Yadkin Valley Day Trip Itinerary: Wine Tasting in NC

Visiting the Yadkin Valley, NC wine country?  Check out this Yadkin Valley Day Trip Itinerary for a perfect day of wine tasting in the Swan Creek Valley region of Yadkin.

Living in Charlotte, NC is great for so many reasons.  I’m a lifer and swear I’m never leaving.  One of my favorite things about Charlotte, besides everything, is it’s proximity to the beach, the mountains, and our very own wine country.

If you haven’t been to Yadkin Valley and you are within driving distance, you need to get yourself on up there.   Less than 90 minutes from the bustling city, Yadkin Valley is a beautiful respite for those who love wine with a view.

I’ve done several tastings in NC wine country over the years.  The wines are just getting better… and less sweet.  You can still get your muscadine wines and sweet rieslings, if that’s your thing.  But, if you prefer a dry rosé or a cab franc, you’re in luck.  North Carolina wine country is rocking it.

Stay for a few days, or visit for an afternoon… here’s a (visual) recap of my trip that I just returned from with my mom and sis.

The three of us opted to stay for two nights in Yadkinville at the Vintage Inn.  It’s a small four-room bed and breakfast run by Chip and Sandy Thomas… we enjoyed a comfortable stay and a lovely breakfast.

But the best part?  With two nights booked, Chip will drive you around in the inn’s van for the day (based on availability).  I’d like to take this moment to thank Chip for putting up with us ladies while we debauched the day away.  What happens in Yadkin Valley, stays in Yadkin Valley?

A favorite Yadkin Valley Day Trip Itinerary

Stop 1: Dobbins Creek Vineyards

This was my second visit to Dobbins Creek and it remains my favorite winery in NC.

The staff is super-knowledgeable and we enjoyed all of the wines.  Last year the rosé was my favorite; this time I picked up a few bottles of the Dry Riesling and the Cabernet Franc.  Not usually a riesling fan, the dry riesling was one of my favorite wines all day.

Stop 2: Raffaldini

Raffaldini is  probably the most well known vineyard in the area.  Sitting on a hill in an Tuscan style villa, Raffaldini is ready to impress you with their tasting room experience.

In my (humble) opinion the wines have gotten much better over the years.  This was my fourth or fifth visit to the winery and loved almost everything we tasted.  Fair warning – get there earlier in the day or go on a quieter weekend; the tasting room can get busy.

You can buy snacks from their refrigerated case, but bring your own picnic and purchase your favorite bottle of wine for an awesome post-tasting lunch.

Stop 3: Piccione

I hadn’t been to Piccione before and it’s fairly new to the area.  The proximity to Raffaldini makes it a nice quick stop before moving on.

The wines, well…. they weren’t my favorite, but it doesn’t mean they won’t be yours!  I’m going to give it a year or two then try it again.

Stop 4: Shadow Springs

Shadow Springs offers a quaint tasting room with a picturesque view.  They have a wide variety of wines, both dry and sweet.  We were in and out at Shadow Springs as we were nearing the end of the day and wanted to be sure to allow time to visit Laurel Gray, around the corner.

Truth be told, we were hoping to enjoy their “infamous” wine slushies on the patio, but they didn’t have the machines up and running for the season yet.  #nexttime

Stop 5: Laurel Gray

Gotta be honest – we had the most fun here.  Maybe, it’s because we had already visited four other wineries.

Maybe, it’s because we liked the wines.

Could’ve been the lovely setting.

Or maybe that we made a friend while we were there.  You’ll just have to plan a visit here to decide for yourself!

In addition to their wines, they also make some incredible barbecue sauce and chocolate sauce.  So…. good.

What wineries would you include in your Yadkin Valley day trip itinerary?  What’d we miss?

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