From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina is home to a unique variety of grapes and wineries. There are currently 90 wineries in North Carolina. Growers in the Mountains and Piedmont regions of our state have planted traditional European grape varieties, called Vitis vinifera, and French-American Hybrids.
Other commonly planted varieties include:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cabernet Franc
- Merlot
- Syrah
- Chambourcin
- Chardonnay
- Viognier
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Riesling
- Seyval Blanc
- Vidal Blanc.
North Carolina is home to three American Viticultural Areas: Yadkin Valley, Swan Creek, and Haw River Valley. Yadkin Valley, North Carolina’s first American Viticultural Area in 2003, is located in the northwest part of the state and bordered to the west by the Blue Ridge Mountains. This true river valley contains the highest concentration of wineries. Swan Creek was established in 2008, includes five wineries, and is also located in the northwest within the Yadkin Valley. Haw River Valley is the third and newest AVA established in 2009. It is located in central North Carolina and includes six wineries. For information about establishing an AVA, visit the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).
Plantings of native Muscadine grapes, often called Scuppernongs, are also on the rise due to demand for fresh grapes and Muscadine wines. These grapes are relatively pest resistant and thrive in the hot sandy conditions of the Coastal Plain. Muscadines contain high levels of Resveratrol and other health-enhancing antioxidants.