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Whether it’s a traditional harvest festival, a grape stomp, bustling production activities, special tastings, or simply a crisp and colorful day in the countryside, fall is a great time of year to visit North Carolina vineyards and wineries. Here are some “grape” events happening around the state this fall.
September
1 Duplin Winery Grape Stomp
1 Duplin Winery Grape Stomp
Sept. 9, 2023; Rose HillSee on map
This year’s Duplin Winery Grape Stomp includes live music, dancing, grape stomping contest, wine tasting and vineyard tours. The on-site Bistro Restaurant will also be open for lunch and dinner and is a great complement to the muscadine grape celebration.
2 Childress Vineyards Grape Stomp Harvest Party
2 Childress Vineyards Grape Stomp Harvest Party
Sept. 16, 2023; LexingtonSee on mapThis popular grape stomp party in Lexington celebrates the fall’s harvest by savoring award-winning wine tastings, as well as the fun annual grape stomp and live music. Food and wine are available for purchase. Or upgrade the festivities with premier seating that includes admission, a table for either four or six people, a glass of wine for each guest and table service.
3 Cypress Bend Vineyards Fall Harvest Festival & Grape Stomp
3 Cypress Bend Vineyards Fall Harvest Festival & Grape Stomp
Sept. 16, 2023; WagramSee on mapActivities at this 19th annual festival include live music, wagon rides, food vendors from traditional fair fare (think funnel cakes) to North Carolina barbecue to traditional Native American cuisine, wine tastings and, of course, the ever-popular grape stomp. And to spice it up a bit, the grape stomp is a competition where judges carefully record the amount of juice produced from each individual’s stomp and crown a winner at the end of the day.
4 Raffaldini Vineyards Festa Italiana
4 Raffaldini Vineyards Festa Italiana
Sept. 16-17, 2023; RondaSee on mapCelebrate all things Italian during this Yadkin Valley annual fall festival featuring Raffaldini Vineyards' award-winning Tuscan-style wines, Italian cucina, art, live Italian music and the dance of the traditional tarantella.
5 Charlotte Wine & Food Festival
5 Charlotte Wine & Food Festival
Sept. 30, 2023; CharlotteSee on mapThough it’s not a specific vineyard, this annual festival features more than 100 wines from 15+ wineries, food, crafts, art, music and other uncorked grape fun for all. Splurge on a VIP package and enjoy all the perks of the VIP area: early entrance, souvenir glass, bottle of wine from the event's curated selection, specialty wine selections and more.
October
6 Shelton Vineyards Harvest Festival
6 Shelton Vineyards Harvest Festival
Oct. 7, 2023; DobsonSee on mapThis annual festival is one of the largest in the region, thanks to face painting, hayrides, music, a food truck festival, winery tours and world-class wines. Nearby, it’s easy to make a weekend of it by staying at the Hampton Inn and Suites Dobson, which features the hotel chain’s only property with a wine bar.
7 Yadkin Valley Grape Festival
7 Yadkin Valley Grape Festival
Oct. 21, 2023; YadkinvilleSee on mapThis festival celebrates what is arguably North Carolina’s most famous wine region. Appropriately situated in Yadkinville, there are more than 20 Yadkin Valley wineries offering tastes (tickets come with a souvenir glass), as well as food vendors, specialty vendors and artisans, and live music. The Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce offers shuttle service from hotels in Yadkinville, Jonesville and Boonville.
8 North Carolina Wine Festival
8 North Carolina Wine Festival
Oct. 28, 2023; CarySee on mapFeaturing many local wineries, wineries and cideries, the NC Wine Festival has been a popular stop for more than 20 years. Enjoy live music while you sip on your favorite beverages and sample food truck fare. Pro tip: If you plan to stay overnight, event attendees receive a discounted rate at the Courtyard Marriott Raleigh Cary.
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