Yadkin Valley Wineries, NC

The Yadkin Valley, long known for its sunshine, gentle rain, and genteel folk, is producing some impressive varietals and blends.

Childress Vineyards
This newcomer at the southern gateway to the Yadkin Valley is the result of NASCAR team owner Richard Childress’ passion for great wine. “It’s been my dream to locate a winery in my native state and create world-class wines,” Richard says. The winery currently grows 72 acres of 12 European varieties. Under the expert guidance of Winemaker Mark Friszolowski, Childress offers a healthy portfolio of award-winning varietals, reserves, signature, dessert, sparkling and Muscadine wines. Childress Vineyards was recently selected as one of America’s top 25 tasting rooms by Wine Enthusiast magazine. Reminiscent of a Tuscan villa, the 35,000-square-foot building features a state-of-the art winery open daily for educational tours, lunch at The Bistro, a seasonal concert series, and an elegant Banquet Room for wedding receptions and corporate events. Walking trails and a picnic area now link the winery to a new hotel near the vineyards making Childress Vineyards a year-round destination.

Raylen Vineyards & Winery
First-time visitors are delighted by the rolling hills and winding drive that leads to the door of this picturesque former dairy farm. RayLen was the first in the state to bottle a North Carolina Shiraz, which owners Joe and Joyce Neely consider to be the state’s official barbecue varietal. But it was the 2005 Category 5, a big, bold blend, awarded Best in Show at the Mid-Atlantic Wine Competition, that remains RayLen’s most popular red wine. RayLen has received high praise for its genuine hospitality and quality wines in both Wine Spectator and Parade magazines. The Neelys say they have their Winemaker Steve Shepard to thank, he advised them on everything from tasting room design to what grapes to plant as they started eight years ago. A big country porch looks out onto a lush vista, inviting wine tourers to sit a spell and savor the view, along with a glass of a RayLen varietal or blend.

Shelton Vineyards
North Carolina’s largest vineyard awaits wine tourers at the north end of the Yadkin Valley with the gourmet Harvest Grill restaurant, bucolic picnic area, and daily tours. The festive winery is owned by brothers Charles and Ed Shelton, who were instrumental in establishing the Yadkin Valley as the state’s first AVA. The sprawling 33,000-square-foot winery is the site for many warm weather concerts, holiday celebrations, and tasting events. Producing about 30,000 cases annually, the winery currently grows 12 grape varieties, including Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Riesling. Wine tourers enjoy tasting from the winery’s prolific portfolio (which has garnered over 300 awards, including ten Best in Shows) while poking through the spacious recently redecorated tasting room. The Sheltons love company and have answered their every possible need— including a Hampton Inn and Suites and a gas station just two miles away.

Westbend Vineyards
Pioneer North Carolina Vintner Jack Kroustalis and his wife Lillian’s commitment to practicing the high standards of traditional European winemaking began with the planting of their first vineyard on the banks of the Yadkin River in 1972. The bright, inviting tasting room proudly pours from a long list of estate varietals, which have received high marks. To quote wine critic Robert Parker, “Westbend produces two excellent Chardonnay cuvées; a tasty, rich Seyval; a good Sauvignon; and a surprisingly spicy, herbal, cassis and chocolate scented and flavored Cabernet Sauvignon. As fine as these wines are, I am surprised they are not better known outside of North Carolina.” Across the road from the tasting room, a regal old farmhouse which has been vacant for years, is being revived. Soon it will serve as a gathering spot for special vineyard events, private parties, and receptions.