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North Carolina Vineyard Named Among The Best Fall Wineries

Fall just feels like the right time to be at a vineyard.  The Travel named the best wineries to visit on the East Coast this fall, and a North Carolina…

A picnic table is set in a vineyard on a sunny day.
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Fall just feels like the right time to be at a vineyard.  The Travel named the best wineries to visit on the East Coast this fall, and a North Carolina spot was named among them. "September and October is peak season for harvesting the grapes in many parts of the country and the vineyards take on a golden hue that enhances the magic," The Travel explains.

Furthermore, many of these wineries listed offer tours, tastings, and their own bottles of wine for you to bring home. If you are looking for an adventure or group activity in the autumn air, this winery has everything you need. In fact, they are one of the largest vineyards on the east coast.

Shelton Vineyards

Appropriately located on Cabernet Lane in Dobson, North Carolina, Shelton Vineyards grows several varieties of Vitis vinifera grapes. In addition, 11 different wines are produced here. "The location in the Yadkin Valley American Viticultural Area is advantageous because it shares a climate similar to some of the best-growing regions in Europe," The Travel explains.  Shelton Vineyards takes much pride in having their wines be reflective of the Yadkin Valley.

Their harvest season typically begins in late August and lasts up to eight weeks. Although the vineyard is open daily, tours are specifically Monday through Saturday at 12, 2 and 4PM. Their tours include a tasting of five different wines, an overview of the wine-making process, and exploring the 33,000-square-foot property.

In addition, the Farm House at Shelton Vineyards holds all types of special events. Their quarterly wine club allows you to select from five different options. Lastly, this North Carolina vineyard that was named among the best wineries to visit this fall allows you to shop their products online. In fact, there are over 35 bottles to choose from.

North Carolina Spot Makes List of the Best Apple Cider in the U.S.

Apple cider season is here. There's just something special about having apple cider in the fall. You can have it any season, but it just tastes better in the fall. What's more, if it's chilly out, it's extra delicious to have hot apple cider with a dash of cinnamon. So, what are some spots with the best apple cider in the U.S.?

Before we get to today's apple cider, let's look at some of the interesting history of apple cider. According to Washington State University, the very "first recorded references to cider date back to Roman times," and, "in 55 BCE Julius Caesar found the Celtic Britons fermenting cider from native crabapples. The people of northern Spain were making sidra before the birth of Christ." That's so wild to think about.

Moreover, according to SmithsonianMag.com, "Evidence of apple trees growing along the banks to the Nile River can be found dating back to about 1300 B.C., but there's no evidence that ancient Egyptians ever used them for cider. However, considering how much the Egyptians enjoyed beer (and that they were one of the first cultures to brew it), they did have some notion of the joys of fermenting alcoholic beverages."

In other words, apple cider dates back a long, long time. In fact, apples are as old as time, really. Remember the Biblical story where Eve at the apple? There you have it. Even though apples are very ancient, the way that we eat them today is not. There are so many different ways to enjoy apples and apple cider in the fall. With that in mind, let's get into the best apple cider in the U.S. What's your favorite spot to get local apple cider? Reach out to us on social media and give us your picks.

North Carolina Spot Makes List for the Best Apple Cider in the U.S.

Linvilla Orchards in Pennsylvania

Linvilla Orchards is located in Media, Pennsylvania, about 30 minutes south of Philadelphia. It's a favorite local spot to get apple cider every fall. In addition to apple cider, Linvilla has their legendary Apple Cider Doughnuts. Oh, my.

Franklin Cider Mill in Michigan

If you haven't tried the honey crisp apple cider at Franklin Cider Mill, then you haven't experienced fall. This cider mill, located in Bloomfield Hills, is close to Detroit. It's a super fun spot for fall activities.

Mercier Orchards in Georgia

Mercier Orchards are a fourth generation family and veteran-owned and operated apple orchard. They were founded back in 1943. They offer amazing cider, as well as other fresh treats, such as baked goods and fruit. They're located in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

Bedner's Farm Fresh Market in Florida

"Our mission at Bedner's Farm Fresh Market is to bring our customers a variety of locally grown produce," Bedner's Farm Fresh Market states on their social media pages. Located in Boynton Beach, Florida, this spot is known for its great cider and the annual Bedner's Fall Festival.

Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill in North Carolina

You'll find delicious, fresh cider at Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill in Morganton, North Carolina. They, of course, make their own cider by pressing their fresh apples and turning it into yummy cider. They even offer it hot or as a slushie.

Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.