Winery Etiquette

foodsandflavors ™ ~ Yadkin Valley Wines

To learn more about visiting Yadkin Valley Wineries:

John & Carrie Byrd Yadkin Valley Wine Tours

yadkinwinetours.com 336-408-3394

Things to know

before visiting the Yadkin Valley Wine Country

Writer/Photos John & Carrie Byrd

Here are some pointers that all visitors to the vineyards of the Yadkin Valley should know when planning your trip. These tips will enhance your experience and make for a more enjoyable day (or weekend.)

Check websites for hours of operation as well as policies regarding pets, children and outside food/coolers. Not all vineyards are open every day of the week. Several have food trucks on the weekends and do not allow outside food to be brought in and many do not allow pets or anyone under 21 on their property.

If you are traveling with a group of eight or more people, please be sure to call ahead the week prior to your visit. Some vineyards require a reservation for larger groups and may turn you away if you’ve not called ahead. They have to plan ahead as well and staff accordingly. Please also be sure to stick to your reserved time as the vineyards sometimes have multiple groups throughout the day and showing up late can cause a problem.

Please keep in mind that outside alcohol is prohibited by state law.

If you do bring a picnic, be courteous to the staff and others coming to the property after you and clean up after yourself.

If your group is too loud or intoxicated, the tasting room staff reserves the right to not serve you and ask you to leave.

Whether you are doing a flight or a full tasting, be polite and give the tasting room staff member your undivided attention. There will be time for selfies and group photos afterwards. Most of the vineyards are doing some form of flight or tasting. If you are visiting on a Saturday, keep in mind that this is the busiest day for them, so it may take a little longer to maneuver from place to place. Fridays are a great time to visit!

Only smoke in designated areas.

Most vineyards in the area close at 5:00pm, so it’s best to show up no later than 4:00pm, as many have a “last call” at 4:30pm. You’ll want to allow yourself at least an hour at each stop to enjoy your time. Most of the venues in the area do not have meal service, so you’ll want to check to see if they have a food truck and/or music planned. These two things combined can make for a really fun afternoon. It can also help avoid any potential dietary needs not being met.

While this may sound like a “list of rules,” it’s not meant to spoil your fun. It’s simply meant to help make your day better and more enjoyable as you navigate the vineyards of the Yadkin Valley and experience some really great wines, views and people.

Love that healthy smile!

help keep your teeth happy with these tips WRITER Dr. Andrew Rivers

Want to avoid cavities? The best liquids to drink are water, milk ad unsweet tea. Practice exemplary dental hygiene at home—brushing and flossing!

Using a hard bristled brush with an aggressive brushing technique can cause irreversible damage to your teeth and surrounding tissue. Use a soft brush and avoid bearing down on your teeth and gums. Rinse out your mouth with mouthwash or at least water after every meal to help fill germs.

Kid’s sealants are a hard material this is placed into the pits in their young teeth. They are one of the most successful and costeffective means of preventing cavities.

A note from YVM: One of Santa’s stocking gifts to our two kids growing up was a brand new toothbrush with a tube of their favorite toothpaste. Today even though they are in their mid 30s the tradition continues. Now our kids have kids of their own and guess what, the toothbrush tradition continues! So brush up your Christmas stockings! Dr. Andrew Rivers

Dental Tips are provided by: Dr. Andrew Rivers Rivers Family & Cosmetic Dentistry 118 Hospital St., Mocksville 336-751-6289 RiversFamilyDentistry.com