A full-bodied journey through rolling hills, curious varietals, and tasting room tales.
Two hours west of Cary, tucked between the Blue Ridge foothills and the Yadkin River, lies one of North Carolina’s best-kept secrets: a wine country bursting with character, flavor, and surprises. On July 5th, we charted a course through this lush landscape, camera and tasting journal in hand, determined to discover what Western NC vineyards had to offer.
Our route, mapped for flavor and scenery, took us to four unique wineries—with a bonus detour to Pilot Mountain for a summit view worth the twisty ascent.
Each post in this series will unpack a different stop—from grassy whites and bold reds to llamas, food trucks, cellar-style hospitality, and plush seated flights under mountain shadows. Along the way, expect vivid photos, detailed notes, and a few surprises.
📍 Stops Along the Way
Here’s a preview of the full experience:
- Medaloni Cellars – Rolling hills, self-led tastings, and crisp whites [Read More →]
- Divine Llama Vineyards – Llamas, swag, tacos, and Traminette sparkle [Read More →]
- Cellar 4201 – Cozy cellar with generous pours and pimento cheese charm [Read More →]
- Pilot Mountain Detour – A scenic summit and a glimpse into Carolina’s geological soul [Read More →]
- JOLO Winery & Vineyards – NC’s swankiest sip spot with award-winning flights [Read More →]
🥂 Final Reflections
At the end of the trail, we’ll share a wrap-up post summarizing:
- Our favorite wines and flights
- Surprising standouts
- Gallery moments that captured the mood
- Tips for anyone planning a similar tasting route
