Many folks across the state have heard of North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley wine country, but it can be daunting to decipher the best way to visit this federally-recognized American Viticultural Area that is home to more than 40 wineries.
Fortunately, the wineries in Surry County make it easy to visit each year via the Winter Wine & Beer Passport. This is the 10th year that people can purchase a money-saving passport and sip their way through the Yadkin Valley.
The passports are valid for nearly four months, from Nov. 29 of this year to March 22, 2020, and make great holiday gifts. Each passport provides tastings at 10 wineries, four breweries, and a whiskey distillery.
In addition to tastings at all 15 partners, passport holders receive discounts at restaurants, accommodations, and retail shops. Another perk is a keepsake gift presented during the first tasting. This year’s gift is a five-piece wine & beer opener set in a decorative bottle-shaped display case.
The number of tasting experiences has increased this year. Yadkin Valley’s newest winery, Haze Gray Vineyards in Dobson, joins the rotation, along with Thirsty Souls Community Brewing and White Elephant Beer Company, located across the street from each other in downtown Mount Airy. Mayberry Spirits, also in downtown Mount Airy, is the first distillery to participate.
Last year was the most successful program ever and returning from last year are the following wineries: Adagio Vineyards, Carolina Heritage, Elkin Creek, Grassy Creek, Roaring River, Round Peak, Shelton Vineyards, Slightly Askew and Stony Knoll. Returning breweries are Angry Troll and Skull Camp.
The passport includes some of the most scenic wineries in the Yadkin Valley and for those looking to stay overnight, five wineries offer discount lodging on-property: Carolina Heritage, Elkin Creek, Grassy Creek, Round Peak and Slightly Askew.
Early-bird pricing is $65 for individual passports and $99 for two-person passports through Nov. 28. Regular pricing kicks in Nov. 29 with rates of $75 for individuals and $115 for two people. The estimated passport value is $250.
