Popular Yadkin Valley program is underway- 919 Magazine Jan/Feb 2020

Yadkin Valley

Discount Winter Passport Offers Wine Tastings

North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley wine country has a special offer to visit the federally recognized American Viticultural Area that is home to more than 40 wineries.

The Winter Wine & Beer Passport program celebrates its 10th consecutive year that people from across the state can purchase a money-saving passport and sip their way through the Yadkin Valley.

The passports are valid through March 22, 2020. Each passport provides a tasting at 10 wineries and four breweries, along with a bonus tasting at a whiskey distillery. In addition to receiving a tasting at all 15 partners, passport holders receive discounts at nearly two dozen restaurants, accommodations and retail shops.

Another perk is a keepsake gift presented to each passport holder during their first tasting. This year’s gift is a five-piece wine and beer opener set that comes in a decorative wine bottle-shaped display case.

The number of tasting experiences has increased from last year. Yadkin Valley’s newest winery, Haze Gray Vineyards in Dobson, joins the rotation this winter, 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. It is known for whiskey made from sorghum grain-based mash instead of the more commonly used corn mash.

Last year was the most successful program ever, with double the passport sales from 2018-19. Returning from last year’s lineup are the following award-winning 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 visiting during the cooler months increases the chances of interacting directly with the winemakers and maybe even getting a behind-the-scenes tour.

Passport pricing is $75 for individuals and $115 for two people (the estimated value of each passport is $250).

For details or to purchase a Winter Wine & Beer Passport, visit yadkinvalleync.com or call 336-526-1111.

919 Magazine Jan/Feb 2020