if the farm allows it!
Pick a Little Piece of North Carolina
Fresh muscadines only come around once a year, which makes harvest season worth celebrating.
This September, trade the grocery store for the vineyard and experience North Carolina’s native grape straight from the source. Bring your family, bring a friend, and make a day of discovering the farms and producers keeping this sweet Southern tradition growing.
Fresh from the vine or poured into a glass, North Carolina truly has a taste for everyone.