The Yadkin Valley is home to some of the most premier wineries in North Carolina. It is the first AVA in the state and as such has continued to produce wines since its inception. The region and AVA are fast becoming a wine tourism destination with a focus on producing high quality North Carolina Wine.
A brief history of the Yadkin Valley
At the end of the 20th Century, the once thriving tobacco growing region was turning to a new crop, wine grapes. At the time of the petition there were over 30 growers within the original boundaries of the AVA and 3 bonded wineries.
The petition for creating the Yadkin Valley AVA originated from Patricia McRitchie on behalf of Shelton Vineyards. The Yadkin Valley name was chosen because the area had been known as the Yadkin Valley since pre-colonial days with the Yadkin River being a prominent feature.
A petition by Alliston Stubbs of Cedar Ridge Vineyards in Reeds, NC asked to include additional land in Davie and Davidson Counties in the new AVA. This petition was accepted. Other petitions to expand the area of the AVA were denied.
Quick Facts
Name: Yadkin Valley
Petitioner: Patricia McRitchie on behalf of Shelton Vineyards
Effective Date: February 7, 2003
Acres: 1,416,000
Counties within boundaries: Wilkes, Surry, Yadkin, and portions of Stokes, Forsyth, Davie, and Davidson
Geography: Elevation ranges from 3800 ft in Northwest Wilkes County to 694 in Northwest Davie County. Latitude is between 36°00′ and 36°30′ N.
Climate: Temperatures and precipitation are moderate as compared to the surrounding areas. The growing season and frost-dates fall within the optimum range for cultivation of premium vinifera grapes.
Soil: Soils are mostly clay with clay or fine Loamy subsoils with good drainage. The tend to be acidic with low fertility.
While You’re In the Area
The Yadkin Valley AVA is covers a wide area of the state. There are several hub areas where you’ll find other activities to do. Be sure to check out:
- Winston-Salem: often referred to as the gateway of the Yadkin Valley
- Lexington: the barbecue hub of the state
- Elkin and Jonesville: known for their hiking trails and easy river access
- Wilkes County: the home of moonshine and NASCAR racing
Recent Episodes of Cork Talk about this AVA
Read More About this AVA
- Jones von Drehle Petit Manseng Revisited
- Library Tasting at Junius Lindsay Vineyard
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Ah! McRitchie Winery‘s Ring of Fire, a highly regarded red blend in the North Carolina wine world. Some have called it North Carolina’s Octogon. Octogon is the highly acclaimed red blend from Virgina’s Barboursville Vineyards. We’re certainly not going toContinue reading → - Holiday Dinner at Hanover Park
Another weekend, another wine dinner. This time we had the pleasure of attending the annual holiday dinner at Hanover Park Vineyard. Each December, Hanover Park throws a holiday celebration for its wine club members as a thank you for their loyaltyContinue reading →
