Being a lifelong student of history and geography, I’ve always been drawn to places that offer a sense of historical pride and geographical diversity. Quite possibly there’s no state which offers more of both than North Carolina. North Carolina is a study in contrasts. And through the course of experiencing those contrasts, more than a few very pleasant surprises await.

One look at a map of North Carolina tells part of the story. In the far western part of the state, the Appalachian mountains provide a scenic backdrop. The central Piedmont area is home to growing cities along with a technological hub. Further east is a naturalists paradise – windswept beaches, coastal plains, and picturesque harborside communities.

Amidst it all, the North Carolina wine industry thrives. In vineyards and wineries from the mountains to the coast, North Carolina boasts the 10th largest grape and wine production in the United States. Each distinct North Carolina area offers different varieties of grapes, producing quite possibly one of the widest variety of wine styles in the country.

Here in North Carolina, growers still produce the hardy muscadine grape, a staple in southeastern states. Yet, this is just one small part of grape growing and wine growing here. Vintners in the mountain and Piedmont region of North Carolina have planted traditional European grape varieties and French-American Hybrids, with the result being a surprising and ever evolving selection of wines for travelers and wine lovers.

Exploring North Carolina Wine

Four unique wineries sit in the far southeastern corner of North Carolina. Each offers a take on wines made with a distinctly southern grape, the muscadine. And yet, all four also offer a wide range of wine styles suitable for any palate.

Just over the South Carolina border, Silver Coast Winery offers a tranquil respite 15 minutes inland from the Atlantic coast. This winery has garnered several international wine competition awards and among other offerings, turns out an impressive oak chardonnay.

In historic Wilmington, a charming port city and site of numerous tv and movie filmings, you’ll find Lumina Winery. Lumina is well known for their adventurous fruit wines. Try their unique black rasberry merlot or the wonderfully balanced semi sweet white offerings.

Slightly inland from Wilmington just off of Interstate 40, you’ll discover two more wineries, including North Carolina’s largest and oldest, Duplin Winery. Duplin produces over 250,000 cases a year and their Hatteras Red is quite possibly North Carolina’s most well known wine. Nearby is Bannerman Vineyard and Winery, producing muscadine varieties from their on site vineyard. Be sure to sample their White Oak semi sweet white, a fruity and approachable white table wine.

North Carolina’s wine industry continues to grow and thrive. There are now over 70 wineries in the state and three distinct grape growing areas. Whether it’s the mountains in the western part of the state, the central Piedmont area, or the wind swept coast, you’ll find great wine and true southern hospitality.

Travel Information

Wilimington is the major town in the southeast part of North Carolina’s wine industry. You can actually fly to Wilimington (Airport Code ILM), which is served by Delta, US Airways, and low-cost carrier Allegiant with flights from eastern cities such as Philadelphia, New York – La Guardia, and Orlando. You can als fly into larger Raleigh-Durham, a little over two hours away by car. If you are driving, Wilmington is six hours from Washington, DC, almost seven hours from Atlanta, and nine hours from Orlando.

Although the population of Wilmington itself is only 100,000, the metro area is over half a million. You can find any tourism services you need in the area. If you would like to stay closer to Duplin and Bannerman wineries, located in tiny Rose Hill and Burgaw, respectively, you can find hotels and restaurants in the surrounding towns of Kenansville, Wallace, and larger Warsaw, North Carolina. Warsaw is located midway between the two wineries but for an historic stay, try either the Graham House Inn or Murray House Country Inn in Kenansville. Finally, you should know Duplin Winery does more than produce wines. They also have a restaurant and dinner theater on the grounds.

For complete information on North Carolina’s wine industry visit the North Carolina Wine Grower’s Association. Would you like to learn more about unique U.S. wine travel destinations? For further information on this and other U.S. wine trails, visit www.winetrailsusa.com.