First visit? Planning ahead? Here are the answers to the questions we get most.
(01)
Plan Your Visit
What are your tasting room hours?We're open Friday 2-7 PM, Saturday 12 - 7:30 PM, and Sunday 12 - 6 PM. Monday through Thursday is by appointment.
Do I need a reservation?Nope. Walk-ins are always welcome. If you're bringing a group of 8 or more, give us a heads-up so we can make room for everyone.
How do wine tastings work?Keep it simple: pick a 3- or 4-wine flight and taste at your own pace. Know exactly what you like? Glasses and bottles are available too. No wine vocabulary is required.
Do you accommodate large groups?Absolutely. For groups of 8 or more, just give us a call ahead so we can get you set up.
Are kids welcome?Yep! Golden Road is family-friendly, and we have lawn games and plenty of outdoor space to enjoy!
Are dogs allowed?Definitely. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome inside and out.
Can I bring outside food?Absolutely. Pack a picnic, grab takeout on the way, or check our events calendar to see if a food truck is visiting. Outside food is always welcome.
Do you have indoor and outdoor seating?We do. Grab a seat in the tasting room or settle into the covered courtyard. It's a great place to enjoy a sunset!
What happens if it rains?Wine still pours. We have indoor and covered outdoor seating, so a little North Carolina weather doesn't have to ruin your plans.
Is the tasting room accessible?Yes. We have accessible parking right by the front door, an accessible restroom, and sidewalks connecting the tasting room to our covered courtyard and patio.
Where do I park?Our main gravel parking lot is right in front of the tasting room. If that's full, additional parking is available behind the tasting room and between the tasting room and our rental cottages.
(02) The Wine
Wine Without the Winesplaining
What kind of wines do you make?A little bit of everything: Sparkling, white, rosé, red, and even a few barrel-aged experiments. Our lineup changes throughout the year, so there's usually something new to try.
Do you have dry and sweet wines?Yep. Our wines range from dry to a little sweeter with plenty in between. Tell us what you normally enjoy and we'll help you find a good place to start.
What grapes do you grow?We grow Traminette and Petit Manseng right here at Golden Road. They both do well in North Carolina and have become a pretty big part of who we are.
Are all your wines estate grown?Nope and we're happy to tell you where the grapes come from. We grow Traminette and Petit Manseng here and source other grapes from growers in North Carolina's Yadkin Valley. Great local wine doesn't have to stop at our property line.
What are Traminette and Petit Manseng?Two white wine grapes you might not know, but we think you should! Traminette is aromatic and incredibly versatile, while Petit Manseng thrives in our North Carolina climate. The best way to understand them? Come taste them!
What does Yadkin Valley AVA mean?AVA stands for American Viticultural Area, a designated wine-growing region. The Yadkin Valley is our home wine region here in North Carolina. Basically, it tells you something about where the grapes come from, not how fancy you need to be to drink them. The Yadkin Valley is the first federally recognized AVA in North Carolina.
How do I know which wine I'll like?You don't have to. Tell us what you normally drink, what you know you don't like, or even just whether you want something dry, sweet, light, or bold. We'll go from there.
What if I don't know anything about wine?Perfect. You don't need to know grapes, regions, or tasting terms to enjoy wine here. Ask questions, point at the one with the cool label, or just tell us "I usually like this." We'll help with the rest.
Why do your wines have unusual names?There's usually a story behind them. Some come from our Navy background, some from family, and others from places and moments along the way. Ask us about the bottle you're drinking. We're always happy to share the story.
Do you have award-winning wines?We do! Several of our wines have earned recognition in North Carolina and beyond! We're proud of the medals, but we're even happier when you find the bottle you think deserves one.
(03) More to Pour
Beyond The Wine
Do you serve beer?Yep! We keep a selection of North Carolina craft beer on hand for the "I came to a winery but I'm really a beer person" crowd.
Do you have non-alcoholic options?Absolutely. We have several zero-proof choices, plus other non-alcoholic drinks, so there's something to sip even if wine isn't on the agenda.
Do you have non-alcoholic wine?We do! We keep non-alcoholic wine options available so you can still enjoy the winery experience without the alcohol.
Can I visit if I don't drink?Of course. Come for the views, music, friends, events or just an afternoon outside. You don't have to drink wine, or drink at all, to enjoy the Golden Road.
(04) While You're Here
Food, Music, & Events
Do you have live music?We do! You'll often find live music at Golden Road on weekends. Check our events calendar or social media for the latest lineup.
Is there a cover charge for live music?Most of our regular live music is free to enjoy. If an event requires a ticket or cover charge, we'll make that clear in the event details.
Where can I find upcoming events?Check the Events page on our website for what's coming up. We also share upcoming music, food, dinners and other happenings on Facebook and Instgram.
Do events require tickets?Some do, but many don't. Special dinners and other limited-capacity events may require advance tickets. We'll always include that information in the event details.
Can I host a private event?Absolutely. From casual get-togethers to larger celebrations, we'd be happy to talk about what you have in mind and whether Golden Road is a good fit.
Can we celebrate a birthday or special occasion? Please do! For a casual celebration, come grab some wine and enjoy the space. If you're bringing a larger group or want something more private, reach out ahead of time and we'll help you figure out the best option.
(05) To Go
Take Some Home
Can I buy bottles to take home?Absolutely. Anything available by the bottle in the tasting room can come home with you. Fair warning: choosing just one can be the hard part.
Can I order wine online?Yep! Visit our online shop to see what's currently available and place your order from wherever you happen to be.
Do you ship wine?We do! Shipping availability depends on where you live, and someone 21 or older will need to sign for the delivery. Our online shop will let you know if we can ship to you.
Can I pick up an online order?Absolutely. Choose tasting room pickup when you order and we'll have your wine waiting for you during regular tasting room hours.
Can I send wine as a gift?You can. Just remember that wine shipments require an adult 21+ to sign for delivery, so surprises work a little better when somebody knows a box is coming.
Do you sell gift cards?Yes! Gift cards are available for the person who loves wine, or the person whose favorite wine you're afraid to guess. They can be ordered in the online shop or purchased in the Tasting Room.
Do you sell merchandise?We do. You'll find Golden Road gear and other goodies in the tasting room, with availability changing throughout the year.
(06) The Club
Wine Tasting Friends
What is Wine Tasting Friends?Our wine club, but without a lot of wine club rules. Four times a year we get together for new wine, a pickup party, and a pretty good excuse to spend some time at the vineyard.
How does membership work?Choose three or six bottles per quarterly release. You pick the wines you want, enjoy member pricing and perks throughout the year, and join us four times a year for release parties.
How much wine do I commit to?Choose either three or six bottles per release, four times a year. There's no membership fee; you're paying for the wine you choose.
Can I choose my own wine?Absolutely. Your wine, your way. Pick your favorites each quarter instead of getting stuck with something somebody else decided you should like.
What benefits do members get?Both levels get quarterly pick-up parties, early access to new wines, limited-release notifications, member discounts, and a Golden Road Riedel glass with your first pickup. Three-bottle members receive 10% off additional wine and merchandise plus one complimentary glass or flight each quarter; six-bottle members receive 15% off and two complimentary glasses or flights.
When are wine club releases?We gather four times a year, generally around February, May, August, and November. Exact timing can shift a little depending on the wine and the vineyard doesn't own a calendar.
Do I have to pick up my wines?Nope. We love seeing you at the tasting room, but if you can't make it, your release can be shipped to you instead. Shipping costs apply.
Can you ship my club wine?Yep, where legally permitted. Shipping is handled through VinoShipper and shipping costs are added to your release.
Can I change my membership?Yes. Want to switch between three and six bottles or change from pickup to shipping? Just contact us before the next release is charged.
How do I cancel my membership?Just contact us before your next release is charged.
(07) Stay Awhile
Turn Your Wine Day into a Wine Stay
Can I stay at the vineyard?You sure can. Wine Way Cottages are right here at Golden Road, so your wine day doesn't have to end when the tasting room closes.
What are Wine Way Cottages?Two private cottages located right at the vineyard. They're an easy home base for a Yadkin Valley wine weekend or a very short trip home after an afternoon at Golden Road.
What's the difference between the two cottages?Lola is our larger two-bedroom cottage with more room to spread out, including a washer and dryer. Carmenere is our cozy one-bedroom cottage, perfect for a couple or a shorter stay.
How many people can each cottage sleep?Lola sleeps up to four guests with two queen beds. Carmenere sleeps up to two guests with one queen bed.
How do I book a cottage?You can check availability, rates, and book your stay online through the Wine Way Cottages booking page.
How close are the cottages to the tasting room?Very. They're right here on the Golden Road property, so you can walk between your cottage and the tasting room. No designated driver required.
Can I stay when the tasting room is closed?Absolutely. Your cottage stay isn't limited to tasting room hours. In fact, some of the best time at the vineyard happens after everyone else has headed home.
Are the cottages pet friendly?Yep! Wine Way Cottages are pet-friendly, so your four-legged travel buddy can come along too.
What time are check-in and check-out?Check-in starts at 3 pm and check-out is by 11 am. We use smart locks for easy, contactless check-in, so when you arrive, you can head straight to your cottage, settle in and make yourself at home.
Can I book both cottages together?If both are available, absolutely. Booking Lola and Carmenere together gives you room for up to six guests, with a little separation when you're ready to call it a night.
(08) Bring Your Rig
Harvest Hosts at Golden Road
Are you a Harvest Hosts location?We are! Golden Road welcomes Harvest Hosts members looking to turn a vineyard visit into an overnight stay.
How many Harvest Hosts sites do you have?We have two Harvest Hosts sites on the Golden Road property, giving travelers another way to stay right here at the vineyard.
Do you have electrical hookups?One of our sites, located beside the tasting room and Golden Road sign, has both 30A and 50A electrical service.
Where will I stay?We have two different locations on the property. Your specific site will depend on availability and your reservation.
How do I reserve a Harvest Hosts stay?Find Golden Road Vineyards through Harvest Hosts to request your stay and see current availability.
Can I visit the tasting room during my stay?Absolutely! If you're here during regular hours, come on in. Staying with us on one of our closed or appointment-only days? We live right here on the property and are happy to come over and open the tasting room, help you grab some wine, and say hello. That's part of the fun of staying with us.