Dale Terry

Rooted in History
The legacy of the North Carolina Wine Industry is rooted deep in the colonial heritage of Sir Walter Raleigh's Colony on Roanoke Island where the first wines were produced. Since then, wine has always been part of the rich agriculturial tradition that makes North Carolina so special. With rich soils and a mild climate, North Carolina has grown to be one of the largest wine producers in the country. The Yadkin Valley was designated as an American Viticultural Area in 2003, the first in North Carolina. Covering 1.4 million acres, the Yadkin Valley is the center of wine production in North Carolina. As the wine industry expands, so does the fun and excitement. The Yadkin Valley Wine Festivalis held the town of Elkin in October celebrating the viticulture of the Yadkin Valley. Also in the month of October the Yadkin Valley Grape Festivalin Yadkinville. The annual Shine to Wine Festivalis held in historic Downtown North Wilkesboro in June. The River House Winefestat Grassy Creek is held in annually in July. The area boasts a number of Bed and Breakfasts that are currently expanding their facilities to accommodate the larger tour groups. These historic properties can provide quiet romantic evenings or just the starting point for your Valley adventure. The Blue Ridge Parkway is just a stones throw away. Thousands of visitors each year visit this scenic byway,named one of the most beautiful rides in America. Once there, spend the night at one of the area campgrounds or rent a cabin for more privacy. Camping, canoeing, fishing, tubing and more are available on the Yadkin and New Rivers. Once you have visited, you can't wait to get back. Looking for somewhere to hang your hat. As the years roll on, more and more people are seeing the Valley as a place to retire. With a slower pace, a respect for the land and what it has meant to our history, the Valley has plenty of room for you. Don't feel left out. With thousands of acres of land perfect for those that are looking for peace and quiet, everything is possible in the Valley. Weekend getaways from the hustle and bustle of Charlotte, Raleigh and Atlanta make it possible for you to forget the stress of day to day living and remember a more enjoyable time- the time of youth. A time when you could walk in a stream to catch crawldads, a run in a field for a butterfly and night time excursions for flreflys. You will thank yourself for visiting the Valley, we hope you stay!