Sip Local: Where to Wine and Dine in Winston-Salem

You don’t need to leave Winston-Salem to enjoy an exceptional wine experience. As the Gateway to the Yadkin Valley—one of the South's preeminent wine regions—Winston-Salem directly connects to the area’s celebrated wines through its diverse dining scene. Many local restaurants feature extensive wine lists—some even earning prestigious awards—with selections that proudly showcase Yadkin Valley vintages. From cozy bistros to upscale steakhouses, these spots offer top-notch dining paired with standout wines from around the region.

6th & Vine

A staple in the Downtown Arts District, 6th and Vine offers contemporary American cuisine and wines from around the world—including a handful from right here in the Yadkin Valley. The wine list is ever-evolving and printed on actual wine bottles (a fun touch!). Wine flights are also available daily—$19 for three wines—and specials are available most days, including half-price glasses on Thursday. Cozy up inside the art-adorned bar area or enjoy their popular, multi-tiered patio.

The Downtown Grille

Blending upscale dining with a thoughtfully curated wine selection, The Downtown Grille is located on the ground floor of the 500 W. Fifth building at the corner of Spruce Street. The restaurant offers approachable fine dining alongside a well-rounded wine list featuring about 90 bottles, predominantly domestic selections. Regional highlights include Yadkin Valley favorites like JOLO Winery’s Jolotage, and the restaurant frequently hosts wine-pairing dinners with area vineyards.

The Katharine Brasserie & Bar

Nestled in the historic Reynolds Building, The Katharine offers a chic yet welcoming ambiance inside the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel. Known for its lively bar and inviting patio, this French-style bistro boasts an impressive wine list featuring 450 selections—including standout bottles from the nearby Yadkin Valley Wine Region AVA. Recognized with Wine Spectator's 2024 “Best of Award of Excellence,” The Katharine is a prime spot for serious wine enthusiasts.

Ryan's Restaurant

A longtime favorite for special occasions and intimate dining, Ryan's Restaurant pairs its inviting wooded setting with an impressive wine selection. Awarded Wine Spectator's 2024 “Award of Excellence,” Ryan's offers a thoughtfully curated wine list featuring regional selections, including bottles from the Yadkin Valley. Guests can also explore North Carolina craft beers and a robust bourbon selection, making Ryan's a well-rounded choice for memorable dining.

Sage & Salt Bistro

Located in the historic Southbound Railroad building on S. Liberty Street, Sage & Salt Bistro blends a rich sense of place with an impressive culinary experience. Awarded Wine Spectator's 2024 “Best of Award of Excellence,” it boasts the largest wine selection in the Triad—an impressive 500 bottles—including North Carolina and Yadkin Valley wines. The family-owned bistro emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, with seasonal specialties and fresh seafood shipped overnight. Don’t miss the Prohibition-inspired bar, where live jazz enhances the sipping experience.

Six Hundred Degrees

Local flavors take center stage at Six Hundred Degrees—from its curated wine list to its hand-crafted cocktails. Awarded Wine Spectator's 2024 “Award of Excellence,” the restaurant highlights Yadkin Valley wines alongside exclusive varieties by the glass and selections from local wineries. With four seasonal menus and a rotating wine list, there’s always something new to try—though you can reliably find standout regional options. 

 

More Great Options

Bernardin's Restaurant at the Zevely House isn’t just one of downtown’s best fine-dining spots; it also boasts a diverse wine selection, including Yadkin Valley options.

Cibo Trattoria offers authentic Italian cuisine in a modern, elegant setting with a well-curated wine list featuring local selections.

Little Pep, a year-old wine bar in the Arts District, focuses on natural and low-intervention wines. While they only serve small plates and snacks, they regularly host pop-ups and tastings.

Manolo’s Boutique Wines & Bistro, a charming wine bar and Italian-themed bistro, opened in 2024 inside the historic Rosenbacher House in West End. Its hand-selected wines rotate regularly.

Rooster's: A Noble Grill emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and features a substantial wine list, offering wine flights, regular specials, and expert pairing suggestions.

Sir Winston Wine Loft, located inside the Hotel Indigo, offers a well-curated wine selection, including options from North Carolina and the Yadkin Valley.

Village Tavern is known for its scratch-made American fare, cozy ambiance, and excellent wine list, recently earning an “Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator. The restaurant has two locations in town—the original in Reynolda Village and a larger operation on Hanes Mall Boulevard.

More Wining, More Dining

There are dozens more dining options in Winston-Salem that pair good food and great wine. You can see and sort all of our local establishments by visiting our website's Food & Drink section.

Interested in exploring the Yadkin Valley? Winston-Salem is the perfect home base. You'll find dozens of wineries within a 30-minute drive of town—including some of the most celebrated and stunning wineries on the East Coast.  You'll also find various transportation and tour options, making Winston-Salem ideal hub-and-spoke exploring.

You can stay in the know about the wine and dine scene by signing up for our monthly e-newsletter or requesting a free Visitor Guide.