Yadkin Valley Wine

The Yadkin Valley AVA, established in 2003, was the first federally recognized wine appellation in the American South, a distinction that signaled North Carolina's serious arrival on the national wine map. The region stretches across the rolling Piedmont hills of Surry, Yadkin, and Wilkes Counties, where red clay soils over granite bedrock provide excellent drainage and mineral complexity for Bordeaux varieties. Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Viognier are the quality leaders, producing wines with more restraint and food-friendliness than their hot-climate origins might suggest. RagApple Lassie, Shelton Vineyards, and Divine Llama are among the most established producers.