The Wine Guys, Joe and Matt, spent August 18-20 at the Shelton-Badgett Center for Viticulture and Enology at Surry Community Center, judging the 2017 N.C. State Fair Competition with the media, bloggers, and editors.
The Yadkin Valley is beautiful any time of year… from a cold winter morning to a hot summer afternoon. No matter the time of year, beauty abounds. The same is true of the warm days of spring or the cool crisp days of fall. This is particularly true at wineries, especially those with stellar views of surrounding areas. Here are five of our favorite wineries/vineyards where you will not only find great wine but a stellar view. Go check them out. (Tell them the NC Wine Guys sent you!)
JOLO Winery & Vineyards
jolovineyards.com
219 JOLO Winery Lane
Pilot Mountain, NC 27041
(336) 614-0030
JOLO is relatively new to the wine scene. Located on the edge of the Yadkin Valley near the base of Pilot Mountain, this winery offers beautiful view of the north side of the knob. Enjoy a glass of wine while you stroll the grounds, absorbing the majesty of Pilot Mountain. (Be sure to try the Crimson Creek, a Yadkin Valley Chambourcin!)
Divine Llama
divinellamavineyards.com
5349 Macedonia Road
East Bend, NC 27018
(336) 699-2525
Located on the south side of Pilot Mountain and across the Yadkin River is Divine Llama Vineyards. Come for the wine and, of course, the llamas. After a tasting, go visit those famous llamas, a South American relative of the camel. Enjoy a tasting and then a glass of wine on the large deck. (We recommend the Cabernet Franc, always a hit with us!)
Raffaldini Vineyards
raffaldini.com
450 Groce Road
Ronda, NC 28670
(336) 835-9463
Tuscany in Wilkes County is often used to describe the beauty of these vineyards. Home to gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge and fantastic wine from Italian wine grapes, Raffaldini is not to be missed. Enjoy a tasting, a stroll through the gardens and a glass of wine on the piazza. Raffaldini is also one of few (if not the only) winery in the state which produces wine using the appassimento method which calls for dehydrating grapes for a period of time which concentrates flavors and aroma. (Don’t miss the Vermentino Superiore!)
Piccione Vineyards
piccionevineyards.com
2364 Cedar Forest Road
Ronda, NC 28670
(336) 775-8330
Located next to Raffaldini along the Swan Creek Wine Trail in the heart of the Yadkin Valley, Piccione boasts the valley’s most dramatic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Drive up the steep driveway to the tasting room. Take in the view as you walk in for a tasting. Then enjoy the beauty again as you depart. (We recommend the Cabernet Sauvignon!)
Dobbins Creek Vineyards
dobbinscreekvineyards.com
4430 Vineyard View Lane
Hamptonville, NC 27020
(336) 468-4770
Dobbins Creek’s tasting room sits higher than most of the tasting rooms in the valley, providing awesome views right from the vineyard’s front porch. On a clear day, you can see the Winston-Salem skyline in the distance. On a chilly day, enjoy wine by the fireplace inside. (Try the Dry Riesling which is always one of the best Rieslings in the Yadkin Valley.)