the Destination Magazine™

17 Wineries, One Park: The “Grape-est” Party in North Carolina Returns

Posted on by Destination Magazine Food & Travel Creative Team
17 Wineries, One Park: The “Grape-est” Party in North Carolina Returns

Sip back and relax in Elkin with 17 wineries, live music, and local eats—it’s a “cork-popping” good time for all!

By The Destination Magazine Creative Team

If you’ve been feeling a little bottled up lately, it’s time to un-wined in the heart of North Carolina. Mark your calendars for May 16, 2026, because the Yadkin Valley Wine Festival is returning to Elkin Municipal Park, and quite frankly, it’s going to be grape.

As the premier celebration of the Yadkin Valley AVA, this festival is the perfect excuse to gather your best buds and head to the foothills. Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or someone who just likes to say “I’ll have the red one,” this event has something for every palate. With over 17 local wineries expected to pour their hearts out from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, you’re guaranteed to find a vintage that makes you feel fine-tuned.

The festival isn’t just about the liquid gold, though. You can sip back and relax to live music at the bandshell—just don’t forget to bring your own chairs or blankets! If you’re feeling a bit cork-y, you can dance the afternoon away or wander through the rows of local artisans and food vendors. Just a heads-up: while the festival is family-friendly, leave Fido at home; only service animals are permitted, so don’t make a sparkling scene at the gate.

Logistics are a total breeze. Parking is available for $10 (benefiting the Elkin Rescue Squad), but if you’d rather not worry about being the designated driver, the festival offers a $10 shuttle service from local hotels. For those who want to stay within stumbling—err, walking—distance, charming spots like the Six28 House Bed & Breakfast have you covered.

Remember, you must be 21+ to taste, and the festival strictly enforces a “no ID, no entry” policy—no exceptions, even if you look like you’ve been aging gracefully like a fine Cabernet. Tickets are available online or at the gate, so there’s no reason to let this opportunity slip through your glass.

So, don’t make a pour decision and miss out on the fun. We’ll see you in Elkin on May 16th! It’s going to be a cork-popping good time that you’ll be riesling to tell all your friends about. Cheers to 2026!

For details or tickets, visit yadkinvalleywinefestival.com or call (336) 526-1111

Subscribe Now

Weekly Destinations to Enjoy

We Tell You Where To Go!

Destination Magazine Food & Travel Creative Team

Think of us as your digital tour guides with a serious design addiction. At The Destination Magazine, our creative team has spent over 40 years mastering the art of the “wish you were here” feeling. We’ve traded city traffic for scenic routes and cubicles for wide-open spaces, all to prove that the best stories aren’t found on a screen—they’re found down a dirt road in the middle of nowhere. We’ve gotten so good at making rural look radical that we were even named an Adobe Success Story. Apparently, our layout and design techniques are officially “the gold standard,” but we just like to think of it as making sure the local hidden gems get the spotlight they deserve. Whether it’s a tiny mountain town or a coastal secret, we use our four decades of design magic to make sure you’re inspired to pack a bag, grab your keys, and go find some fresh air.