Contributor: Jamie Richardson
Rocky River Vineyards is a 45-acre, family-owned and operated vineyard and winery, tucked into the hills of Midland and was the first vineyard in Cabarrus County.
Big Meadow Creek flows through the property toward Rocky River, which is how the vineyard got its name. The land had been in the Elliott family for years, but it wasn’t until 2003 that Bob, Bill, and David Elliott planted the first muscadine vines. The winery was opened to the public in August of 2007.
- The muscadine grapes are the only grapes planted on-site at Rocky River. Other grapes are brought in from other parts of the country to make different varieties. However, all wines are fermented on site in stainless steel tanks.
Your Wine Tasting Experience
Rocky River Vineyard has several ways to enjoy their wine while at the vineyard:
- Sit-Down Tastings: available on a first come, first served basis, and last an average of 15-20 minutes. Reservations for groups of 6 or more are requested.
- Wine Flights: $7 each and consist of five 1-ounce sample pours of any wines you choose. A souvenir glass can also be purchased with a flight for an additional $3.
- Wine Slushies: Their Wine Slushie flavors vary daily but include peach bellini, blueberry pomegranate, pina colada, and more!
- Small Bites: Charcuteries and Cheese Straws are just a couple of the hearty snacks to pair with wine or wine tastings and include a variety of Boar’s Head brand meats and cheeses to choose from.
Photo credit: Rocky River Vineyards Instagram
Fun Fact: Muscadine grapes are native to North Carolina and the scuppernong grape, a variety of muscadine, is the official state fruit.
Award-Winning Wines!
Their award-winning signature wines range in flavor from a sweet red or white muscadine wine to classic, dry varietals such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Merlot blend, among others.
Double-gold winner from the Florida Grape Growers Association
- Chardonnay
Award-winning featured wine of the 2009 Muscadine Festival
- Rockin’ Red
NC State Fair 2015
- Cabernet Sauvignon – Double Gold
- Scarlet & Moscato – Gold
- White Gold, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio & Niagara – Silver
- Rockin’ Red – Bronze
Most popular gold-winning wine of 2019
- Scarlet
Visit the Vineyard for a Variety of Events
Wine Slushy Wednesdays during the spring and summer months feature this delightful treat for only $5 (regularly $9)! If you visit during the fall and winter months, they carry several seasonal wines and limited batches of Christmas wines. Their mulled wine is referred to as “Christmas in a cup.“
Starting in April, Rocky River Vineyards is home to several Spring and Summer Events. They have live music every Sunday (and some Saturdays too).
- Their Annual Spring and Fall Festivals also include live music, along with food trucks, local vendors and artisans, and of course wine tastings. They even offer “pick your own grapes” in late August and early September.
The vineyard is also a beautiful place to hold weddings and private events.
The vineyards see a lot of visitors from Charlotte area and people traveling through North Carolina. They are both kid and pet friendly! They are busiest during the Spring and Fall and it’s easy to see why. Guests can enjoy self-guided walking trails throughout the property, and even bring their own food.
Upcoming Events in April
April is a busy month at Rocky River featuring Live Music with Jessica Yates (2-5pm on April 23), their Annual Spring Festival (12-6pm on April 29), and Live Music with Marte Maney (2-5pm on April 30).
Can’t make it to the Spring Festival? Then mark your calendars now for their Annual Fall Festival being held on October 21, 2023. You can also find a full list of their events and live music on their website.
Take time to shop during your visit! There is also a gift shop with all kinds of wine-themed unique gifts. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Planning to visit? Tell ’em Cabarrus Weekly sent ya!
