North Carolina’s grape-growing history dates to the late 1500s, when Sir Walter Raleigh’s explorers first noticed wild scuppernongs on Roanoke Island.

What does this mean for you?

Lots of grapes and vino, and a few opportunities to go grape-stomping!

Today, our state boasts more than 400 commercial grape growers, from Muscadines in the East to European-style vinifera grapes in the West and Piedmont. 

Gov. Pat McCrory has proclaimed September 2014 as North Carolina Wine & Grape Month, in recognition of this growing wine and grape industry, which employs more than 7,600 workers and has an economic impact of nearly $1.3 billion.

Starting tomorrow, you can celebrate Wine & Grape Month wherever your travels take you, with events planned from mountains to sea:  

Sept. 5: Grape Day at the State Farmers Market, Raleigh

Sept. 6: Purple Feet Festival, Ocean Isle

Sept. 12: Jazzy Fridays at the Winery, Wagram

Sept. 13: Fall Harvest Festival & Grape Stomp, Wagram

Sept. 13: Duplin Winery’s Grape Stomp, Rose Hill

Sept. 13: Taste Carolina Wine Festival at Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, Colfax

Sept. 18: Rhythm & Brews Concert Series, Hendersonville

Sept. 19-21: Childress Vineyards’ Grape Stomp Harvest Party, Lexington  

Sept. 20: Shine to Wine Festival, North Wilkesboro

Sept. 20: Festa Italiana at Raffaldini Vineyards, Ronda

Sept. 21: NC Grape Stomp Festival, Angier  

Sept. 26: N.C. Muscadine Harvest Festival, Kenansville

Sept. 26: Vine to Wine at Raffaldini, Ronda

Sept. 26: Canvas Halifax County, Weldon

For all the details on these events, plus winery guides and wine-tasting tips, visit ncwine.org.