Nestled deep into the Yadkin Valley Wine Country lies a hidden gem that has quickly become our favorite winery in the Elkin, North Carolina area. Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery, located at the aptly named Tasting Room Drive, is a family friendly vineyard that offers amazing beauty, delicious wines and an experience that is well worth the trip.
Located just over an hour’s drive north of Charlotte, lies this magical vineyard with a deep and storied history. The dairy farm that was formerly known as Klondike Farms is surrounded by lush greenery, nestled by the side of a pond overlooking the grape vines and welcomes you at the end of a winding gravel road. The tasting room that was once a stable is now meticulously transformed into a welcoming and beautifully decorated space. The current owners and family treat each customer as if they are part of the family and are eager to share the property history and a welcoming glass (or bottle) of red, white, sweet or dry wine.
The Vineyard offers many events list of which you can find here. Our absolute favorite way to spend a Sunday is listening to live music here while sitting outdoors sipping on delicious wine and sharing stories with friends.
If you’re looking to make a day out of it, there are several options for extending your stay or adding a hike to or from the Vineyard. The Grassy Creek Trail begins right outside the tasting room’s entrance and winds for a half a mile until it connects with the famous mountains to sea trail.
You can then take a right to head to Byrd’s Branch Campground. Just before the campground you will enter a section of the trail called the Enchanted Forest, which has interactive creatures that will intrigue adults and children alike. During the month of October the Enchanted Forest becomes Haunted with spooky ghosts and spiders hanging from the trees. It’s a great place to take the kids for a short and spooky Halloween walk.
Be sure to stop for an ice cream at Byrd’s General Store before continuing on to scenic Carter Falls. Continuing on the trail behind the store, you’ll reach the Carter Falls trail-head. From the campground to the falls is about a 1.5 mile hike. From Grassy Creek Vineyard to the campground is about three miles round-trip, making the total hike from the vineyard to the falls and back about 4.5 miles. There are several other parking options if you’re looking to shorten or lengthen the hike on the trail system. The full trail map can be found here.
Check out our full post with pictures on Carter Falls Trail here.
Bring the Kids
If a several mile hike isn’t your cup of tea, bring the whole family and head a short 5 minute walk down the Grassy Creek Trail to the creek from the winery. There is a small sandy area with benches and a picnic table. The creek is safe for splashing around on a summer’s day while adults can enjoy a bottle of award winning wine.
We rate Grassy Creek Vineyard as the most kid-friendly vineyard in Elkin based on the open spaces, welcoming staff and trails and creek to keep them entertained.
Cross the creek and take a slow walk through the first forest bathing trail in North Carolina. Follow the wooded path that leads to the Klondike Lake and rejuvenate in the peace and quiet of the forest surrounding you. Take a sit on one of the benches along the way and just listen to the chirping birds. Close your eyes and bask in the sunrays picking through the leaves. Turn off your phone and forget your worries for a bit before returning to your everyday with a lighter heart.
If you are spending longer than a day in the area check out Stone Mountain State Park for a longer hike to the falls or the summit, the homestead or for rock climbing if that is something that interest you.