Welcome to North Carolina’s first AVA. Attaining final approval on February 7, 2003, this 1.4-million-acre viticultural area in the northwestern section of the Piedmont region, spans seven counties along the Yadkin River.

The appellation hosts a growing number of wineries, concentrated at moderate elevations. The majority of vines here are Vitis vinifera, with wineries finding the greatest success with Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

The Yadkin Valley viticultural area was born out of a need to find a new crop. With tobacco in decline, farmers needed to find a more profitable way to utilize their fertile grounds. The gently rolling hills and the mixture of clay and loam soils provide the area with excellent drainage. Combine that with a long, warm growing season and a mild winter and you find the recipe for successful viticulture.