5 North Carolina Wineries That Feel Like Europe

When people think about North Carolina, they often imagine the Great Smoky Mountains, charming coastal towns, or vibrant cities like Raleigh and Charlotte. But tucked between these attractions lies another hidden gem: North Carolina’s flourishing wine country. Thanks to its diverse climate and growing expertise, the state has over 200 wineries today, according to the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council, many of which echo the charm and flavors of Europe.

If you dream of sipping wine among rolling hills and scenic vineyards that feel straight out of Italy or France, these five North Carolina wineries should top your list.

1.Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery — "Chianti in the Carolinas"

Located in the Yadkin Valley, Raffaldini Vineyards is often referred to as “Chianti in the Carolinas.” This is not just a catchy phrase—Raffaldini specializes in classic dry Italian varietals, such as Sangiovese, Vermentino, and Montepulciano. According to Wine Enthusiast Magazine, the vineyard’s commitment to Italian winemaking techniques, including the appassimento method (drying grapes before fermentation), has earned it national recognition.

Spanning 102 acres, the property resembles a Tuscan estate, complete with olive trees, Italian gardens, and a grand villa that houses tasting rooms. Visitors often comment on the breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it one of the most photographed wineries in the state.

Pro Tip: Visit during the fall harvest festival, where traditional Italian grape stomping events are held, creating a truly authentic experience.

Source: Raffaldini Vineyards Official Site

2.JOLO Winery and Vineyards — Fine Dining Meets Fine Wine

JOLO Winery, nestled near Pilot Mountain, has built a strong reputation not just for its award-winning wines, but also for its elevated dining experience. In 2023, it was listed among the Top 100 Wineries in the United States by Wine Business Monthly. JOLO's wines, such as their celebrated Crimson Creek blend, often win gold medals at the North Carolina Fine Wines Competition.

The on-site restaurant, End Posts, offers a refined farm-to-table menu designed to pair perfectly with the estate’s wines. Guests can reserve a Cuvée Experience, a four-course wine-paired meal, which reviewers on TripAdvisor have consistently rated 5-stars for both taste and service.

Pro Tip: Reservations are mandatory, especially on weekends, due to JOLO’s growing popularity.

Source: JOLO Vineyards Awards

3.Childress Vineyards — NASCAR Legend Meets Italian Luxury

Founded by NASCAR legend Richard Childress in 2004, Childress Vineyards in Lexington brings a slice of Tuscany to central North Carolina. The winery’s architecture, inspired by Italian villas, sets the mood as soon as you arrive. Childress focuses on both European-style varietals and native muscadine grapes, offering an unusually wide range of choices for visitors.

In 2022, Childress Vineyards produced more than 30 different wines and welcomed over 200,000 visitors, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce tourism data. Whether you opt for a casual tasting or an in-depth winery tour, the experience is tailored to wine lovers of all levels.

Pro Tip: Their Victory Lounge offers private tastings in a luxurious setting, ideal for special occasions.

Source: Visit NC Winery Guide

4.Addison Farms Vineyard — A Family Legacy Near Asheville

Just outside of Asheville, Addison Farms Vineyard represents the spirit of small, family-owned winemaking. Owner Jeff Frisbee, a fourth-generation farmer, converted his family’s former tobacco fields into a vineyard in 2009. Today, Addison Farms produces boutique wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Montepulciano.

Although smaller in scale (they cultivate only about 6 acres of vines), Addison Farms consistently scores high ratings from local wine competitions. Asheville’s Citizen-Times has praised their winemaker’s tasting experience as one of the most authentic in Western North Carolina.

Pro Tip: The vineyard is open seasonally, and Saturdays often feature exclusive barrel tastings.

Source: Addison Farms Vineyard

5.Stone Ashe Vineyards — A Slice of Bordeaux

Stone Ashe Vineyards, located in Hendersonville, brings a taste of Bordeaux to North Carolina. Owners Craig and Tina Little spent years searching for a site that mimicked the rocky, mineral-rich soils of France. According to the American Vineyard Foundation, soil composition significantly affects wine quality, and Stone Ashe’s “stony ashe” terroir produces complex, age-worthy wines.

Notably, their flagship blend, Coppedge Hill, earned high praise in regional wine competitions for its depth and balance. With sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows in the tasting room overlooking steep vineyard slopes, visitors often feel transported to the Médoc region of France.

Pro Tip: Their estate-only policy ensures you’re tasting wines made exclusively from their own grapes—rare for many American wineries.

Source: Stone Ashe Vineyards

Final Thoughts

North Carolina’s wineries are far more than weekend escapes—they are destinations that combine craftsmanship, history, and stunning landscapes. Whether it’s the Italian elegance of Raffaldini or the Bordeaux spirit of Stone Ashe, these vineyards prove that you don’t need a passport to enjoy world-class wine experiences.

Next Time You Plan a Getaway: Add a vineyard or two to your itinerary. You might just find yourself feeling transported—not across the ocean, but across a glass.