Wilmington Area Wineries
North Carolina is the twelfth largest wine producing state in the US. The original wines produced in the state were from the Scuppernong variety of muscadine grapes, but today there are over 100 wineries around NC, producing wines of all types. There are a few wineries in town, and three within an hour drive of the Wilmington area, each offering tastings, tours, and unique local wines.
Duplin Winery
Duplin Winery, located to the North off of I-40 in Rose Hill, is the oldest winery in North Carolina, and the largest muscadine grape winery in the world. Their wines offer a very distinct, non-traditional flavor, and have won several awards. Duplin produces nearly 200,000 cases of wine per year. Many wines bare names that honor the local area, such as Bald Head Red, Beaufort Bay and Hatteras Red. Duplin is open from 9 to 6 Monday through Saturday and offers free production tours and free tastings. There are also a number of special events throughout the year, and the on-site Bistro is open for lunch, and available for private event rental.
Bannerman Vineyard and Winery
Also North of Wilmington, in Pender County, lies Bannerman Vineyard and Winery. The Bannermans have been cultivating grapes since 1973, and have expanded their winery in recent years. Their selections include sweet muscadine wine varieties to also include local Strawberry and Blueberry wines. Tastings are offered daily during the harvest season depending upon winery hours. Harvest season hours for the 2015 season are Monday-Saturday 9-6 and Sunday 12-6. The space is also available for private event rentals. The Bannermans travel with their wines, participating in local Farmer’s Markets as well as a number of festivals and events throughout the year.
Address: 2620 Stag Park Rd Burgaw 28245 – (910) 259-5474.
Silver Coast Winery
Silver Coast Winery is located near Ocean Isle Beach. Situated on 40 acres of vineyard surrounded by lush woods, Silver Coast produces about 10,000 cases of wine per year including white, red, and blush varieties. The winery offers tours of their facility that take you from the vineyard to the bottles in the wine cellar. Silver Coast wines may be sampled in their lovely tasting room and are available for purchase by the glass or by the bottle. The winery has picnic grounds for their visitors plus an art gallery showcasing works by local artists. Tours and tastings are offered daily March through November, and then closed Monday and Tuesday, and with shortened hours through the rest of the week during the winter.
Noni Bacca Winery
In town, Noni Bacca Winery is an international award-winning boutique winery. They produce about 20 different varieties of wine, and also offer a large selection of wine making equipment, supplies, and wine kits for the home wine maker. Tastings are available daily for $5, or $8 including a souvenir glass. Group rates are also available. Lumina Winery and Brewing Company is also an option in Wilmington. They are dedicated to the production of small batch quality wines and beers. Tastings are offered daily, and there is a small retail shop. Wilmington Home Brew Supply is a new shop in town, featuring everything the home brewer or winemaker might need. They also host special tastings and educational sessions.
