8 Wine Trails and Vineyards to Sample in North Carolina

1 Overjoyed and Overnight

The enjoyment doesn’t stop when the tasting room closes. An increasing number of wineries offer overnight accommodations to extend the great grape experience. Banner Elk Winery & Villa, in the mountains, offers some of the largest suites with incredible views and Jacuzzi tubs. And Treehouse Vineyards in Monroe, near Charlotte, provides a unique wine getaway experience from a treetop.

• Wineries and Vineyards Where You Can Spend the Night

2 ’Cue the Vino

Ask someone what to eat during your visit to North Carolina, and the response will likely be barbecue. Pitmasters have perfected different ways of cooking, flavoring and serving up the ’cue, but you won’t find a place where it’s taken more seriously than in Lexington. Located in the central region of our state, this city has its own style of barbecue, the aptly named Lexington-style. But a tasty trip here wouldn’t be complete without tasting wines along the Southern Gateway Wine Trail. Childress Vineyards, founded by NASCAR legend Richard Childress, features award-winning wines, a large tasting room, restaurant and gift shop.

• Plan a Flavorful Lexington Barbecue Tour

3 Wine Peaks in the Valley

The Yadkin Valley area is one of the most prominent wine regions you’ll find on the East Coast. While the valley is home to more than 40 vineyards and wineries, you can plan your trip by focusing on the dozen or so that stretch across the charming, neighboring towns of Elkin, Pilot Mountain, Dobson and Mount Airy. Fun fact: Mount Airy was made famous as the inspiration for the town of Mayberry on "The Andy Griffith Show." If visiting in winter, pick up a Yadkin Valley Winter Wine & Beer Passport, which includes tastings at 12 wineries and four craft breweries, discounts at local restaurants and more.

4 Tastes of the World

If a weekend getaway – or even day trip – is on your horizon, set your sights on a smaller section of Yadkin Valley. The Swan Creek Wine Trail offers you five vineyards, all within close proximity of one another. These wineries specialize in varietal wines and blends – including a strawberry "shortcake" wine at Shadow Springs Vineyard – but each maintains its own atmosphere and winemaking approach.

5 Hanging with Furry Friends

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The llamas at Divine Llama Vineyards, home to the largest llama farm in the Southeast, make excellent companions when it comes to enjoying an award-winning glass of wine at a one-of-kind, kid-friendly winery. Stop by the tasting room located in a rustic farmhouse about a half hour northeast of Winston-Salem, pick your favorite vintage and take a short stroll to the llamas, who are perfect for photo ops and inducing laughs. On weekends in the spring, fall and winter, you can even take a trek like none other when you make a llama friend and head out for a 2-mile walk over rolling hills along Miller Creek – just be sure to make your reservations ahead of time. And if you’d rather stay back and relax on the patio, the llamas will make their way over to you on the weekends.

6 Toast to the Coast

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On the opposite end of our state, near the coast, is Duplin Winery in Rose Hill. Duplin has the largest wine production facility on the East Coast, so visitors from around the country are often familiar, having bought bottles of the popular Carolina Red, Hatteras Red, Magnolia and Scuppernong labels from their local wine stores. Spend an afternoon or evening here, enjoy tastings and a tour, food from the bistro and live music.

• 3-Day Coastal Winery and Vineyard Getaway

7 A Grand Tour

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Head to the NC mountains and be prepared to encounter breathtaking views. Spend time in Asheville, where you’ll want to visit Biltmore, the largest private home in America. Totaling 175,000 square feet and 250 rooms, Biltmore offers tours of this grand spectacle you must see to believe, along with 8,000 acres of gardens. The estate also features Biltmore Winery, the country’s most-visited winery, where a tour of the massive cellar takes you underground.

• Beyond the Guidebook: The Biltmore Experience