September 12, 2022
A winery guide to Lexington / Winston-Salem area
North Carolina wines have come a long way
Not long ago, North Carolina was known more for its tobacco fields than it wineries. However, as the nation began realizing the dangers of smoking, tobacco fields were replanted with vineyards — and now, North Carolina wineries are a booming tourism destination. Here’s our wine guide for near the Winston-Salem and Lexington areas.
Childress Vineyards
Lexington, N.C.
Founded by NASCAR driver Richard Childress in 2004, this award-winning winery took Childress’s passion for good wine and turned it into a thriving operation. There are 70 acres under vine, mostly European vitis vinifera. They do give a nod to our native muscadine grape with a rosé and a sparkling wine. The top of their extensive wine styles are the cabernet franc, and a glass-licking dessert viognier. Wine flights are offered daily 10-4:30 p.m. for $25 pp; the on-site bistro is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. They offer music events most weekends into September.
Junius Lindsay Vineyards
Lexington, N.C.
Michael Zimmerman took charge of the family farm that was founded by his grandfather in 1896. He selected Rhone varietals in 2004, and has eleven acres under vines, both red and white grapes. The highlights are roussanne, viognier, and syrah. Tastings are Friday-Sunday, 1-5 p.m., $20 pp.
Divine Llama Vineyard
East Bend, N.C.
What a fun concept: you can reserve a two-hour, two-mile trek through the hills with a llama carrying your gear, then return to the winery and have a tasting. The llamas are gentle and intelligent. The grapes grown here are well positioned for the region. The best options are traminette, merlot, and cabernet franc. A tasting of four wines is $12pp. Children are allowed for $10 to visit the llamas. Food trucks are often available on weekends. Hours: Thursday-Saturday from 12–6 p.m. Sunday from 1-6 p.m.
RayLen Vineyards
Mocksville, N.C.
RayLen has been making wine since 1999. They offer an interesting mix of vitis vinifera and local fruit wines. They do have wines in cans, including their pink fizzy wine, which is refreshing with a light sweet note. The vineyard is open 7 days per week, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tastings are $8-$15 pp.
Accommodations in the Lexington area include three cabins for two people on the Medaloni Cellars property in Lewisville, N.C. Prices range from $179-$250/night. The winery is open Wednesday–Sunday, with food trucks available on weekends.
