Best Wineries for Red Wine Lovers in Yadkin Valley

If you're a red wine lover visiting Yadkin Valley, you might wonder what to expect. North Carolina isn't exactly known for bold reds, right?

Wrong. The clay-heavy soils and warm days/cool nights of Yadkin Valley are actually perfect for several red varietals—especially those with Italian and French heritage.

Here are the wineries doing red wine right.

Top Red Wine Varietals in Yadkin Valley

Before we dive into wineries, know what to look for:

• Cabernet Franc - Thrives here. Lighter than Cab Sauv, with herbal notes
• Sangiovese - Italian grape that loves the clay soils
• Montepulciano - Another Italian winner, deep and fruit-forward
• Petit Verdot - Usually a blending grape, but some make excellent single-varietals
• Chambourcin - Hybrid grape with excellent disease resistance and bold flavor

Best Wineries for Red Wine

Jones von Drehle Vineyards

Possibly the best Cabernet Franc in the region. Their reds are consistently excellent, with proper aging and careful handling.

• Must try: Estate Cabernet Franc, Reserve Red Blend
• Vibe: Elegant, focused on quality
• Best time: Weekday afternoons for a quieter experience

Raffaldini Vineyards

Italian varietals done authentically. The Montepulciano here is the real deal—they even have family ties to Italy.

• Must try: Montepulciano, Chianti-style blend
• Vibe: Tuscan estate, upscale
• Best time: Make a reservation for groups

Adagio Vineyards

Small-production wines with incredible attention to detail. Their Petit Verdot is a standout.

• Must try: Petit Verdot, any reserve red
• Vibe: Intimate, educational
• Best time: Check for their violin concert schedule

Childress Vineyards

Owned by NASCAR's Richard Childress, this winery produces some of the region's most awarded reds.

• Must try: Barrel Select Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc
• Vibe: Large estate, polished
• Best time: Avoid race weekends if you want quiet

A Red Wine Lover's Route

Here's an itinerary focused on reds:

11:00 AM - Jones von Drehle (start with the best Cab Franc)

1:00 PM - Raffaldini (Italian varietals, lunch available nearby)

3:30 PM - Adagio (finish with their Petit Verdot)

Pro Tip: Ask for "reds only" when you order your tasting flight. Most wineries are happy to customize.

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