Drink in Fall at Grape Stomps and Harvest Festivals

Whether it’s a traditional harvest festival, a grape stomp, bustling production activities, special tastings, or simply a crisp and colorful day in the countryside, fall is a great time of year to visit North Carolina vineyards and wineries. Here are some “grape” events happening around the state this fall.

September

1 Cypress Bend Vineyards Fall Harvest Festival & Grape Stomp

Pond, trees and veranda on vineyard grounds on sunny day

1 Cypress Bend Vineyards Fall Harvest Festival & Grape Stomp

Sept. 13, 2025; WagramSee on mapSee on map

Activities at this 20th annual festival include live music, wagon rides, food vendors from traditional fair fare (think funnel cakes) to North Carolina barbecue to traditional Native American cuisine, wine tastings and, of course, the ever-popular grape stomp. And to spice it up a bit, the grape stomp is a competition where judges carefully record the amount of juice produced from each individual’s stomp and crown a winner at the end of the day.

2 Duplin Winery Grape Stomp

2 Duplin Winery Grape Stomp

Sept. 13, 2025; Rose HillSee on mapSee on map

This year’s Duplin Winery Grape Stomp includes live music, dancing, grape stomping contest, wine tasting and vineyard tours. The on-site Bistro Restaurant will also be open for lunch and dinner and is a great complement to the muscadine grape celebration.

3 Childress Vineyards Grape Stomp Harvest Party

Aerial of beautiful winery grounds and vineyards during sunny day

3 Childress Vineyards Grape Stomp Harvest Party

Sept. 20, 2025; LexingtonSee on mapSee on map

This popular grape stomp party in Lexington celebrates the fall’s harvest by savoring award-winning wine tastings, as well as the fun annual grape stomp and live music. Food and wine are available for purchase. Or upgrade the festivities with premier seating that includes admission, a table for either four or six people, a glass of wine for each guest and table service.

4 Shelton Vineyards Harvest Festival

Friends enjoying wine on pergola-covered patio at Shelton Vineyards during daytime

4 Shelton Vineyards Harvest Festival

Sept. 20, 2025; Yadkinville

This annual festival celebrates what is arguably North Carolina’s most famous wine region. Appropriately situated in Yadkinville, there are a dozen Yadkin Valley wineries offering tastes (tickets come with a souvenir glass), as well as food vendors, specialty vendors and artisans, and live music.

5 Raffaldini Vineyards Festa Italiana

Smiling couple walking hand in hand through Raffaldini Vineyards' vineyard on sunny day

5 Raffaldini Vineyards Festa Italiana

Sept. 20-21, 2025; RondaSee on mapSee on map

Celebrate all things Italian during this Yadkin Valley annual fall festival featuring Raffaldini Vineyards' award-winning Tuscan-style wines, Italian cucina, art, live Italian music and the dance of the traditional tarantella.

6 Charlotte Wine & Food Festival

6 Charlotte Wine & Food Festival

Sept. 27, 2025; CharlotteSee on mapSee on map

Though it’s not a specific vineyard, this annual festival features more than 100 wines, food, crafts, art, music and other uncorked grape fun for all. Splurge on a VIP package and enjoy all the perks of the VIP area: early entrance, souvenir glass, bottle of wine from the event's curated selection, specialty wine selections and more.

October

7 Folk School Fall Festival

Band performing on outdoor stage at Folk School Fall Festival with forest in background and people sitting in seats in front.
photo credit: John C. Campbell Folk School

7 Folk School Fall Festival

Oct. 4-5, 2025; BrasstownSee on mapSee on map

Celebrate the season’s bounty at the beloved John C. Campbell Folk School Fall Festival. This longtime harvest tradition showcases Appalachian craft and culture with live demos, toe-tapping music and fall flavors. Wander wooded paths lined with hundreds of regional makers and discover hands-on activities for all ages. Want to try your own hand at one of the skills on display? The Folk School — which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025 — offers 800 year-round classes in cooking, gardening, homesteading, traditional crafts and more, making it a true hub for creative connection.

8 North Carolina Wine Festival

8 North Carolina Wine Festival

Oct. 18, 2025; CarySee on mapSee on map

Featuring many local wineries, wineries and cideries, the NC Wine Festival has been a popular stop for more than 20 years. Enjoy live music while you sip on your favorite beverages and sample food truck fare.

9 Yadkin Valley Grape Festival

9 Yadkin Valley Grape Festival

Oct. 18, 2025; YadkinvilleSee on mapSee on map

This festival celebrates what is arguably North Carolina’s most famous wine region. Appropriately situated in Yadkinville, there are a dozen Yadkin Valley wineries offering tastes (tickets come with a souvenir glass), as well as food vendors, specialty vendors and artisans, and live music. The Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce offers shuttle service from hotels in Yadkinville, Jonesville and Boonville.

 

Updated July 21, 2025
About the Author
Cele and Lynn Seldon

Cele and Lynn Seldon

Cele and Lynn Seldon miss the sunsets and walks on the beach in Oak Island, where they basked in the North Carolina sunshine for 15 years.

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