For decades, the area was a key tobacco-growing region. However, as tobacco farming and cigarette manufacturing in the area declined, some entrepreneurs, including tobacco farmers, have turned to winemaking. The native grapes of this region of the southeastern United States include Vitis cordifolia, Vitis labrusca, Vitis aestivalis, Vitis cinerea, and Vitis rotundifolia (muscadine and scuppernong). Early attempts to grow the European wine grape, Vitis vinifera, in the southeastern United States, including 18th century efforts by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, Virginia, had mixed success. But in the past two to three decades, viticultural research has helped these grapes to survive the climate, soil, and pests of the region.[6] Additionally, Surry Community College, located in Dobson, North Carolina, has served as a valuable community resource for this growing industry by offering certificate and degree programs in viticulture and enology.[7] In 2005, Davidson County Community College formed a partnership with Surry Community College for the delivery of the viticulture and enology program/certifications in Davidson and Davie counties.[2]
In 2003, in an effort led by Charlie and Ed Shelton of Shelton Vineyards, the United States' Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives approved the new appellation for the region with the name Yadkin Valley AVA, allowing winemakers to bottle wines with a label indicating that the wine came from the Yadkin Valley. In 2005, there were 14 wineries and 400 acres (162 ha) of vineyards in the region. By 2013, there were 38 wineries operating in the Yadkin Valley.[8] By mid 2024, there are 45 wineries making wine in the Yadkin Valley.[9]
Decanter Magazine published a story about the Yadkin Valley region in October 2021.
Southern Living Magazine published a feature story about the Yadkin Valley region in November 2007.[10]
Local wine festivals
The Yadkin Valley Wine Festival is traditionally held the third Saturday in May at the Municipal Park in Elkin. The Yadkin Valley Grape Festival is held the third Saturday in October in Yadkinville. Prior to 2005, these wineries also participated in the North Carolina Wine Festival.[11] The Budbreak Wine and Craft Beer Festival is usually held in downtown Mount Airy, North Carolina on the first Saturday in May.[12][13]
^"§ 9.174 Yadkin Valley"(Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Part 9 — American Viticultural Areas; Subpart C — Approved American Viticultural Areas). Code of Federal Regulations. Retrieved November 16, 2007.
^ abcd"Yadkin Valley Viticultural Area (2001R-88P)"(27 CFR 9 67 FR 5756). Federal Register. Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bureau. February 7, 2002. pp. 5756–5761. Retrieved May 16, 2020.