For The Love Of A Grape

October is North Carolina Wine and Grape Appreciation Month. North Carolina ranks 10th in grape and wine production in the U.S., with 350 individually-owned grape vineyards creating close to 70 wineries. North Carolina is the home of our nation's first cultivated grape, the Scuppernong, which produces a sweet wine, examples of which are still being made in the state.
To celebrate all things grape, here is a short list of North Carolina winery events for the month of October – many of the events listed here are on the 10th, so pick a city and enjoy. To learn more, go to visitncwine.com.

Harvest Festival at Raffaldini Vineyards
October 10-11 – Ronda, NC
Join Raffaldini Vineyards and the Vineyards of Swan Creek (swancreekvineyards.com) in celebrating another year’s harvest. Enjoy wine tastings, food and entertainment and Italian opera on the evening of the11th. (raffaldini.com)

Wine Down In The Country Nights
Elizabeth City, NC
Visit the Weeksville Vineyards and Cellars on the last Friday of each month through November from 6-8pm for wine tasting, featuring Virginia Night on October 30 and France Night on November 27. (weeksvillevineyards.com)

Fall Harvest Wine Dinner
October 10 – Elkin, NC
Join Twenty One & Main at Elkin Creek Vineyards for intimate and memorable evening of food and wine. Indulge in autumn’s rich and sumptuous culinary offerings as prepared by Executive Chef Jeffery Gibbs. Each course has been perfectly paired with an Elkin Creek wine. Ticket includes a four-course dinner and a wine pairing at each course. RSVP required. (twentyoneandmain.com)

Duplin Winery Dinner Theatre Presents Country-Fried Caper
October 10 – Rose Hill, NC
Duplin Winery hosts a “killer” performance. It’s A Mystery presents a murder mystery in an interactive dining experience. The show is performed by a professional troupe of actors as guests dine, and then solve the mystery. (duplinwinery.com)

Cary Eid Festival 2009
October 11 – Cary, NC
Eid al-Fitr, Festival of Feast, marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha, Festival of Sacrifice, marks the end of pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca). Open to every one, this festival will bring bazaar, food, music, arts and dance from all over the world. (nceidfestival.org)

Harvest Festival At Shelton Vineyards
October 10-11 – Dobson, NC
This free event features local arts and crafts, local produce, music, food and fun for the entire family. Enjoy grape stomping, hayrides, tours and tastings both days. (sheltonvineyards.com)

New Fiddler's Red Release
October 10 – Mount Airy, NC
Celebrate the release of the newest Fiddler's Red wine, live music by a local band, and another great sunset. The release coincides with the annual Mt. Airy Autumn Leaves Festival, which is one of the best of the year. Weather-permitting, one of the vineyard’s reds will also be harvested. (roundpeak.com)