Your Next Winter Getaway Could Be Closer Than You Think: Discover North Carolina’s Award-Winning Wine Country

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A new digital tasting pass invites North Carolinians to explore award-winning wineries, cideries and meaderies across the state.

When you think about a wine getaway, your mind might wander to Napa Valley, the rolling hills of Tuscany or the vineyards of France. But what if your next great wine experience was just a short drive from home?

North Carolina is home to a diverse and growing community of wineries, cideries and meaderies, and this winter, there’s a new way to discover them.

The NC Wine Winners Pass, launched by NC Wine, invites visitors to explore some of the state’s award-winning tasting rooms through a unique, self-guided adventure.

Six Stops. Countless Discoveries.

The concept is simple: choose six participating wineries, cideries or meaderies and enjoy an exclusive tasting experience at each destination. Available from November 2026 through March 2027, the mobile-exclusive pass gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

There’s no set route or schedule. You can turn the pass into a weekend getaway with friends, plan a romantic afternoon in wine country or spread your visits across several months.

And these aren’t just any tasting rooms. Every participating producer earned a prestigious Cup, Best of Category, Double Gold or Gold Medal recognition at the 2026 North Carolina Wine Competition.

Each location has created a special tasting experience exclusively for passholders, featuring at least one of its medal-winning products. It’s an opportunity to taste some of the best North Carolina has to offer while discovering the stories behind every glass.

More Than Just Wine

One of the most exciting things about North Carolina’s beverage scene is its diversity.

Across the state’s seven American Viticultural Areas, winemakers are producing everything from elegant Cabernet Franc and crisp white wines to sparkling wines and distinctive blends. North Carolina also has a rich muscadine heritage, with grapes that have been part of the state’s agricultural story for centuries.

But the experience doesn’t stop with wine.

North Carolina’s cider makers are transforming apples into refreshing, complex ciders, while local meaderies are crafting innovative beverages from honey, fruit, herbs and spices.

Whether you’re a longtime wine enthusiast or someone who simply enjoys discovering something new, there’s a flavor and experience waiting for you.

A Winter Adventure Worth Taking

For Charlotte-area residents, the Winners Pass is an invitation to explore beyond the city. Head west toward the Blue Ridge Mountains, discover charming communities in the Piedmont or venture farther across the state to experience North Carolina’s diverse wine country.

Winter offers a different side of these destinations. With the busy harvest season behind them, tasting rooms offer an opportunity to slow down, savor the experience and connect with the people who grow the grapes, make the wines and welcome visitors.

Along the way, you might discover a new favorite restaurant, explore a historic downtown, browse local shops or simply enjoy the scenery.

The participating destinations include Botanist and Barrel, Hinnant Family Vineyards, Honeygirl Meadery & Tasting Room, Mill Camp Wines & Cider, Mountain Brook Vineyards, Noble Cider & Mead Taproom, Point Lookout Vineyards, Rock of Ages Winery & Vineyard, Shadow Springs Vineyard, Shelton Vineyards, Stardust Cellars and Stony Knoll Vineyards.

Celebrating the Best of North Carolina

The NC Wine Winners Pass was inspired by the 2026 North Carolina Wine Competition, which attracted a record 364 entries from 51 producers across the state.

The competition recognizes excellence across traditional grape wines, muscadine wines, ciders and meads, reflecting the remarkable range of products being crafted in North Carolina.

But the Winners Pass takes that recognition one step further. Rather than simply celebrating medals, it invites consumers to visit the producers, discover their stories and experience firsthand what makes North Carolina’s wine country special.

It’s also a chance to support local agricultural businesses and the communities that surround them during the quieter winter months.

Your Next Favorite Pour Is Waiting

You don’t have to travel across the country to discover an exceptional tasting experience. Sometimes, the most memorable adventures are the ones waiting right here at home.

So gather a few friends, plan a winter getaway or make a date of it. With six destinations to discover and award-winning wines, ciders and meads to enjoy, the NC Wine Winners Pass is your invitation to explore a different side of North Carolina.

Because when it comes to North Carolina wine, cider and mead, there’s truly A Taste for Everyone.

The NC Wine Winners Pass is available for visits through March 2027.

Ready to start exploring? Get your NC Wine Winners Pass and plan your tasting adventure at NCWine.org.