Wine has been produced in the North Carolina area since the early days of European colonization in the 17th century.

The first known recorded account of the Scuppernong grape in North Carolina is found in the logbook of explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano.

One of the first modern major plantings of vinifera grapes in North Carolina occurred in 1972, when Jack Kroustalis established Westbend Vineyards, located in the Yadkin Valley.

[6] Since then, its viticulture industry continues to expand and presently is one of the nation's top five state destinations for enotourism garnering vintage awards and recognition competing with California, Oregon, Washington and Virginia.

[9] As of 2024, North Carolina is resident to 6 unique AVAs, 250 wineries and 500+ vineyard sites, a fact that underscores the state’s growing reputation as a major viticulture region.