North Carolina's Surry wineries offer many vintages flavors to sample. To help along the way here are some suggestions for your trip. Start at McRitchie Winery and Ciderworks to sample wines, and hard cider as well. Afterwards, visit Elkin Creek Vineyards, which is located on the property of a century-old mill. They also have some wonderful monthly beer selections to enjoy.
In downtown Elkin drop in at Harry's Place for lunch, before visiting Grassy Creek Vineyard and Winery. At the winery, experience a tasting in the historic red barn and take your time walking the vineyard's trails. Grassy Creek also has cozy on-site Klondike Cabins that make a nice stop over so you can enjoy dining at Twenty One and Main Restaurant and Wine Bar.
The Carolina Heritage Vineyards is North Carolina's first USDA Certified Organic Vineyard and solar powered winery, and here you can get a behind the scenes tour of how they grow American native and hybrid grapes. Next to Hutton Vineyards in historic Rockford and sample wines in their tasting room located in a former tobacco barn.
As the evening comes around, visit the Shelton Vineyards in Dobson, and enjoy a glass of wine and dinner at the upscale Harvest Grill before spending the night at the nearby Hampton Inn and Suites.
The following day is a opportunity to visit Stony Knoll Vineyards that is located on a century-old farm near the town of Rockford. The rustic 1800's farmhouse converted into a tasting room at Olde Mill Vineyards nearby is one of the newest of Surry's wineries. Another great stop over is the Round Peak Vineyards, where you can sample more award winning wines and enjoy the views from their picturesque grounds.
If you plan to return in the Spring time be sure to visit Elkin Municipal Park for the Yadkin Valley Wine Festival in Mid May. This is a exciting event that brings together the variety of great wineries for wine lovers to experience.
Expect to enjoy samples from 30 wineries pouring the best wines from the Yadkin Valley Appellation. Along with wines to sample, you can enjoy food from local caterers and live music, as well as browse among the various craft vendors, who will showcase their creative works.
Get ready for a foot tapping time as Americana and bluegrass sounds from the Natty Boh Duo take the stage from noon to 2 p.m.. Afterwards, the award-winning Mixed Emotions band will play some beach music from 3-6 p.m.
Your admission ticket includes a commemorative wine glass with the festival logo. And, active duty military personnel and retirees receive a discount in honor of Armed Forces Day with proper identification.
Designated drivers and those who will not be consuming or purchasing wines, and those under 21 get Free admission to the Yadkin Valley Wine Festival. If you do plan to enjoy the tastings offered by the wineries be sure to have your ID ready to show your proof of age.
Plan Your Trip To The Yadkin Valley Wine Festival:
To learn more about the Yadkin Valley Wine Festival and ticket options go to www.yvwf.com.
Photo Credits: Yadkin Valley Wine Festival