September 18, 2025

7 Wineries with Sit Down Restaurants in the Yadkin Valley

If you love pairing great wine with an equally memorable meal, the Yadkin Valley is the perfect place for you.

Located on rolling vineyards, these restaurants serve elevated dishes alongside award-winning wines made just steps from your table. Since Winston-Salem is the gateway to the Yadkin Valley and surrounded by 40-plus wineries, it makes the perfect home base for a wine and dine weekend.

Four people sit at an outdoor dining table at JoLo Winery & Vineyard's Endposts Restaurant near Winston-Salem.

With a stunning view of Pilot Mountain, a luxury tasting room, and an adults-only setting, JOLO offers one of the premier experiences in the Yadkin Valley. Its End Posts Restaurant has been named among the Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America by OpenTable, and the wines have received numerous awards since JOLO was founded in 2010. Dinner highlights include Amalfi Coast Pesto Haddock and New England–Style Marinated Steak Tips, while Sunday Brunch favorites range from the JOLO Benedict to Brioche French Toast. Reservations are required.

As one of the oldest wineries in the Yadkin Valley, Shelton is a popular stop for many visitors. The menu at Harvest Grill changes seasonally, highlighting locally sourced ingredients in dishes like the Grilled Pork Ribeye and Duck Marsala. For dessert, don’t miss a local specialty called sonker. It’s a cross between pie and cobbler with a fruit base and buttery crust on top. Reservations are recommended, and it’s worth arriving early to browse the tasting room’s wine-themed gifts and home decor, or to enjoy a tasting before your meal.

Richard Childress is well known as a former NASCAR driver and current team owner, but his passions extend beyond the race track. In 2004, he opened Childress Vineyards, where winemaker Mark Friszolowski has since earned more than 750 awards. The on-site Bistro serves fresh salads and sandwiches alongside entrées like Tiki Tacos and Ragu alla Bolognese. On Sundays, their Sundays in the South menu features dishes like Fried Chicken Biscuits and Cornbread-Crusted Salmon Patties. Reservations are required Friday through Sunday and recommended on weekdays.

Peeking through the vines, a sunset crests over Rayson Winery & Vineyard in the Yadkin Valley Wine Region.

Rayson, the sister vineyard to JOLO, delivers the same elevated experience with a different view. Though a newer addition to the Yadkin Valley, its first seven wines have already earned an impressive list of awards, and its on-site Bistro Europa was named an OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award winner in 2025. The menu features a variety of pastas, alongside dishes like Braised Lamb and Seafood Risotto. On Wednesday evenings, their Flights & Bites pairing offers three tapas-style dishes designed to pair with select wines. Reservations are required and this winery is strictly ages 21-plus.

Tucked away in the woods with twinkling string lights, you won’t find a more tranquil space than Sanders Ridge. Its tasting room is a cozy log cabin with a deck overlooking a small pond and the surrounding woods. The lunch menu is very casual with shareable appetizers, salads, and sandwich baskets. They also have a kids’ menu for visitors under ten, making this one of the most family-friendly wineries in the Yadkin Valley. In addition to their award-winning wines, you’ll also find a selection of local and domestic beers.

Set along the banks of the scenic Roaring River, this winery offers a dining experience with a beautiful waterfront view. The wines are inspired by one of the owner’s roots in the French countryside, while the beer list and food menu are German-inspired with entrées like a Wurst & Kraut Platter and Pork Schnitzel. For dessert, try one of their signature wine milkshakes. Whether you’re relaxing on the deck overlooking the river or sitting on the grassy banks near the water, this is a place you’ll want to linger for a while.

Elkin Creek Vineyard (Sunday Only)

A meal at Elkin Creek takes a bit of planning, as you’ll need to make a reservation and submit your food order in advance. Known for their wood-fired pizzas with sourdough crust, they make just 30 each Sunday, so make your reservations early. Their Bacon Brie specialty pizza is a standout, though you can also create your own. For those who need a side of veggies, two fresh salads round out the menu. Pizzas are prepared one at a time, so you can either enjoy a wine tasting or wander the scenic grounds while you wait. There is a sandy beach along Elkin Creek, perfect for dipping your toes in the water.


 

Learn about more Yadkin Valley wineries near Winston-Salem and places to stay while exploring these vineyards by downloading a Visitor Guide and signing up for our e-newsletter.

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