I did not expect Wilkes County wine country to be this good. Tucked just east of the High Country, it is a part of North Carolina that somehow flies under the radar, even though it has everything going for it: Rolling hills, vineyard views, mountain backdrops, and a pace that feels refreshingly unhurried.
At just about an hour and a half from Charlotte, it feels like a true getaway without a long drive. It is quieter than Boone and less crowded than the Blue Ridge Parkway hotspots.
What really won me over was the wine country. You can spend an entire weekend here traveling from one winery to the next without ever feeling rushed. Each one has its own personality, its own views, and its own style. Add in a couple of great places to stay and scenery that makes you want to slow down, and it’s clear why this is the kind of trip you start recommending to friends before you even get home
Where to Stay
There are two places I would stay again in a heartbeat. Roaring River Vineyards offers on-site lodging right along the river, and it might be one of the most relaxing places to wake up in Wilkes County. You can hear the water flowing in the morning, open the windows to fresh air, and ease into the day without a plan. From there, it is an easy walk next door to the winery for tastings, snacks, and a glass of wine whenever the mood strikes.
If you want big views and a little more privacy, Skyline Lodge is incredible. This log cabin sits on top of a mountain and looks out over Wilkes County with sweeping, expansive views. After a full day of tasting, sitting outside with a glass of wine and watching the light fade across the hills completed the experience.
Piccione Vineyards
Piccione Vineyards is the perfect place to start the weekend in Wilkes County. The deck is where you want to be here. The views are unreal, with rolling vineyards stretching out below and mountains quietly framing the horizon. They focus on European-style wines, especially Italian varietals, with a thoughtful mix of reds and whites. Sitting on the deck with a glass in hand, it is easy to lose track of time. This is one of those places where the setting and the wine work together so well that you find yourself ordering another pour just to stay a little longer.
Raffaldini Vineyards
Raffaldini is the winery everyone talks about, and once you visit, you quickly understand. The Italian villa-style building sits high on a hill, and the views from the patio are some of the best in the region. Raffladini specializes in Italian wines, particularly bold reds like Sangiovese and Montepulciano. The tasting experience feels polished but still approachable. Sitting outside with a glass of red, overlooking the vineyards, it genuinely feels like you have been transported somewhere far from North Carolina.
Sotrio Vineyards
Sotrio Vineyards has a totally different energy, and I loved it for that. It has a laid-back feel that makes you want to relax and settle in. The deck becomes the natural gathering spot, especially on a sunny afternoon, and it feels more like hanging out at a friend’s place.
Along with wine, Sotrio serves beer, which makes it an easy stop for groups with mixed tastes. Be sure to say hi to Sweet Baby June while you are there. She is the owner’s pup and even has a wine named after her, perfectly on brand for the place. Sotrio is the kind of spot where one drink easily turns into two.
Castello Barone Vineyards
Castello Barone feels deeply connected to the land around it. The setting is pastoral and open, surrounded by farmland that gives the whole place a calm, grounded feel. It is less about spectacle and more about space, light, and breathing room. The winery building stands out immediately, finished in rich Italian red, white, and green tones that nod directly to its roots.
Inside, the light is incredible, filling the space and playing off the tall ceilings in a way that feels warm and expansive. They focus on European-inspired wines, especially reds that feel expressive and well made. Sitting here with a glass in hand, looking out over the fields, it feels honest and unpretentious in the best way.
Roaring River Vineyards
Roaring River Vineyards might be the most versatile stop of the entire weekend. If the weather is nice, sitting by the river with a glass of wine and a charcuterie board is hard to beat. If it is cold outside, heading indoors and grabbing a seat by the fire is just as good. Their wines cover a wide range, from crisp whites to smooth, easy-drinking reds, making it a great place to explore different styles. If you are staying on-site, this is where the weekend really sinks in.
What made Wilkes County so memorable for me was how genuine it felt—nothing felt forced or overproduced. The wineries are beautiful but approachable, the views are stunning without being overcrowded, and every stop feels like it has its own personality. Plus, the people we met along the way were just wonderful. This is the kind of weekend that actually feels like a true escape.
If you love great wine, incredible scenery, and places that still feel a little under the radar, Wilkes County wine country is a near-perfect trip.
