After four wineries, one mountain summit, and a gallery of tasting notes, our Western NC wine trail came to a close with a car full of bottles and a head full of memories. Each stop had its own rhythm—from minimalist pours to velvet-lined elegance—and while the ratings told one story, the bottles we brought home told another.
🍾 What Made It Home
- Medaloni Cellars: Valvin Muscat ’22 – crisp, citrusy, and budget-friendly
- Divine Llama Vineyards: Traminette Sparkling – bubbles with personality
- Cellar 4201: Cherokee Red – smoky, smooth, and full of charm
- JOLO Winery: Pink ’24 – tart, bright, and award-winning
🏞️ From Minimalist to Extravagant
The trail was a study in contrast:
- Medaloni: Rustic, quiet, and scenic—rolling hills and self-guided sips
- Divine Llama: Lively, quirky, and social—multi-level deck, ceiling fans, and tacos
- Cellar 4201: Intimate and bluesy—snacks by the fan, generous pours, and warm hosts
- JOLO: Refined and romantic—award-winning wines and a tasting lodge beneath Pilot Mountain
Each had its own charm, and each is worth a return visit. Next time? Reservations at JOLO’s End Posts Restaurant are a must. The menu includes dishes like:
- Lobster Ravioli with brown butter cream sauce
- Pan-Seared Salmon with balsamic vinaigrette and goat cheese salad
- Lamb Lollipops with apricot glaze and pomme purée
- Chocolate Mousse Cake paired with five JOLO wines
🎶 Tips & Takeaways
- Bring snacks and water—especially if the winery doesn’t offer food (looking at you, Medaloni)
- Check for live music—none on this trip, but acoustic fans should scout ahead
- Make reservations—JOLO’s restaurant books fast, and the menu is worth it
- Don’t skip the swag—Divine Llama wins for merch, and Cellar 4201 had a cozy vibe that matched its pours
❤️ Favorite? Hard to Say…
Each winery offered something special:
- Medaloni: For the hills and quiet
- JOLO: For the elegance and sparkle
- Cellar 4201: For the personality and hospitality
- Divine Llama: For the deck, the bubbles, the tacos, and the vibe
If I had to pick just one to revisit? Divine Llama wins the encore—for its multi-level deck, ceiling fans, reasonable prices, and the perfect pairing of sparkling wine and Mexican food.
We’ll hope to see you when we hit the road and visit more wineries. Maybe we can share a glass! Here’s to your adventures!
The Traveler.
Wineries on this Tour:
Medaloni Cellars – 9125 Shallowford Rd, Lewisville, NC 27023
Divine Llama Vineyards – 4126 Divine Llama Ln, East Bend, NC 27018
Cellar 4201 – 4201 Apperson Rd, East Bend, NC 27018
JOLO Vineyards and Winery – 219 Jolo Winery Ln, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041
