Coastal Region
The majority of the wines found in the Coastal region will be muscadine or scuppernong which grows very well in this region’s climate. Some wineries, however, are also experimenting with not only producing vinifera style but also growing this European varietal at the coast. Sanctuary Vineyards, in Jarvisburg at the Outer Banks, has found success with these varietals and have won several awards such as the NC Fine Wines and the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. However, it’s Duplin Winery that has put this region on the map. Established in 1975, Duplin is the largest producer of muscadine wine.
Piedmont Region
The Piedmont region in the middle of the state is the largest and is sometimes referred to as Piedmont East and Piedmont West. The area stretches from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Triangle. Home to the first and largest AVA in the state: Yadkin Valley. The region is also home to the Swan Creek AVA (a sub-appellation of the Yadkin Valley AVA) as well as the Haw River AVA. Grape varietals here are mostly the European-style vinifera although some also grow and produce muscadine or scuppernong.
The oldest winery in this region is Westbend Winery, established in 1972 by Jack and Lillian Kroustalis when they began planting the first vinifera grapevines in the Yadkin Valley. The winery has since sold and continues to thrive to this day as a winery and brewery.
Childress Winery in Lexington is made popular by its owner, Richard Childress of NASCAR fame while Shelton Winery has been pivotal in elevating this industry when brothers Charles and Ed Shelton were involved in the petitioning of the first American Viticultural Area in the state, the Yadkin Valley AVA.
Mountain Region
The cooler climate and higher elevation in the Mountain region of North Carolina allow grape growers and winemakers to plant unique varietals and hybrids producing such wines as Marechal Foch and Riesling. This region currently is home to three AVA's: Upper Hiwassee Highlands; Appalachian High Country; and Crest of the Blue Ridge.
This region is home to the smallest winery in America, Calaboose Cellars, an old jailhouse, located in Andrews, while Biltmore Winery, located in Asheville, is the most well-known winery and holds the record as the most visited winery due to the Biltmore House being a popular tourist destination. This region will soon be home to an additional four new wineries in the near future.
