We Make Wine Country Accessible to Everyone
Not just insiders. By combining AI-powered personalization with local expertise, we deliver the knowledge of a seasoned sommelier at a fraction of the cost.
Hi, I'm Chris Ford
I'm a data nerd who ran out of gas in Surry County 10 years ago and never left. Now I call Elkin home—right in the heart of Yadkin Valley wine country.
I didn't build ValleySomm because I'm a sommelier. I built it because I'm an analytics guy who saw a problem worth solving. After surveying over 100 wine country trip planners, I kept reading the same frustrations:"I spent hours researching and still didn't know where to go."
I knew I could help.
ValleySomm combines my 10 years of product and analytics experience with AI to create something I wished existed when I first moved here—a local friend who actually knows every winery and can match you to the right ones.
When I'm not building itineraries, you'll find my wife Nik and me hiking the trails around Grassy Creek, where you can walk between wineries with a glass in hand. It's nature to bar to nature—a full circle experience.
This is a one-person operation, powered by AI. That means every itinerary gets my personal review before it reaches you. No generic templates. Just local knowledge matched to what you actually want.
Questions? chris@yadkindatapartners.com — I read every message.
The Problem We Set Out to Solve
Yadkin Valley is North Carolina's best-kept secret—50+ wineries spread across rolling foothills, producing wines that rival regions twice as famous. But here's the problem: most visitors drive right past incredible spots because they don't know they exist.
We watched tourists spend hours on Google, stitching together itineraries from outdated blog posts, only to end up at the same crowded tasting rooms. Meanwhile, family-friendly hidden gems sat empty. Award-winning small producers went undiscovered.
"I spent 3 hours researching and still don't know if these places are kid-tolerant."
— Every overwhelmed parent planning a wine trip
ValleySomm exists to change that. We built an AI sommelier that knows every winery, every vibe, every kid-friendly patio, and every tucked-away spot the locals love. Tell it what you like—your palate, your pace, who you're with—and it creates a personalized day in minutes.
No more three-hour research sessions. No more FOMO. Just perfectly matched wine adventures, planned for you.
Our Core Values
Accessible Expertise
Wine knowledge shouldn't be gatekept. We make sommelier-level recommendations available to everyone—not just insiders or those who can afford $1,000 concierge services.
Authentic Discovery
We champion the hidden gems, the family-run spots, the places worth finding. Our recommendations go beyond the tourist traps to show you the real Yadkin Valley.
Effortless Planning
Research shouldn't feel like homework. We handle the logistics—route optimization, reservations, timing—so you can focus on what matters: enjoying your wine adventure.
Human + AI
AI scales personalization; humans ensure quality. Every itinerary is crafted by our AI sommelier, then reviewed to make sure it's actually perfect for you.
How We Create Your Perfect Day
Tell Us About You
Answer a few quick questions about your group, preferences, and style. Love bold reds? Traveling with kids? Need wheelchair access? We've got you covered.
AI Sommelier Match
Our AI analyzes 35+ Yadkin Valley wineries against your preferences, finding the perfect matches for your palate, pace, and party.
Get Your Adventure
Receive a complete itinerary with optimized routes, reservation details, insider tips, and everything you need for the perfect wine day.
Why Yadkin Valley?
America's first designated AVA east of the Rockies, Yadkin Valley is home to 50+ wineries producing award-winning wines from Cabernet Franc to Viognier. Rolling hills, mountain views, and small-town charm—without the crowds of Napa.
50+
Wineries
2003
First AVA in NC
1hr
From Charlotte