Bruno Varman

A vineyard is where the grapes are grown, and a winery is where the wine is produced and it might surprise you there are so many in North Carolina. This state is the place where every major type of grape is grown. It’s also home to America’s first grape, as it was the birthplace of the scuppernong.

Interestingly, before the prohibition, North Carolina was the largest wine producer in the country. Yadkin Valley is the Napa Valley of the East Coast. There are actually five AVAs throughout the Tarheel State. This refers to American Viticultural Areas, where each area has a distinct climate and soil type for growing different grapes.

The grapes here are grown at a wide range of elevations as well, as the landscape ranges from mountainous to coastal. Each NC winery has its own stunning setting, array of varietals, and special Carolina character. Let’s dig into some of the best NC wineries the state has to offer.

Tucked away near the Yadkin River, Raffaldini rests on 102 acres of pastoral paradise and one of those perfect NC wineries. This winery near Wilkesboro, a small mountain town, makes classic Italian dry wines using the Appassimento method.

This is a traditional process of using dehydrated grapes to produce wines. It’s a difficult method but they are truly top-notch at it. Here, you will find that the reds are bold and the whites delicate.

You can go for a guided tour of the vineyard or a tasting. Peruse their gourmet deli counter for the perfect pairings with their Sangiovese Classico or Vermentino.

The Tuscan Villa is transportive, surrounded by Italian herbs and ravishing roses, interspersed with fig and olive trees, all drenched with Carolina sunshine. It’s a favorite in the state, and one of the best North Carolina wineries.

Located in Tryon, Overmountain is family-owned, offering wonderful estate wines from over 70 acres of vineyard. They grow French vinifera, resulting in charismatic Cabernets and Merlots.

Their methods to develop these distinctive, handcrafted styles of wine are innovative, to say the least. Sipping wine on their porch and taking in the sweeping scenery of majestic mountains is a uniquely restorative experience.

Delve into the history of the Overmountain men with a tasting and tour through the lush vineyards. The tasting room is a quaint cottage overlooking the foothills. If you can’t bring yourself to leave this serene setting, we don’t blame you – stay overnight in the luxury villas on site.

Beloved in Lexington, Childress has an award-winning reputation among the North Carolina wineries.

With 30 different varietals, there is something for every preference and pallet. With 15 types of European Vitis vinifera cultivars, the humid climate and red clay soil create their wines’ distinctive and delectable flavor profiles.

There are three different flights to choose from for the tasting, each more enchanting than the next. They have a full-service restaurant in-house, Bistro.

Don’t let the former NASCAR fame of the owner Richard Childress fool you – this is a truly luxe experience. They have many accolades under their belt to prove it.

This iconic Asheville estate boasts an impressive NC winery as well and is one of the best things to do in Asheville. Asheville is all known for its breweries, but you can also have amazing wine here too.

It’s in the heart of Antler Hill Village on the Vanderbilt grounds. They serve an array of reds, whites, and roses, and they offer a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting, as well as a chocolate and red wine tasting that is to die for. The on-site sommelier will take you through the impeccable selection of vintages.

The deftly designed indoor and outdoor space provides gourmet charcuterie to pair with your pick. There’s plenty to discover at the Biltmore including the largest private home in the country, endless nature trails, manicured gardens, shops, and restaurants. The breathtaking beauty of the sprawling setting and ornate home is worth the trip for a day full of classic elegance.

This family-owned vineyard is found in Monroe, North Carolina just southeast of Charlotte. Truly an enchanting experience, it’s named after the few adorable treehouses you will see delightfully scattered about grounds.

The original treehouse is 30 feet in the air and overlooks the verdant vineyard; two others have joined its charming company since. They are rented by the hour, and one is even available overnight.

They make a mean Cab Sav and Merlot, as well as some scrumptious Muscadine wines which are native to the area. Their grounds stretch far and wide with plenty to wander and explore and many a cozy spot to relax with a glass.

They also sell gourmet specialty southern goodies. Where else can you appreciate a nice glass of wine from a tiny home up among the pines?

Nestled in the famed Yadkin Valley in Dobson, this vineyard shares a similar climate to some of the best wine-growing areas in Europe, which makes it one of the best wineries in North Carolina. They grow several varieties of Vitis vinifera grapes including Chardonnay, Malbec, Riesling, and Tannat.

The wines reflect the special terroir of the valley. In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the views are unbeatable. The grounds are landscaped and the vines pruned. They also feature a sparkling pond and walking trails to explore.

An expansive gravity flow winery, they are one of the largest on the East Coast. They are committed to sustainable farming practices, something you can learn more about by touring their space. The tour and tastings are very informative and educational. A restaurant next door serves up southern comfort cuisine that hits the spot.

This is the first Indigenous-owned winery in the country, by members of the Lumbee tribe. It lies on 36 acres of woodland and pastures in Lexington. Keep your eye out for arrowheads as you explore the ancient native grounds.

They produce natural old-world style wines with various Vitis vinifera and several fruit blends. They offer dry and semi-sweet reds and whites. They have also invented the first Green Tea Wines which are as refreshing and delicious as they are creative. Food trucks and live music are frequent affairs on their expansive grounds.

Both quiet and quaint, this is the perfect low-key spot to enjoy a glass in the scenic sunshine with a real rural feel.

This experimental winery makes their own rules as they create new and exciting offerings. There are tours of the winery as well as u-pick flowers on site. They aim to create minimalistic wines with no additives, no sulfites, and no filtering using the most local, organic, and sustainable ingredients.

This is raw and live wine, which is hard to find anywhere else around. They contain little to no residual sugars and are low-calorie. They make dry fruit wines to be savored in their cozy tasting room or lush outdoor space – feel free to BYOB (bring your own blanket). New on the scene, they have already made quite the splash.

Hidden away in Wagram, this vineyard grows three different types of the classic Muscadine grape. They offer 16 varieties of wine ranging from dry to semi-sweet, all finely balanced. Committed to exploring the possibilities of the Muscadine, this wide selection includes Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.

They have a tasting room and boutique, both with a warm and comfortable atmosphere. The tasting space features a sweeping veranda for idyllic views of the vineyard. We recommend going for Jazzy Fridays for the full experience. You also get a complimentary wine glass with your tasting for a fun souvenir.

They have been granted many awards for elevating the sweet profile of the muscadine to soaring new levels in the wine world. A relaxed and familiar environment, this is one of the best North Carolina Wineries to visit.

Duplin is the oldest winery in the state, starting in 1975, and drinking wine here is perhaps one of the best things to do in North Carolina.

They can be found in the cute hamlet of Rose Hill, in Eastern North Carolina. Visit their state-of-the-art production facility for a tour of the largest indoor enterprise on the East Coast. You can witness the process firsthand, from start to finish.

They have a range of award-winning sweet wines. During the tasting, you will learn about the 5 Ss of wine – sight, smell, swirl, sip, and savor. Enjoy more than a dozen samples while discovering the nuanced ways of the wine connoisseur.

As soon as you walk in the door, you know this winery specializes in Southern hospitality. Chock full of history and rustic charm, you will fall in love with these sweet wines from coastal Carolina.

The tasting room at Daveste is something special. It’s a vaulted open-beam frame overlooking the natural wonders of a sparkling pond and cascading waterfall. It also features an art gallery with selected works from local artists.

They produce reds and whites including, a Chambourcin and a Viognier. Be sure to try their fan favorite, Portrait wine.

They host many outdoor events throughout the year, such as live music and vendor fairs. All of their wines are created in small batches for a more curated craft feel. The beverages here are available in any form – glass, bottle, or flight. Tucked away in Troutman, bliss and harmony await you at Daveste.

Heading to the Divine Llama Vineyards is one of the best weekend getaways to have in North Carolina as this is one of the most unique wineries in NC. On almost one hundred acres of serene rolling hills in Yadkin Valley, this winery is more than meets the eye.

It’s home to the largest llama farm in the Southeast, making for an incredibly unique vineyard experience. They grow four different varieties of grapes – Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonel, and Traminette, creating 11 types of wines.

Hike two miles along Miller Creek with one of their furry friends, starting and finishing at the tasting room, where a glass will be awaiting your arrival. During the weekends, it’s food truck heaven for all kinds of tasty local fares to try. This East Bend gem is one-of-a-kind.

Family owned and operated, this winery has been a flagship in the North Carolina Highcountry for many years. Nestled in a fertile valley close to the Linville Gorge and Linville Falls, the vines thrive in this lush Appalachian environment.

Their flagship grape is the Reisling, but they’re also growing Seyval Blanc, Noiret, and Petit Verdot, to name a few.

At 3,200 feet in elevation along the Blue Ridge Parkway, they are part of one of the newer AVA’s that has been established. Their sprawling farm also nurtures many kinds of berries, apples, pumpkins, and Christmas trees seasonally. Enjoy the tasting bar or table service in the breathtaking backdrop.

The falls themselves are a short hike or quick drive away, and we highly recommend making the journey as it’s all part of the magic. Their relaxing atmosphere and triumphant tastes create the perfect place to slow down and appreciate what nature can offer.

Acclaimed as one of the best North Carolina wineries, JOLO is known for making revered East Coast wines. They use stainless steel to ferment their whites and roses, and oak for their reds. The estate is a picturesque, pristine scene that focuses on the natural beauty of the site, which features Cox Lake and Pilot Mountain.

There are many nature trails to explore the jaw-dropping landscape of the grounds. The grape varietals for the whites are Traminette and Vidal Blanc. For the reds, there are petit verdot, Cynthiana, and merlot, to name a few.

They are all dry and were selected specifically for the particular climate of the area. The standard flight here is seven wines – a sparkling, a white, a rose, three reds, and a dessert wine. The End Posts restaurant on-site serves up fabulous fares for any meal.

The patios at Burntshirt overlook the vineyards and the Blue Ridge Mountains at the highest altitudes around. This is one of the best wineries in North Carolina to view the sunset, as they seem to be endless from this vantage point. Somehow, the reds taste better with the fiery, glowing sun sinking in front of you. They have their own food truck for pairings as well.

They offer Sweet and Dry Riesling, Malbec, Chardonnay, Gruner Veltliner, and more. There are two fabulous flights available at the tasting room. The vineyard is dog friendly so feel free to arrive with a furbaby in tow. Hunker down here in Hendersonville for a good time or check out their Chimney Rock location for a charming retreat.

Their production facilities feature cutting edge equipment, including a crush pad where freshly picked fruits are de-stemmed and pressed for all the natural juices. Take a tour to learn more about the technical process at Burntshirt.

Located just near the Outer Banks, Sanctuary Vineyards is a quiet and quaint seaside farm and vineyard. 10 acres of grapes are spread across this farmland with varieties of Syrah, Viognier, Norton, Tempranillo, and of course Muscadine.

Grapes are picked by hand every spring. Here you can experience a cruise with wine tasting with friends and family! There’s a wide range of tastings available as well!

You may not think North Carolina has much to offer in terms of wine, but truth be told North Carolina is home to almost 550 vineyards and nearly 200 wineries. With varied grapes, scenic views, and Southern hospitality it’s hard to dislike any of them!

North Carolina ranks 12th out of 50 states for wine production, just after Texas and Virginia. There are three main areas for wine in North Carolina: the mountains, coastal, and the Piedmont area. These North Carolina wineries mentioned in this list are all noted by area.

Amylase is an enzyme that helped our ancestors adapt to digesting complex carbs. Low levels have been linked to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes. High amylase can be due to issues with the salivary glands or the pancreas, which produce this enzyme. Interestingly, your amylase genes can tell if you do better on a high- or low-starch diet. Read on to learn more.

Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down complex carbs into simpler ones. Digestion of carbs is extremely important since carbs are ultimately broken down into glucose – the main energy source that fuels our bodies.

There are two main types of amylase – salivary and pancreatic .

Salivary amylase is produced by salivary glands and it starts digesting food as you chew it. Pancreatic amylase is produced by the pancreas and helps digest complex sugars in your gut .

Apart from amylase, the pancreas also produces other enzymes that help digest food, such as lipase (to break down fats) and protease (to break down protein). The pancreas also makes insulin, a hormone that helps lower blood glucose by transporting it into cells .

Since amylase breaks down carbs, it is no surprise that the more amylase you have (within the normal range) the better your body is at digesting and making use of complex carbs. Studies have linked higher amylase levels to better glucose tolerance after eating starch-rich meals .

This means that people with high amylase activity produce insulin better. On the other hand, low amylase is linked to low or insufficient insulin production and increased insulin resistance .

One study illustrates this nicely: 7 people with high amylase levels and 7 people with low amylase levels were given a starch-rich meal. In those with high amylase, insulin increased and blood glucose didn’t spike. But in those with low amylase, insulin didn’t increase and as a result blood glucose did .

Amylase doesn’t affect blood glucose levels after eating simple sugars, like glucose or sucrose. It only digests complex carbs – starches. Both people with high and low amylase will react the same to glucose .

This means that people with low amylase levels may be at a greater risk of insulin resistance and diabetes on starch-rich diets .

Several other studies with over 3,500 people confirmed there’s a link between low amylase and risk of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes .

Insulin can affect amylase activity. People with diabetes whose insulin-secreting beta cells in the pancreas are working well have higher amylase levels (within the normal range). Animal studies show that insulin increases amylase production .

Low amylase and obesity can spiral down a vicious cycle.

On one hand, studies have found that having low amylase levels is associated with an increased risk of obesity .

On the other hand, being obese lowers amylase levels, possibly by affecting insulin production and sensitivity. One way to put an end to this harmful loop is weight loss, which increased amylase levels in a subset of 4 obese people monitored over a year .

Better fitness, healthy amylase levels, and lower insulin resistance go hand in hand. Researchers found that people who exercise regularly and are in better shape tend to have higher amylase levels .

In a study of 43 people running a half-marathon, those with higher amylase levels performed much better and finished the race faster. Higher amylase at the start was also linked to more stable blood glucose levels and lower lactic acid (a measure of muscle fatigue) at the end of the run .

It’s well known that exercise increases insulin sensitivity and reduces insulin resistance. Higher amylase additionally helps the body better use glucose and improves insulin sensitivity .

Some researchers think that salivary amylase could be used as a simple marker of sympathetic, fight-or-flight activity. Its release is, in part, triggered by the fight-or-flight response, increased during stress .

Those researchers hope that it may prove to be a reliable stress biomarker. Getting your salivary amylase tested by providing a small saliva sample would certainly be less of a hassle than doing blood tests. But so far, the data are not too convincing. Plus, the methods used in most studies were somewhat unreliable.

The fight-or-flight response increases alertness, focus, and arousal. In a study of 12 sleep-deprived women, those with lower salivary amylase were less vigilant and did worse on a simulated driving test. Higher amylase was linked to increased alertness and better performance, possibly due to increased fight-or-flight activity .

In another study, young people with anxiety had increased sympathetic activity measured by salivary amylase. This is because an overactive fight-or-flight response increases restlessness and anxiety in the long run .

But salivary amylase is not just a marker of stress. Parasympathetic, rest-or-digest, nerves also stimulate its release .

One study even suggested that salivary amylase should be used as a marker of parasympathetic activity .

Although salivary amylase has been linked to stress, this seems to be just one small part of the puzzle. Salivary amylase levels depend on a number of other factors, including your genes (discussed below), your insulin function, and body weight, to list a few.

Blood (serum) amylase consists of approximately equal amounts of salivary and pancreatic amylase. Therefore, abnormal levels of either will affect the total blood levels .

Most often, your doctor will order an amylase test if they suspect issues with your pancreas, such as inflammation (pancreatitis). Symptoms of pancreas inflammation include :

However, if you want to know for certain whether you have pancreatitis, the amylase test is not the best test to take. This is because amylase can be increased or decreased by a myriad of causes, many of them pancreas-unrelated. Lipase, for example, is a better test of pancreas function.

The normal range for blood (serum) amylase can differ somewhat between laboratories. Generally, it’s around 30 – 120 U/L (units per liter).

Apart from the total amylase, some tests can differentiate between pancreatic and salivary amylase. These tests can zero in on exactly what is going on in your body with greater precision .

These can also vary slightly between laboratories.

Finally, there is also a urine amylase test.

Kidneys eliminate amylase from the blood into the urine. When blood levels are high, the urine levels will also increase, unless the kidneys are not functioning properly – in which case the kidneys are not able to remove amylase efficiently .

When needed, urine amylase may be used instead of the blood test because it’s less invasive .

The normal range for urine amylase is 24 – 400 U/L.

High levels of amylase in the blood (hyperamylasemia) are caused by either too much of the enzyme entering the bloodstream or not enough of it being cleared (by the kidneys) . Amylase will usually build up in the blood as a result of issues with the salivary glands or the pancreas.

High amylase levels will not cause any specific symptoms. Instead, any potential symptoms will be related to underlying conditions. For example, people with pancreatitis may experience pain, nausea, or vomiting.

Causes listed below are commonly associated with high amylase. Work with your doctor or another health care professional to get an accurate diagnosis.

The following drugs can also increase amylase levels:

The most important thing is to work with your doctor to find out what’s causing your high amylase and to treat any underlying conditions!

High amylase is often caused by pancreas inflammation, which is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Your doctor will help diagnose the problem and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Discuss the additional lifestyle changes with your doctor. None of these strategies should ever be done in place of what your doctor recommends or prescribes!

When your amylase is high you should:

Low blood amylase is linked to poor insulin activity, either due to the pancreas not producing enough insulin or due to tissues becoming resistant to it .

Causes listed below are commonly associated with low amylase. Work with your doctor or another health care professional to get an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor will interpret your amylase levels, taking into account your medical history, symptoms, and other test results.

Low amylase can be found in people with:

These therapies can also decrease amylase levels:

Work with your physician to see if your low amylase is caused by an underlying health issue. If that’s the case, it’s important to resolve or improve the underlying health issue.

Discuss the additional lifestyle changes with your doctor. None of these strategies should ever be done in place of what your doctor recommends or prescribes!

You can increase amylase by:

Do you thrive on complex carbs? Your genes may hold the answer.

Salivary amylase is produced by the AMY1A, while pancreatic amylase is produced by the AMY2A and AMY2B genes. Many people have multiple copies of these genes. Having multiple copies is an evolutionary adaptation to eating carbs (starch-rich diets). For example, you may have anywhere from one to about 20 copies of AMY1A .

Populations that historically consumed more starch, such as agricultural societies, carry larger numbers of copies compared to societies with a pre-agricultural lifestyle, such as rainforest and polar region hunter-gatherers .

Importantly, a low number of AMY1A copies has been associated with a higher body mass index (BMI) and obesity. This was shown in multiple studies with over 7,500 people. For example, one study suggests a person with less than 4 copies might have an eight-fold higher risk of obesity compared to a person with over 9 copies !

Genetic variations (SNP) in AMY1 (rs11185098) that predispose people to higher amylase were associated with weight loss. When put on a diet, people with the higher amylase ‘A’ variant tended to lose more weight than people without the ‘A’ variant. The study included over 800 obese participants monitored for 2 years .

Higher amylase activity is also linked to better glucose tolerance after eating starch. It was associated with a decreased risk of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes, according to studies of over 3,500 people .

In addition, scientists have found a link between AMY1A copies and gut bacteria. People with more copies may have more bacteria fermenting resistant starch and more beneficial short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate in the gut .

On the other hand, fewer copies have been associated with glucose malabsorption and lower ability to digest and use complex carbs .

Some companies offer AMY1 copy number testing and rs1185098 genotype testing.

Studies suggest that people who have a low copy number or an rs11185098 GG genotype (these are often linked), may not be able to process complex carbs efficiently. Their body may also respond to complex carbs less favorably. If that’s your case, you may feel and do better on a low-carb diet.

People who have a higher copy number and at least one rs11185098 A variant (AG or AA genotypes), may be able to tolerate more dietary carbs and their body will respond to them more favorably.

On SelfDecode, you can easily check what your genotype for this variant and 100 million other variants.

Starchy carbs that require amylase to be broken down and used in the body include:

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The republic began when Genoa became a self-governing commune in the 11th century and ended when it was conquered by the French First Republic under Napoleon and replaced with the Ligurian Republic