Wineries & Vineyards

American Viticultural Areas

North Carolina is home to three American Viticultural Areas, or designated wine-grape growing regions. The Yadkin Valley, Swan Creek and Haw River Valley are areas recognized by the federal government for a distinctive combination of soil, climate, elevation and identifiable regional wine character.

The Yadkin Valley AVA is known for its clay-loam soil, which helps produce many world-class wines. Not far away, the Swan Creek AVA offers mineral-rich soil within scenes of rising mist from the distant river. In the eastern part of the Piedmont, the Haw River Valley AVA has a long growing season and a diversity of grapes, including both muscadine and European vinifera.

While recognized for the unique topography and temperatures, these regions and many others throughout the state also feature fascinating personalities that add even more charm to every stop.

For more on North Carolina wine country, go to ncwine.org.

added: December 20, 2011
updated: February 25, 2013

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