Since European colonization in the 17th century, the people of North Carolina have been involved in wine production. Local North Carolina growers are the first to grow Scuppernong, a large variety of Muscadine. This grape variety is also the state fruit of the Old North State. The 400 year old “Vidra Madre”, the oldest cultivated vine in the world., grows on Roanoke Island, North Carolina.
This state has a very diversified geography that adds to the cultivation of the vine. From the beach of the Atlantic Ocean to 6,684 feet on Mount Mitchell, this state has the best climate and soil for growing wine.
Wine Festivals in North Carolina
This state hosts many major winery festivals in the US which are outlined below:
North Carolina Wine Festival
Held each summer in Clemmons, this event is the largest festival in the state with 40 wineries. The festival includes wine tasting and music. It also has an exhibition of art, crafts and food.
Hello! The North Carolina Wine Celebration
This wine festival is organized every spring in Winston-Salem, NC. Presented by BB&T, an American bank, this festival brings together more than 30 wineries offering wine samples. Prior to the festival, various downtown restaurants participate in “Salute Winemaker Dinners” to create the best food for the audience.
foothillsfestival
A springtime wine festival in Morganton, Foothills Festival features some of the best wineries in the Blue Ridge and Foothills region. This festival presents you with samples of dry, sweet, red or white wine. It also hosts a display of fresh local food, art, and live music.
Shelton Vineyards Spring Festival
Also known as the Dobson Spring Wine Festival, this carnival hosts free wine tours and tastings of Dobson’s best wines. In addition to the wine display, local artisans and artisans display their handmade items at this show.
Whalehead Club Festival
Sponsored by Corolla Classic Vacations, this festival allows you to enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting at this club. Adult admission is $20, which includes a discount coupon for the audio interpretation of the tour and a souvenir club wine glass to sample all featured wines. This event is free for non-drinking adults and children.
Stanley County Winterfest
Organized by the Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation, this festival allows you to sample more than 85 varieties of wine from 13 North Carolina vineyards. In addition to providing a great evening with wine and friends, this event also gives you the opportunity to learn about modern taste trends.
Yadkin Valley Grape Festival
Held every fall, this festival allows you to taste and buy wine made from the grapes of the Yadkin Valley. Live music entertainment, crafts and food also add value to this event.
Wine tourism in North Carolina
In 2007, North Carolina had 55 wineries and 350 vineyards. Now this Tar Heel state is home to more than 100 wineries and 400 vineyards. This state ranks tenth in wine production in the United States.
North Carolina is one of the most visited destinations in the United States for wine and gastronomy tourism. Wine tourism includes activities such as visits to wineries, tasting, consumption or purchase of wine and participation in the grape harvest.