Among its many charms, Wilmington, N.C., is home to a growing wine culture. While the region does not have the extensive vineyard acreage of the central or western parts of the state, local producers, meaderies, and nearby wineries offer distinctive tasting experiences. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy small-batch wines made in town, day trips to regional vineyards, and a selection of curated wine shops that highlight local and international bottles.
Wineries In and Around Wilmington
Noni Bacca Winery
Noni Bacca Winery has become one of Wilmington’s most established names in local wine production. Founded by immigrants with roots in Italian and Eastern European winemaking traditions, the winery is known for its bold reds, fruit-forward whites, and innovative blends. With more than 60 wines available at different times throughout the year, guests find a broad spectrum of styles to sample.
The tasting room is welcoming, with knowledgeable staff eager to guide visitors through different selections. Many of their wines have earned recognition in national and international competitions, reinforcing their reputation for quality. For residents seeking one of the best wineries in Wilmington NC, Noni Bacca stands out for its range and consistent accolades.
The tasting room is welcoming, with knowledgeable staff eager to guide visitors through different selections. Many of their wines have earned recognition in national and international competitions, reinforcing their reputation for quality. For residents seeking one of the best wineries in Wilmington NC, Noni Bacca stands out for its range and consistent accolades.
Gregory Farms and Vineyard
Located in Angier, just a drive from Wilmington, Gregory Farms and Vineyard combines winemaking with farming traditions. The vineyard produces muscadine wines native to the Southeast that thrive in North Carolina’s climate. These wines feature a natural sweetness, making them popular with those who enjoy approachable, fruit-driven bottles.
Gregory Farms also emphasizes agritourism, with the vineyard grounds often serving as a gathering spot for events. Guests can walk the property, enjoy tastings, and learn about the agricultural practices that sustain the vineyard. This connection to farming roots gives Gregory Farms a distinct identity within the broader Wilmington wine scene.
Gregory Farms also emphasizes agritourism, with the vineyard grounds often serving as a gathering spot for events. Guests can walk the property, enjoy tastings, and learn about the agricultural practices that sustain the vineyard. This connection to farming roots gives Gregory Farms a distinct identity within the broader Wilmington wine scene.
Retro Meadery
Retro Meadery in Burgaw brings a different element to the region’s wine culture by specializing in mead, a fermented beverage made from honey. Their offerings include traditional meads and fruit-infused varieties that highlight local produce. Styles range from dry to semi-sweet, appealing to wine enthusiasts and those looking for something new.
The tasting room features a retro-inspired design that reflects the company’s branding and creates a fun environment for sampling. Mead may not be as common as grape wine, but Retro Meadery has carved out a niche and built a loyal following.
The tasting room features a retro-inspired design that reflects the company’s branding and creates a fun environment for sampling. Mead may not be as common as grape wine, but Retro Meadery has carved out a niche and built a loyal following.
Wineries Outside Wilmington
Silver Coast Winery
Silver Coast Winery in Ocean Isle Beach offers wine production and a full tasting room experience. Known for European-style wines, they produce dry reds, crisp whites, and barrel-aged selections. The winery also features an art gallery and event space, combining culture with winemaking. Visitors can take guided tours to see the production process and enjoy tastings in a relaxed coastal setting.
Grapefull Sisters Vineyard
Located in Tabor City, Grapefull Sisters Vineyard is a family-owned property producing muscadine and scuppernong wines. The vineyard has a rustic tasting room where guests can sample their signature wines, many of which emphasize the native grapes of the region. The atmosphere is laid-back, with outdoor seating available for those who want to enjoy the surrounding farmland.
Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery
Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery, situated in Elizabethtown, combines winemaking with hospitality. The property features a tasting room, restaurant, and lodging options, making it a destination for those seeking more than just wine. Their portfolio includes muscadine-based wines and blends, and the estate grounds host frequent events that draw visitors from across the region.
Lu Mil Vineyard
Lu Mil Vineyard in Elizabethtown specializes in muscadine wines and offers tastings in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. The vineyard also operates cabins and a gift shop, encouraging extended visits. Their wines are straightforward, approachable, and tied closely to North Carolina’s winemaking heritage.
Duplin Winery
Duplin Winery, located in Rose Hill, is one of the largest producers of muscadine wine in the country. Their tasting rooms attract large crowds, and the company has built a reputation for sweet and semi-sweet wines that appeal to a broad audience. The production scale sets Duplin apart, but the tasting experience remains engaging, with staff guiding visitors through extensive flight options.
Mill Branch Vineyards
Mill Branch Vineyards in Chadbourn emphasizes muscadine and fruit wines, reflecting the region's agricultural strengths. The vineyard offers tastings in a cozy setting, often accompanied by seasonal events. Its portfolio includes both traditional muscadine wines and creative blends that incorporate berries and other fruits.
Local Wine Stores in Wilmington
For those who prefer to explore wine selections beyond vineyards, Wilmington supports several shops and cafes specializing in curated bottles:
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The Wine Sampler: Offers a rotating selection of domestic and international wines, with frequent tastings that highlight different regions and producers.
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Wilmington Wine: A boutique store carrying a focused collection of wines, with knowledgeable staff available to guide customers based on taste and preference.
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Wendy’s House Wine Shop & Cafe: Combines a wine shop with a café setting, offering light bites alongside a carefully selected wine list emphasizing small producers.
These shops provide access to wines worldwide while maintaining a local, personalized atmosphere.
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