In the heart of North Carolina’s Piedmont, the Southern Gateway Wine Trail has emerged as a haven for wine lovers. Anchored in Davidson County and shaped by independent vintners, this cluster of boutique wineries blends rural charm with a growing reputation for quality, offering a relaxed, unpretentious tasting experience that captures the spirit of North Carolina’s wine country in just a few scenic miles.
The trail is just a short drive from the Triad, Triangle, and Charlotte areas. During our recent visit to Lexington, NC, we visited all six wineries on the trail, which is the southern entrance to the famed Yadkin Valley AVA.
America’s First American Indian–Owned Winery
Native Vines Winery is the first American Indian owned winery in the US. Darlene Gabbard, a member of the Lumbee tribe, started winemaking in the 1990s using berries and fruit from the property. A tasting room was opened in the former horse barn (today it is an event space). Darlene retired, and today her daughter, Victoria, and her husband run the operation.
Favorites here included Indian Summer, an off-dry Chenin Blanc with notes of tropical fruit, the unique Raspberry Tea Wine, and the succulent Blackberry wine with a delightfully jammy aroma. The Green Tea Wine and Raspberry Tea Wine are crafted from fermented green tea leaves—something you won’t find at any other winery I know. The idea came to Darlene in a dream, and the result is a pair of truly distinctive, must‑try wines that stand out for their creativity and character.
"I make wine I would like to drink," says Darlene. The tasting room is welcoming and comfy. "I live 50 feet away, so I try to make it homey," she adds.
Sipping with a Soundtrack at Weathervane
Weathervane Winery is on Arcadia Road in Lexington, and the winemaker is Eric Proctor. Weathervane grows Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Traminette, and Chambourcin in their vineyard. The winery also boasts an outstanding event space and ample outdoor seating for sipping or enjoying entertainment.
Ionosphere is a soft and fruity Pinot Grigio. We were impressed with the Sunset Red, an estate Merlot with a touch of oak, and Forecaster's, an estate blend of Merlot, Cab Franc, and Petit Verdot.
The winery also had a modern production facility where wines are produced on-site. Almost all the wines are estate-grown, so Weathervane is truly a grape-to-glass operation.
If you want a soundtrack for your visit to Weathervane, cue up Weathervane Winery Radio—an internet station that streams easygoing adult‑contemporary tunes that pair perfectly with a laid‑back afternoon of tasting.
Rhone Varieties in an Open‑Air Tasting Room
It was with a heavy heart that we received news that Junius Lindsay Vineyard will be closing at the end of 2026. The winery will mark this final year with special events and library wine releases.
Junius Lindsay Zimmerman established the Zimmerman farm in Lexington in 1896. Four generations have a family legacy of agriculture. Today, the winery is owned by Aaron Zimmerman and Mercedes Zimmerman Davis. The winery features the only open-air tasting room in the state. At Junius Lindsay, the focus is on elevating Rhone varieties.
The Special Delivery rose is a blend of Syrah and Grenache. It is tasty and dry with good acidity. One of my favorites is Triomphe, a silky blend of Petite Sirah and Roussanne with cranberry notes. A surprise for me was the Estelle, a sweeter blend of Viognier and Vermentino, that rocks passionfruit and honey notes. Junius Lindsay is also one of the finest Syrah producers in the state.
Be sure to visit Junius Lindsay before the sun sets on this outstanding winery.
Riding in Style with Uncorked Touring
For three of the wine trail stops, we got the Uncorked Touring Company experience. Stacey McIntyre and Aaron Paul provided a delightful ride in their vivid violet "boozy" bus. They provided insight into the wineries and a festive touch to our trip. We expect to use their services for our next visit to NC wine country -- how about you?
Childress: Grandeur, Craft, and NASCAR Roots
Childress Vineyards stands as one of North Carolina’s landmark wineries, known for its striking architecture, expansive grounds, refined dining, and award‑winning wines. Its tasting room—often cited as one of the finest in the country—reflects the same ambition that drives owner Richard Childress, the NASCAR legend who first fell in love with wine during trips to the Watkins Glen racetrack in New York’s Finger Lakes region. Today, the estate cultivates 70 acres of vines and grows 15 grape varieties, anchoring its reputation as a destination where scale meets craftsmanship.
We prefer the wines in the Reserve and Signature ranges. The 2019 Signature Cabernet Franc is an elegant sip with white pepper notes and savory plum. The 2019 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon is powerful with smooth tannins and hints of cigar box.
A fine finish to our Childress tasting (and perhaps for your dinner) is Devil's Tribute, a Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot blend aged 10 months in Jack Daniel's whiskey barrels. This devil has sleek cherry and charred oak notes. It's a rich wine and a perfect pairing for barbecued ribs. A special release merits your attention. The Liberty and Vines is a reserve Meritage that we plan on sipping to celebrate America's 250th birthday.
Where George Washington’s Footsteps Meet Fine Wine
Curran Alexander sits on a historic property that has remained in the same family for 150 years, its story beginning with an 1800s purchase from a liquor distiller fleeing the state to avoid taxes. Today, the estate channels that colorful past into boutique Bordeaux‑style blends crafted with intention. The tasting room serves as a true showpiece, opening onto a breezy veranda ideal for sipping in the spring light. Across the grounds, visitors can still find the foundation stones of the Red House Inn—an echo of the place where George Washington once dined, adding yet another layer of history to this quietly remarkable winery.
All wines are estate-produced, and many feature Cabernet Sauvignon, which Curran Alexander has been growing for 25 years. The vineyard features Cecil soil, a mix of sandy loam and clay, providing just the right mix of water retention and drainage. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon are blended for the outstanding 2022 Meritage, which hits with dark cherry and raspberry notes. The varietal 2021 Cab Franc is savory with herbal notes.
One of my favorites continues to be Southern Tour, which features George Washington astride a horse during his tour of the Carolinas in 1791. The wine, also a blend of Merlot, Cab Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, is a lighter, more casual wine - a people pleaser in all regards.
Stop in for a visit, you may discover a new favorite winery!
Old Homeplace: Lake Views and Laid‑Back Charm
Old Homeplace sits on 48 peaceful acres along the banks of Lake Thom‑a‑Lex, a property that has been in Jill Stone’s family for 80 years and is now lovingly run by Jill and her husband, David. The winery feels like a true retreat, with a deck overlooking the water, a gazebo, an event space, and plenty of green space for strolling or settling in for a picnic. Donkeys graze lazily in the nearby field, adding to the easygoing, pastoral vibe. The tasting room—housed in a converted farmhouse—offers something for every palate, from dry whites and reds to fruit wines and sweeter muscadines.
Henry Lee is a blend of Viognier, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. It has a light body with honeysuckle and green apple notes -- perfect for sipping and enjoying the scenery. Tire Swing is a rose blend of Sangiovese and Cab Franc. Our favorite was Vinny's Blend, named after the winery dog. It's a luscious Petit Verdot/Petite Sirah wine and is well-crafted and as lovable as Vinny himself. All grapes are sourced in NC except for the muscadine, which is grown on-site.
Old Homeplace is an outstanding place to kick back, forget your cares, and soak in the country scene. It is also a fantastic event venue with entertainment and is a popular choice for weddings.
The Southern Gateway Wine Trail is an extraordinary travel destination. Couple it with shopping, dinner, and a stay in Lexington, NC, and you have a perfect weekend getaway.
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