Tucked between the foothills and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Wilkes County NC offers something you don’t often find in one place. It blends Appalachian heritage, motorsports history, outdoor adventure, and a quietly growing wine scene into one easygoing destination.
This is where you can spend the morning on the water, the afternoon hiking to a waterfall, and the evening with a glass of wine overlooking the mountains.
Wineries to Visit in and Around Wilkes County NC
Wilkes County sits right in the heart of the Yadkin Valley. In fact, one of its strongest wine clusters is centered around Swan Creek. What makes this area stand out is how close everything is. Within a few miles, you can move between distinctly different wineries without ever feeling rushed.
Start with Raffaldini Vineyards, the region’s anchor and perhaps one of the state’s most well-known. In short, with Italian-inspired architecture, estate-grown wines, and sweeping hillside views, this place sets the tone for wine country in this part of North Carolina.
Just minutes away, Castello Barone Vineyards and Winery offers a more boutique, Old World experience. Castello Barone is intimate and personal, with a focus on small-batch wines and a quieter setting.
Nearby, Sotrio Vineyards and Winery brings a relaxed, social atmosphere to the mix. Known for its sunset views and laid-back feel, it’s the kind of place where a quick tasting turns into an afternoon. Sotrio also incorporates a microbrewery element, adding another layer to the experience.
Rounding out this immediate cluster, Piccione Vineyards offers a family-run, Sicilian-inspired experience that feels understated and authentic.
This pocket of wineries is often referred to as Wilkes County’s own “Little Italy.” Multiple vineyards influenced by European grapes and winemaking traditions sit just minutes apart.
Wineries Beyond Little Italy
From there, the wine trail expands outward. Roaring River Vineyards pairs tastings with riverfront views, a full restaurant, and a patio that overlooks the landscape.
You can also explore Jones von Drehle Vineyards and Winery, a cornerstone of the region known for its European varietals. Alternatively, discover something more niche at Stardust Cellars, where natural wines and meads lean into older, almost medieval traditions.
Nearby, MenaRick Vineyard and Winery introduces Portuguese winemaking influences to the region. Unquestionably, this adds even more diversity to the local wine scene.
A short drive toward Elkin opens up Adagio Vineyards and Elkin Creek Vineyard, the latter celebrating more than two decades with plantings of Merlot, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Elkin Creek also offers cabins along the creek, making it more of a destination than a simple tasting stop.
Major Attractions and Local Landmarks
Wilkes County carries a strong sense of identity rooted in history, and several key stops bring that story to life.
At the Wilkes Heritage Museum, you’ll find exhibits covering early settlers, the region’s moonshine legacy, and its role in shaping stock car racing. The preserved Old Wilkes Jail and Robert Cleveland Log Home add a tangible connection to the past.
That legacy continues at North Wilkesboro Speedway, widely known as one of the birthplaces of NASCAR. Even for those who aren’t racing fans, it’s a place that speaks to a major piece of American culture and to our state’s enduring industry.
Outdoor Experiences That Define the Region
If you’re a person who enjoys the outdoors, you’re in luck: Wilkes County NC is built for exploration.
Stone Mountain State Park is the standout. Its massive 600-foot granite dome anchors more than 16 miles of trails. Plus, there’s trout fishing, rock climbing, and some of the most unique terrain in North Carolina.
The W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir offers a different kind of outdoor experience, with boating, kayaking, and more than 30 miles of trails. The Warrior Creek system has become a destination for mountain bikers across the state.
For a slower pace, the Yadkin River Greenway provides an easy, scenic path connecting North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro along the river.
Waterfall hikes like Widow’s Creek Falls and nearby Moravian Falls offer quick but rewarding stops.
Just beyond the county, the Blue Ridge Parkway delivers some of the region’s most iconic overlooks, including The Lump and access to The Cascades.
A Different Kind of Adventure
For something more unexpected, Wilkes County offers experiences that go beyond the typical mountain getaway.
At Leatherwood Mountains Resort, the landscape opens up into rolling mountain ridgelines best explored on horseback. Known for its extensive trail system, it’s one of the most unique ways to take in the terrain and slow down the pace of your trip.
For a completely different perspective, Sky Retreat offers tandem paragliding experiences that lift you above the foothills and into open air above the Blue Ridge. Launching from ridgelines, you’ll glide over farmland, forests, and layered mountain views that stretch far beyond what you can see from the ground.
It’s approachable even for first-time flyers, with tandem experiences guided by experienced pilots. The feeling is less adrenaline and more calm, almost like floating through the landscape.
What makes it even more unique is the ability to stay on-site, waking up on the ridgeline and watching flights take off throughout the day.
Food, Spirits, and Local Flavor
Wilkes County’s roots show up clearly in its food and drink, but also in its farms.
Visitors can step beyond wineries and into hands-on agricultural experiences. From meeting Scottish Highland cattle to exploring working farms across the county, there’s a range of activities. At places like Paradise Family Farm and Crooked Creek Highlands, you can tour the land, learn about cattle operations. In fact, you can even interact with the animals, including the shaggy, long-horned Highland cows.
Seasonally, the county shifts into something entirely different. Flower farms like Late Bloomers Flower Farm and Russell Flower Farm bring fields of tulips, sunflowers, dahlias, and more, with you-pick days and events that change throughout the year.
For something truly local, Hidden Happiness Bee Farm offers a deep dive into honey production. Plus, there are tastings of sourwood, clover, and other varieties, along with classes and a well-loved on-site shop.
Orchards are another major part of the experience. Spots like Perry Lowe Orchards, Parker’s Orchard and Pumpkin Patch, and Tevepaugh Orchards bring seasonal offerings ranging from apples and peaches to pumpkin patches and fresh cider donuts, especially in the fall.
New Castle Farm adds to that mix with seasonal you-pick berries, produce, and occasional farm-to-table dinners.
Distilling remains a core part of the region’s identity as well. For example, Call Family Distillers continue a tradition of strong spirits.
Downtown North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro round things out with a growing mix of restaurants, coffee shops, and storefronts.
Where to Stay in Wilkes County NC
Wilkes County offers a range of stays that match the pace of the destination.
For a more immersive experience, Leatherwood Mountains Resort doubles as both an activity hub and a place to stay, with cabins spread across the property.
For something more unique, Sky Retreat offers ridgeline accommodations tied directly to the paragliding experience.
You’ll also find vineyard stays and farm-based lodging throughout the area. This includes properties like Bramabella Vineyards and Airbnb. Here, guests can stay on a working property with trails, gardens, and mountain views.
For a more casual, outdoors-focused stay, campgrounds like Parker Farms Campground offer tent and RV options, even within reach of the speedway.
The Takeaway
Wilkes County NC offers a well-rounded experience without the crowds. You can build a full weekend around wineries, outdoor adventure, agriculture, and local flavor, all within a short drive of each other.
Ultimately, it’s the kind of place that feels easy to settle into and even easier to come back to.
