Must-Try Vineyards Near Charlotte
You don’t have to catch a cross-country flight to Napa to enjoy a glass of good vino at a beautiful vineyard.
by Jamie Killian
Vineyards around the Queen City offer picturesque wineries, a range of tastings and breath-taking views. From local wines to upscale dining, the Charlotte region is ripe with experiences for casual wine sippers and true oenophiles.
Childress Vineyards
Area: Lexington, N.C.
An hour north of Charlotte, this vineyard is owned by NASCAR owner Richard Childress, who established the vineyard in the Yadkin Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) which is North Carolina’s first federally designated region for grape growing. The 70-acre property offers plenty of space to roam, along with 15 varieties of wine to choose from.
Divine Llama Vineyards
Area: East Bend, N.C.
This vineyard, that doubles as the largest llama farm in the Southeast, is worth the 90-minute trip simply for the pure joy of a day spent with llamas and wine. Ninety-one acres of vineyards produce 10 different wines, including some nationally recognized blends. Llama treks are offered by reservation, affording guests the opportunity to grab a bottle of wine and tour the landscape with a llama companion.
Dynamis Estate Wines
Area: Jonesville, N.C.
About an hour outside of Charlotte, Dynamis Estate Wines is perched more than 1,600 feet in the air. From the mountain terrain to the high altitude, Dynamis produces high-quality wines that are grown from the rows of vines on the 1,500-acre property. Visit the Tasting Lodge to sample a flight of Dynamis’ varietals, including sauvignon blanc, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and other rich, mountain wines.
JOLO Winery & Vineyards
Area: Pilot Mountain, N.C.
Planning a hiking trip to Pilot Mountain? Add a stop at JOLO Winery into your itinerary. This veteran-owned vineyard uses stainless steel to ferment and age its white and rosé wines, while the reds are aged in a combination of American, French and sometimes Hungarian oak. Get a tasting flight and find a seat on the outdoor patio, overlooking the rolling hills.
Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery
Area: Ronda, N.C.
In a Tuscan-villa-style tasting room overlooking the Blue Ridge and Brushy Mountains, Raffaldini Vineyards provides an Italian wine experience only 75 minutes from Charlotte. Designated by Southern Living as one of the South’s best vineyards, this winery is the place to find exquisite dry wines. The Raffaldini family has been making wine in Italy for centuries, specializing in Italian varietals such as vermentino and sangiovese.
Rocky River Vineyards
Area: Midland, N.C.
Using muscadine grapes, this family-owned, 45-acre vineyard opened in 2007 after planting muscadine vines in 2003. Since then, Rocky River has steadily grown its presence as a place to enjoy local wines in a relaxing, rural setting. Wine slushie flights, with flavors like peach bellini and blueberry pomegranate, along with seasonal hot mulled wine, make this winery a year-round destination.
Serre Vineyards
Area: Mt. Airy, N.C.
About 90 minutes from Uptown Charlotte, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, sits Serre Vineyards. This winery is the only one in North Carolina that is fully owned by Charlotteans, as well as majority women owned. Serre Vineyards’ goal is to make wine approachable and fun, so it’s not uncommon to find food trucks and live music at the vineyard. Serre's 70-acre property also makes the perfect backdrop for weddings.
Shelton Vineyards
Area: Dobson, N.C.
Founded by two brothers, and part of the Surry County Wine Trail, Shelton Vineyards is a dynamic vineyard on land once used for tobacco farming in the Yadkin Valley, just 90 minutes from Charlotte. Shelton Vineyards places an emphasis on sustainability, utilizing a gravity-flow system which eliminates the need to pump and reduces exposure to contaminants. Enjoy live music, upscale dining or a stay at the on-site Hampton Inn & Suites.
Treehouse Vineyards
Area: Monroe, N.C.
This family-owned vineyard, just outside of Charlotte, features 11 varietals from semi-dry to sweet, including seven muscadine wines. This is the perfect spot to unwind with beautiful views and live music. Three private tree houses, with two available for overnight rentals, allow visitors to sip among the trees for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Veronét Vineyards & Winery
Area: Kings Mountain, N.C.
A half hour from Charlotte, this vineyard offers craft wines with stunning views of Crowders Mountain. Veronét produces eight varietals to enjoy by the glass or bottle. Order one of the tasting flights to try the winery’s reds, whites or a mix of both. In the summer months, beat the heat with a refreshing wine slushy.
Article originally written by Jamie Killian. Updates by Arielle Patterson in October 2024.
