Summary
When it comes to muscadine grapes, they are appreciated for various reasons, including their health benefits, unique taste, and wine potential. Picking muscadines has become a popular activity throughout the Southern U.S., particularly in North Carolina.
Typically, muscadine grapes ripen around August or September, appearing soon after in farmer’s markets, roadside stands, grocery stores, and other locations across America, not just the South.
There are numerous places for visitors to pick their own fresh-off-the-vine grapes, enhancing their experience.
North Carolina features grape-growing areas in the West, Piedmont, Central, and Eastern Coastal regions. Many of these farms and vineyards also offer a variety of other fresh fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, and apples.
Since each farm and vineyard has its own hours of operation, pricing for picking grapes, and seasonal closures, it is advisable to conduct some research and contact the farm prior to your visit, especially as some farms may be relatively remote.
1. Western North Carolina Vineyards
Although the mountainous regions of western North Carolina are not the most conducive to year-round grape growing, August and early September present prime opportunities for picking fruits and vegetables.
Top destinations within an hour or two drive of Asheville offer visitors the chance to pick muscadine grapes, including:
- Brad’s Blueberries, Yadkinville, North Carolina
- Lockman’s Muscadine Vineyard, Iron Station, North Carolina
- Rocky Ridge Vineyard, Taylorsville, North Carolina
- Maple Springs Farms, Dallas, North Carolina
- Killdeer Farms, Kings Mountain, North Carolina
2. Piedmont and Central North Carolina Vineyards
The Piedmont Triad—a plateau region—provides perfect conditions and nutrient-rich soil for grape production. This means plenty of opportunities to pick your own muscadine grapes when visiting this region of North Carolina.
Highlights of farms and vineyards offering pick-your-own muscadine grapes in the Piedmont region include:
- Benjamin Vineyards, Graham, North Carolina
- Chestnut Trail Farm, Mocksville, North Carolina
- Sheffield Manor Muscadines, Harmony, North Carolina
- Herndon Hill Farms, Durham, North Carolina
- Riverbirch Vineyards, Reidsville, North Carolina
3. Eastern Coastal North Carolina Vineyards
The warm and humid climate of Eastern Coastal North Carolina makes it an excellent area for cultivating muscadine grapes. The region boasts numerous vineyards and farms offering these delightful fruits, making it a great stop during a late summer beach vacation.
Some notable farms where you can pick-your-own muscadine grapes include:
- Auman Vineyards, Fayetteville, North Carolina
- J & F Vineyards, Roseboro, North Carolina
- Alex Gooden Vineyard, Elizabethtown, North Carolina
- Carter Farm’s Vineyard, Garland, North Carolina
- Sir Charles Vineyard, Newton Grove, North Carolina
- Almost-A-Farm, Rocky Mount, North Carolina
- Bannerman Vineyard, Burgaw, North Carolina
