RALEIGH, NC – North Carolina’s wine industry ranks among the top 10 nationally in production, and each May, the 190-plus wineries come together to celebrate with tasting rooms across the state hosting special events and promotions throughout the month.

There are a variety of events throughout the year that feature N.C. producers. See the list here>>

N.C. Wine Month gives wine lovers, along with those who enjoy cider and mead, an opportunity to connect with this growing segment of North Carolina’s craft beverage culture. As the industry has grown, so has the variety and quality of wines produced in the state.

“If you’ve never been to a North Carolina winery or haven’t been recently, N.C. Wine Month is the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy the quality and overall experience in our growing regions,” says Brianna Burns, executive director of the N.C. Wine & Grape Council. “Over the last two decades, North Carolina has become a farm-to-glass state. Our wines, ciders and meads are grown here and made here. It’s an agricultural success story that is gaining recognition nationally and internationally.”

In 2023, a rosé from JOLO Vineyards & Winery in Pilot Mountain was named the “best rosé on the planet” at the prestigious Rosé Competition during the American Fine Wine Competition.

Sanctuary Vineyards in Jarvisburg on the Outer Banks is another shining example. The winery has captured numerous national awards for its wines in recent years by embracing a variety of grapes, from native Muscadines to European Vinifera to French American hybrids. Sanctuary general manager John Wright says steady breezes and sunny days provide a quality growing climate along the coast.

Earlier this year, Marked Tree Vineyards in Flat Rock earned two high scores from a prestigious wine critic for its regular and Reserve Chardonel.

To learn more about N.C. Wine Month happenings, go to: https://ncwine.org/ncwinemonth/ .

For an overview of all wine regions in North Carolina and browse listings of individual wineries, cideries and meaderies in each area, check out: https://ncwine.org/regions/ .