Wine & Ride: Transportation and Tour Options to the Yadkin Valley

Ready to sip your way through the Yadkin Valley Wine Region without worrying about driving? Winston-Salem is your gateway to this scenic wine country, and we have plenty of tour options to make your experience safe, easy, and unforgettable. Leave the navigation to the experts and let them whisk you away to charming vineyards, where you can taste award-winning wines and soak up the beautiful scenery. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply looking for a fun day out, there's a service to suit your taste. So, grab your friends, sit back, relax, and let the adventure begin.

Yadkin Valley Wine Tours

As the state's largest and most comprehensive wine tour company, Yadkin Valley Wine Tours offers private custom tours from Winston-Salem for parties ranging from two to 30 people. Tourgoers can choose from several transportation options: a couple's tour in a Mercedes Benz, an SUV for 4-5 people, a half-bus shuttle for 8-14 people, or an extended shuttle for groups up to 30. Tours last approximately seven hours (from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) The cost includes transportation, tastings, and a tour guide. The company handles the itinerary and arrangements, meaning all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

• COST: The cost varies based on the number of stops, passengers, and duration. You can get an estimate by filling out a request form on their website. Gift certificates are also available.
• GOOD TO KNOW: While the company maps out the itinerary, they can accommodate specific winery, food, or entertainment requests. Just let them know when booking your tour.

UNCORKED 

UNCORKED Touring Company caters to those who crave a personalized wine adventure with their custom tours. Let them handle the driving, complimentary snacks, and refreshing beverages while you savor the exquisite wines of the Yadkin Valley aboard their signature "Bougie Bus." UNCORKED offers a variety of preset tour options, including a two-stop Surry County Tour that begins with brunch at JOLO Vineyards or the three-stop Davidson County Tour that includes brunch at Childress Vineyards. Custom Wine Tours are also available, allowing you to choose three wineries out of nearly two dozen options. Tours are offered Fridays through Sundays and generally last 7.5 hours (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Weekday and extended tours can also be arranged upon request. Tours require a minimum of four guests and max out at 10 guests. Find more details and schedule a pickup on their website.

• COST: Custom tours start at $160 per person and include transportation, tastings, and complimentary wine, water, and snacks on the bus.
• GOOD TO KNOW: Tours depart from the company's headquarters at 333 S Main St, Lexington, NC (30 minutes from downtown Winston-Salem). You can also be picked up from anywhere in Winston-Salem for an additional $150.

Yadkin Wine Shuttle Service

Yadkin Wine Shuttle Service has been in business since 2007, offering transportation to all surrounding wineries aboard their 12-15 passenger air-conditioned vans. Most customers opt for their daylong "Wine Tour Package," which can be customized based on your preference. Customers can be picked up from any hotel or residence in the greater Winston-Salem area. (Passengers don't have to stay at the hotel to do the tour; it can serve as a central meeting point.) Tours typically begin between 9:30-10:30 a.m. and include four winery stops. You'll stay at each winery for approximately one hour (two hours if you're taking lunch) before returning to Winston-Salem around 6:30 p.m. In addition to tours, the company offers a Designated Driver/ DD Service to those who may want a night out without worrying about driving. Gift certificates are also available.

• COST: Pricing varies based on your pickup location. For more details, call 336-971-3472.
• GOOD TO KNOW: The shuttle service doesn't cover the wine-tasting fees, which typically cost between $6 and $12 per person.

Limos and Luxury Transportation

For those seeking an extra touch of elegance and comfort, limousine services provide a stylish and stress-free way to explore the Yadkin Valley. These services take care of everything, from transportation and planning to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. Plenty of companies offer daylong transportation services to the nearby wineries. Here are two well-regarded limo services we suggest starting with:

• A Formal Affair (AFA) boasts a variety of Yadkin Valley Tour options with vehicles ranging from 2 to 25 passengers (sedans, SUV, limousines, shuttles, and party buses). The cost starts around $50 for a six-hour limo rental based on 10 passenger minimum. Once you make a reservation, AFA can help map out the itinerary and advise if additional time is needed.
• Black Tie Transportation offers a luxurious and personalized experience for your Yadkin Valley Wine Tour. With a fleet of modern limousines, SUVs, and party buses, they provide comfortable and stylish transportation to and from the wineries. Their experienced chauffeurs are knowledgeable about the region and can offer recommendations for the best tasting rooms and vineyards to visit.

SIP SMART: Yadkin Valley Touring Tips

Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a curious newcomer, planning a daytrip to the Yadkin Valley can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming. To make the most of your experience, consider these three helpful tips from our friends at NCwine.org.

Don't Overdo It. We suggest visiting no more than four wineries in one day. (Even three in an afternoon is a lot.) If you view winery exploring as a quest to see as many wineries as possible in a short time, you missed the whole fun of it. You need to savor a winery, just as you savor the wine.

Engage with the Experts. Most Yadkin Valley wineries are small operations that have been in business less than 20 year. Because of this, the owners and winemakers are usually on site (in many cases, they'll be the ones doing your tasting.) Ask them questions. Hear their stories.

Drink Responsibility. You've done the smart thing by hiring transportation. Don't cancel it out by overindulging. Instead, keep track of how much you're intaking. Most wineries use what's known as a "tasting pour," which is around 2–3 ounces. If you sample 5-6 wines with a tasting pour, you've had about a half glass of wine. Equally important, remember to eat before and during your trip.