The nearby Yadkin Valley is designated as the first viticultural appellation in North Carolina. There are 150 appellations in United States, including 14 in the southern region. A region can gain an appellation if its soil, growing season, climate and amount of rainfall vary from the surrounding areas. The Yadkin Valley is very distinct with soil that is clayey, well-drained and moderately fertile, which are excellent qualities for grape growing. In the past decade, the number of wineries in North Carolina has leaped from 15 to 100.
Many of the North Carolina wineries are within a 90 minute drive of the Proximity Hotel. Here are a few you may want to tour during your visit with us:
CHILDRESS VINEYARDS
Childress Vineyards is one of the most prominent wineries in the state’s re-emerging wine industry that has grown from 21 to more than 100 wineries since the year 2000. Childress Vineyards features 72 acres of vineyards and 11 varieties of European Vitis vinifera cultivars at two vineyards sites: Richard’s Hampton Road Estate in Davidson County and Vineyard Crossing at the winery site. The terroir, with its combination of humid climate, long growing season and gravely, red clay soil are the key natural features of Childress Vineyards.
RAYLEN VINEYARDS
RayLen Vineyards & Winery won over 200 medals at various statewide, regional, and international competitions. Shepard has been recognized by Robert Parker for his 1991 vintage wines, while RayLen has been lauded by the Wine Spectator as one of the premier wineries in the Southeast. An easy drive from downtown Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and the Research Triangle, RayLen Vineyards & Winery is close enough to be your neighborhood winery.
SHELTON VINEYARDS
Founded in 1999 by Brothers Charlie and Ed Shelton, Shelton Vineyards was envisioned as a new agricultural resource for an area once dependent on tobacco farming. Located in the heart of North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley, Shelton Vineyards is 180 degrees from any winery you will find on the West Coast. The distinctive characteristics of Shelton wine come from the unique soil and climate of the Yadkin Valley. This helps give Shelton wine an inimitable taste that holds its own against any wine from any area in the world.
Grove Winery
Grove Winery and Vineyards in Guilford County is open daily till 6 p.m. for tours, tastings or simply a glass of wine on their patio. The 44-acre farm features a small, artisan winery and the estate vineyards which are located on sloping, mineral rich land in the Haw River Valley wine country. The estate vineyards feature wine grapes that thrive in this microclimate: Merlot, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Cab Franc, Traminette and Tempranillo. They also own a mountain vineyard 65 miles north of the winery near Smith Mountain Lake, VA where they grow grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Norton which benefit from cooler weather. They are about 12 miles from the Proximity.
Stonefield Cellars Winery
An award-winning winery that offers the complete wine experience in an accessible and romantic setting just north of Greensboro. On-site tasting room, tours, wine, and gifts. 8220 NC Hwy 68 N., Stokesdale. 16 miles from Greensboro.
RAgApple Lassie Vineyards
RagApple Lassie has enough acreage to allow site-specific plantings for several varieties. Beginning with a ten acre plot of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, the RagApple Lassie has recently planted more Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, plus plantings of Merlot and Viognier. Open 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. daily. Directions from Greensboro: I-40 to Highway 421 West. Take second exit after crossing the Yadkin River, Speer Bridge Road Exit. Turn right at top of ramp and travel approximately 1000 feet to “T” intersection. Turn left on Old 421. Go approximately 3 miles. Turn right on Pilot View Church Road and go 3 miles to stop sign (intersection Union Cross Church Road). Go through stop sign, road name changes to Sugartown Road. Go approximately 3 miles to stop sign at “T” intersection. Turn right on Rockford Road. Go approximately 2.5 miles and RagApple Lassie Winery will be on your right. Approximately 90 minutes from Greensboro.
BREWERIES
Beer connoisseurs and those that just like a “cold one” are sure to enjoy the tastes that Greensboro has to offer. Within the past couple years, there has been a boom in breweries in the area. Several new breweries have opened or announced plans to open in Greensboro. Breweries in Greensboro range from small hometown breweries to one of the largest in the state! North Carolina celebrates NC Beer Month every year during the month of April. Guests during April will find specials on North Carolina Beers and events all month long at participating locations.
Gibb’s hundred brewing co.
Gibb’s Hundred Brewing Co. is a family owned and operated microbrewery in downtown Greensboro. Brewing a consistently high quality craft beer with a focus on ingredients and craftsmanship. Gibbs Hundred Brewing received the coveted gold medal for “The Guilty Party” in the Extra Special Bitter category at the 2015 Great American Beer Festival. Visit the taproom and be welcomed into the Gibb’s community; have a pint, learn about beer, take a tour or just relax with new friends.
Natty Greene’s Brewery
The birthplace of Natty Greene’s is a great place to get the full Natty’s experience. Twelve taps serve up the brews we’re most famous for, plus a rotation of brewhouse exclusives, seasonals and one-of-a-kind inventions. Enjoy family-friendly dining on the first floor or stop by to hoist a pint of our finest in the second floor taproom.
Joymongers Brewing Co.
Joymongers Brewing Co. is Greensboro’s newest brewery opening in July of 2016! The entire focus of this brewery is local and Greensboro creating a unique expereince for visitors. Joymongers features 20 taps, eighteen beers will be brewed in-house. Of the 20 taps, one-third will be mainstays, one-third will be seasonal beers, and a third will be wildy experimental!
Preyer brewing
Preyer Brewing Co. is one of Greensboro’s newest breweries. Open to the public since May 2015 Preyer Brewing Co. is a family run business. Brewing a variety of beers Preyer is located next to Crafted the Art of Street Food. While they don’t serve food you are welcome to bring your own.
pig pounder brewery
The Pig Pounder Brewery is a local microbrewery specializing in producing outstanding authentic UK style beers including types like an Extra Special Bitter, an English Dark Mild, and a classic Milk Stout. The brewery also features an interactive tasting room, made for connecting with our guests and educating them more about beer.
Greensboro Distilling, LLC – fainting Goat Spirits
A craft distillery, Greensboro Distilling, LLC is family owned and operated, opening in Greensboro in 2016. We will create small batch, quality spirits.
Red Oak Brewery
Red Oak Brewery is America’s largest lager only craft brewery. This brewery follows the 1516 Reinheitsgebot (Purity Law) the world’s oldest consumer protection law, which means this beer contain only Bavarian malted barley, noble hops and lager yeast. These fresh, pure lagers are unfiltered and unpasteurized for a rich, smooth taste. Tours available.
Four Saints Brewing Company
Four Saints Brewing pays homage to the patron saints of beer, Saint Wenceslaus, Saint Nicholas, Saint Luke and Saint Augustine of Hippo. They’ve become the most recognized patron saints for brewing and beer because of their contributions to and associations with the world’s favorite sudsy beverage. Four Saints Founders Joel McClosky and Andrew Deming are carrying on the brewing tradition in the hopes of future sainthood, or at least to make some really good beer.
Foothills Brewing
Foothills began brewing beer in March 2005. Today the brewery location continues to produce our top-quality beers. They offer weekend tours from the tasting room at the main brewing facility.
Sutler’s Spirit Co.
Returning the rich heritage of hand crafted spirits to Winston-Salem, NC one small batch at a time. Sutler’s Spirit Co. is a small family owned distillery located in the unique West End Mill Works. Sutler’s Spirit Co. currently has a gin on the market and rum aging in the barrel. Tours are available most Saturday afternoons along with some Friday evenings. As required by NC law bottles can be purchased after taking a tour.