North Carolina is a thriving top-10 wine-producing state with seven nationally recognized AVAs. This trip takes us to the Yadkin Valley AVA which is North Carolina's first. The climate of moderate elevations and proximity to the Yadkin River supports a variety of grapes. We celebrate wine and enjoy 3 days visiting 4 wineries with rich diversity in landscape, traditions and flavors. **Be sure to scroll down to read about each of the featured wineries on our itinerary.

Our home base during this 3 day/2 night trip is Winston Salem, a signature Southern City, rooted in the unique Moravian heritage, arts and innovation. Upon our arrival on Day One, we are treated to a narrated tour of the city and then have ample time that evening to further discover the city from our Downtown hotel location. On the morning of Day Three, we tour the original 1753 Moravian settlement of Historic Bethabara Park for an immersive experience into this unique culture. There is one final Lagniappe (Cajun for a "little something extra") during our time in the Yadkin Valley. We make a stop in Mount Airy aka Mayberry since it is the hometown of Andy Griffith. We enjoy a narrated driving tour of this famous small town and during the day also have time for stops at Wally’s Service Station and the Andy Griffith Museum.

Trip inclusions: Wine tastings at four wineries, lunch at three wineries and dinner at one winery, breakfast each morning, accommodations at the Embassy Suites in Downtown Winston Salem, two narrated bus tours, admissions to the Andy Griffith Museum and Historic Bethabara Park, a Tour Host, bottled water and snacks on the bus. The only meal on your own is dinner on the first night with plentiful choices within walking distance of the hotel. Choices will be emailed in advance of the trip.

Day One - Childress Vineyards - Fun Fact: Owned by NASCAR team owner, Richard Childress which is historically significant. North Carolina was the leading wine-producing state in the Nation in the early 20th century but Prohibition changed all of that. In response, the state shifted to another storied craft, moonshine which helped spark the need for speed and fast cars that could outrun law enforcement. Ironically, this eventually led to NASCAR.

Today, Childress produces a broad range of over 30 wines. Wines have won numerous gold medals since opening in 2004 including Double God, Concordance Gold and Best of Show honors for wines produced in every category. Total medal count has exceeded 750 since their opening.

Our experience at one of the premier vintners in the state includes a private winery tour, private tasting of six wines, a complimentary wine glass and lunch.

Day Two - Shelton Vineyards - Fun Fact: The winemaker, Ethan Brown, has spent his entire life in the Yadkin Valley wine industry and became the official winemaker at age 19! He holds numerous degrees in viticulture, enology, chemistry and fermentation.

Featured in numerous magazines such as Southern Living and Garden & Gun our experience offers a tasting of six different wines using a variety of European vitas vinifera grapes. Lunch includes an opportunity to sample the famous regional dessert of Sonker (a deep-dish fruit dessert similar to a cobbler).

Day Two - JOLO Winery & Vineyards - Fun Fact: JOLO is located in Pilot Mountain NOT Mount Pilot as the fictional Mayberry residents referred to it in the hit TV series. Characters from the show referred to going to "Mount Pilot" for shopping, entertainment or, as Barney often put it, to see the "city slickers". In fact, Pilot Mountain is part of the ancient Sauratown Mountains formed over 500 million years ago! We enjoy a view of the famous peak of this iconic landmark. Another Fun Fact: TripAdvisor has repeatedly named JOLO one of the Top 10% Attractions in the World!

Named for sons, Joey and Logan, JOLO offers us a tasting of world-class wines and an Italian themed buffet in the award-winning End Post Restaurant. The sunset views will not disappoint!

Day Three - Rayson Winery & Vineyards - Fun Fact: The winery is owned by JW and Kristen Ray who also own JOLO and are proud to share the fact that this is a family and veteran-owned establishment.

The family is committed to crafting wines that not only reflect the distinct terroir of a unique location but also to celebrate the individual varietal characteristics of each grape. Our tasting explores the collection of 7 distinctive Rayson wines, showcasing a variety of genres including dry whites, rose, barrel-aged white, off-dry white and a selection of red styles - from single varietals to complex blends. Our tasting experience also includes our last lunch before we return to the Coast.

Refunds are only possible if the trip can be resold to another guest.

In addition to payments on this website with a credit card or ACH bank payment, personal checks and Venmo are also accepted. Contact Patty at tripsbypatty@gmail.com or call 404-791-3166 for payment instructions if you wish to pay by check or via Venmo.

Itinerary: Please note the times are approximate and may vary slightly due to traffic conditions.

Day One - May 6

8:30am - Departure from the parking lot across the service road from Harris Teeter. This is the parking lot in front of Kendall's Hallmark store.

12:30 - 2:30pm - Tour, tasting & lunch at Childress Vineyards

3:30pm - Meet & Greet and Narrated Tour in Winston Salem

4:30pm - Hotel check-in and evening on own for town exploration and dinner

Day Two - May 7

9am - Departure for Mount Airy.

10am-11:30am - Narrated bus tour of Mount Airy

12noon - 2pm - Tasting and lunch at Shelton Vineyards

2:30pm - 4:30pm - More fun in Mount Airy. Time to visit the Andy Griffith Museum and explore the town at your own pace.

5pm-8pm - Wine tasting and dinner at JOLO Winery & Vineyards

Day Three - May 8

10am - Depart hotel for a 90 minute tour at Historic Betharaba Park

12:30pm - Tasting and lunch at Rayson Winery & Vineyards

Approx. 7pm - Return time to Leland