North Carolina Fall Grape Festival Is A Must For Muscadine Wine Lovers

When I hear anything about muscadine wine, I always think of Jack Daniel. He's a big fan although I'm not sure he knows about this fun fall festival. If you're a wine fan the NC Muscadine Festival will be celebrating, it's 19th anniversary this year. According to Only In Your State, the festival began in 2005 and has been growing strong since.

The festival is in Kenansville, North Carolina which is about 3 1/2 hours from Charlotte. Looking at a map it looks like it's just past Fayetteville. September 30th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. you can enjoy wines from over 20 wineries, see live music, dance, and eat lots of yummy food. In addition to the wine, there's a ton of local arts and crafts to check out and an amateur wine making contest.

If you're into tailgating, this festival may be for you! There's a 'Tailgating Decorating Contest' and folks go all out for it. The winner of the contest receives a bottle of wine, festival t-shirts, and free tailgating space for the following year's festival. Looking at the festival's website, the same group has won the contest for the past five years. If you're into tailgating, wine, and are really creative, you may be able to win! Tailgaters who wish to participate will be judged on creativity, originality, wine/grape theme, and/or humor. There will be a prize for first, second, and third place. The application deadline for the tailgating contest is September 15, so start planning now!

This festival looks like a blast, and going with a group would be a good time! This is an excellent spot for a girl's weekend. Not too far of a road trip, shopping, lots of wine, and food! Sounds like a blast to me.

The NC Muscadine Festival is at the Duplin Events Center at 195 Fairgrounds Drive in Kenansville, NC. Gates open at 9:30 am on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Tickets in advance are only $20 per person, $25 per person at the gate the day of the festival. More info on the festival is here. If you're into muscadine wine, this is a must for you!  Here's a short video from last year so you can get a feel for the event.

Cheers! Did you know North Carolina is the home of America's first grape? North Carolina is also the only place in the world where every major type of grape is grown. Visit NC curated a list of 8 wine trails and vineyards to visit across the state. With nearly 200 wineries in North Carolina, enjoy a great sip throughout the state.

North Carolina wineries and vineyards will truly have you sipping great energy across the state. North Carolina offers intriguing wine experiences including vineyards with llamas, a treehouse, and the country's most visited winery. Lucky for you, I took Visit NC's list and brought it here just for you!

The Yadkin Valley area is one of the most prominent wine regions on the East Coast. While the valley is home to more than 40 vineyards and wineries, you can plan your trip by focusing on the dozen or so that stretch across the charming, neighboring towns of Elkin, Pilot Mountain, Dobson, and Mount Airy.

Visit the Swan Creek Wine Trail and enjoy a good time! There are 4 vineyards all within 5 miles of each other. The wineries specialize in varietal wines and blends including a strawberry "shortcake" wine at Shadow Springs Vineyard.

Divine Llama Vineyards is home to the largest llama farm in the Southeast! Visit and pick your favorite vintage and take a short stroll to the llamas, who are perfect for photo ops and inducing laughs.

Visit the Southern Getaway Wine Trail and enjoy not only great wine, but some great barbecue. Located in the central region, the city has its own style of barbecue, the aptly named Lexington-style for you to enjoy. 

Head to the mountains and enjoy great sips with even better views! The Biltmore Winery is your chance to visit the largest private home in America and enjoy great wine. This winery is the country's most visited winery and one you will not forget.

Visiting Rose Hill? Head to Duplin Winery and enjoy wine from the largest wine production facility on the East Coast. Head to the local wine stores and get some of your favorites including: Carolina Red, Hatteras Red, Magnolia and Scuppernong labels. 

Spend the night at your favorite wineries and the fun never has to end. Banner Elk Winery and Villa is your chance to sip great labels and enjoy a night in the mountains. Or stay at the Treehouse Vineyards in Monroe near Charlotte and enjoy a unique wine filled experience.

Hard cider is truly the secret spot in everyone's heart. Head to Mills River and visit Bold Rock Hard Cider near Asheville and enjoy a taproom, tasting bar, and patio for a great time.