2026 NC Fine Wines Awards Gala

The 2026 NC Fine Wines Awards Gala is an annual grand tasting and awards event held in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, scheduled for April 24, 2026 — recognizing the top wines produced exclusively from North Carolina-grown grapes. General admission tickets are priced at $150, with VIP pricing to be announced. The gala serves as the public celebration of the NC Fine Wine Competition results, one of the most rigorous state-level wine competitions in the country.

The 2026 NC Fine Wines Awards Gala will reveal that year's Top 12 Wines alongside the full medal rankings. To understand the scale of what's recognized: the 2025 competition awarded 135 total medals — including 8 gold, 81 silver, and 46 bronze — across 33 wineries and vineyards statewide. All competing wines must be made from 100% North Carolina-grown grapes and vinified within the state. Judging follows the Wine Spectator 100-point scale, with Double Gold reserved for wines unanimously scored 90 or higher by all judges. Past standout performers have included JOLO Winery & Vineyards, which earned 17 awards in 2025, and Shelton Vineyards with 11. Award categories span red, white, rosé, sparkling, dessert, and hybrid wines.

Attendees at the gala gain access to the award-winning wines at a grand tasting format, with the evening structured around the announcement of competition results. For those planning ahead, VIP and designated driver ticket options have been listed as forthcoming. Checking back closer to the April 24, 2026 date for updated ticket tiers is advisable.

North Carolina has 6 established American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), with its wine regions spanning from mountain vineyards to coastal growing zones. The state's diverse terroirs support varieties ranging from Cabernet Sauvignon and Vermentino to hybrid grapes like Seyval Blanc and Chambourcin — all represented in the competition the gala celebrates.