Yadkin Valley Wine Country

Janet Benoir

By Janet Benoir | June 30, 2025

North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley pours out a bold blend of craftsmanship, hospitality, and natural charm. Spread across more than a million acres in the Piedmont region, this federally designated American Viticultural Area (AVA) is the state’s original wine-growing hub. Here, sun-soaked vineyards stretch across rolling foothills, award-winning wineries welcome visitors with open doors, and each glass of wine carries notes of local heritage and passion.

Yadkin Valley isn’t just a place to sip—it’s a region where wine culture weaves into everyday life. With more than 36 public-facing wineries and vineyards, along with a growing collection of festivals, restaurants, and small-town experiences, the area has become a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and casual explorers alike.

A Region Rooted in the Art of Winemaking

The Yadkin Valley AVA earned federal recognition in 2003, and its success soon gave rise to a second viticultural area: Swan Creek AVA, approved in 2008. These designations reflect the exceptional terroir of the region, where fertile soil, mild climate, and experienced growers converge to produce standout varieties.

The valley includes parts of Surry, Yadkin, Wilkes, Davie, Davidson, and Forsyth counties. Over 57,000 acres overlap both viticultural areas. And it doesn’t stop there. Several locally organized trails, including the Shallowford Wine Trail, Yadkin River Wine Trail, and Upper Yadkin Wine Trail, extend the experience into smaller boutique wineries, each with its own approach to winemaking.

Many of the vineyards welcome visitors for tastings, tours, and casual strolls through the vines. Some specialize in dry European-style wines, while others celebrate sweet Southern favorites like muscadine. The variety ensures something for every palate.

Wine Festivals and Flavors Worth Celebrating

Each May, the annual Yadkin Valley Wine Festival draws wine lovers from across the Southeast. This year marks the 22nd celebration, promising an unforgettable gathering in the heart of the region. Expect live music, locally sourced food, and plenty of award-winning pours under Carolina blue skies.

Another standout feature of the area is the Surry County Sonker Trail, which brings together local bakeries and eateries offering versions of a beloved Appalachian dessert. A sonker is a deep-dish fruit dessert—akin to a cobbler or slump—served with milk dip or ice cream. It’s an indulgent, heritage-rich companion to a glass of dry red or crisp white.

Food trails continue with the Ground Steak Trail, celebrating a regional take on the hamburger. Ground steak sandwiches are made from finely ground beef cooked and seasoned in a style unique to Mount Airy and surrounding towns. Restaurants like Speedy Chef serve up this savory specialty with pride.

Beyond the Bottle: Explore Small-Town Charm

The communities within Yadkin Valley carry just as much character as the wines they produce. Mount Airy, the hometown of Andy Griffith, brings the Mayberry experience to life with nostalgic tours and attractions. Hop aboard a vintage squad car for a spin through town or stroll Main Street’s storefronts packed with Americana.

Elkin, perched on the Yadkin River, doubles as a “trails town.” Each June, it hosts the NC Trail Days festival, an ode to the valley’s outdoor spirit. Hiking routes crisscross the region, including the scenic trek to Carter Falls. Cyclists, paddlers, and anglers will also find plenty of space to roam.

In Pilot Mountain, classic car enthusiasts gather in summer for “Hot Nights, Hot Cars,” a cruise-in that fills downtown with chrome, rumbling engines, and beach music. The event captures the community’s sense of celebration and connection.

Where to Stay and Savor

Options for accommodations range from cozy inns and B&Bs to hotels near the main towns of Elkin, Dobson, and Mount Airy. Some wineries, such as Shelton Vineyards, offer on-site lodging for those looking to stay immersed in wine country.

Dining spots highlight regional ingredients and relaxed hospitality. Whether you’re stopping for house-made baked goods at Twilight Farm Shoppe on the Sonker Trail or sitting down for a locally sourced meal with a wine pairing, you’ll find authenticity at every table.

Planning Your Visit

Yadkin Valley’s wine culture continues to grow, drawing interest from national media and wine professionals. Publications like The Washington Post, Carolina Country, and The Seattle Times have all praised the area’s quality and accessibility.

Before your trip, request the Surry County Visitors Guide for maps and detailed recommendations. The Yadkin Valley Heritage & Trails Center in Elkin and the Mount Airy Visitors Center are helpful places to begin your adventure.

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A Toast to North Carolina’s Wine Country

Yadkin Valley Wine Country welcomes you to slow down and savor each moment. With more than three dozen wineries, seasonal events, heritage-inspired foods, and small-town experiences, this part of North Carolina invites travelers to explore at a pace that encourages connection and discovery. Whether you’re walking vineyard rows, sampling sonker, or listening to stories in a family-run tasting room, you’ll find the flavor of this region lingers long after your last sip.