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Divine Llama Vineyards
To step into a romance-filled weekend, make your first stop at Divine Llama Vineyards for a taste of reds, whites and rosés. And, for something unique, arrange for a llama trek around the vineyards or to a romantic creekside spot to share a bottle of wine and to breathe in the great outdoors.
Sanders Ridge Vineyard & Winery
Head a bit farther west and stop at Sanders Ridge Vineyard and Winery for the afternoon. Tastings are available every day, and so are lunch items such as charcuterie boards, salads, flatbread pizzas and sandwich baskets.
Plan your visit
Get to know the Yadkin Valley even better
Shelton Vineyards
Head north to Shelton Vineyards to tour its 33,000-square-foot winery and enjoy a late-afternoon tasting. Or linger for dinner at Harvest Grill, overlooking the grapevines and kitchen garden on the candlelit patio. Stay nearby at Three Trails boutique suites in downtown Elkin.
Elkin Creek Vineyard
Next, head to Elkin Creek Vineyard to taste the handcrafted wines, including chardonnay, Mistela or one of the many reds offered. If it's a Sunday, enjoy a fresh, made-to-order pizza from the venue’s wood-fire brick oven for lunch while you wash it down with a glass of perfect-with-pizza Rossa. Plan to pick up something to go from a nearby restaurant if you're visiting on a different day of the week.
Raffaldini Vineyards
After lunch, head to Raffaldini Vineyards for a taste of romantic “Chianti in the Carolinas." Its Villa Raffaldini features traditional Italian art, architecture, two tasting rooms, balconies and terraces, all with stunning views of the Blue Ridge and Brushy Mountains. Wander around the villa to enjoy the piazza with its ornate fountain, olive trees, rose bushes, lavender, rosemary and fig trees. You can also sample traditional Italian-style wines and take a vineyard tour.
Laurel Gray Vineyards
For an afternoon respite, head to boutique Laurel Gray Vineyards for a tasting in its converted 1930s milking parlor. Tour the vineyard or buy a glass or bottle of the estate-grown French vinifera wine and enjoy the scenery with views of the vineyards, rose gardens, farm pond and “cottage” herb garden.
Shadow Springs Vineyards
Expand your wine knowledge at a pair of sister wineries. Shadow Springs specializes in French vinifera wines, while Windsor Run leans toward sweeter blends, fortified wines and house-distilled spirits.
Medaloni Cellars
As the sun begins to set, make your way to Medaloni Cellars. Choose from a classic or premier tasting and enjoy views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Settle into an on-site accommodation for the night and enjoy your Italian picnic dinner and complimentary bottle of wine. You can also appreciate the view of the sunset from your front porch or the peace and quiet of the treehouse.
Enjoy more of North Carolina’s wineries and vineyards at NCWine.org, and remember to drink responsibly. Please designate a driver.