Governor Stein Proclaims North Carolina Wine Month

North Carolina Wine Month

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, the wine industry is an important part of North Carolina’s agricultural, tourism, and commercial industries, fostering economic growth and community vitality; and 

Whereas, wineries, vineyards, cideries, orchards, meaderies, and apiaries significantly enhance North Carolina by providing unique travel destinations and opportunities for education, appreciation, and celebration of our state’s rich winemaking heritage; and 

Whereas, North Carolina is home to seven distinct American Viticultural Areas: Appalachian High Country, Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County, Haw River Valley, Swan Creek, Upper Hiwassee Highlands, Yadkin Valley, and the Tryon Foothills; and the scenic beauty of these locations offers not only picturesque landscapes but also a rich array of diverse climates, soils, and growing conditions for grapes; and 

Whereas, North Carolina ranks 10th nationally in the number of producers, with nearly 200 wineries, cideries, and meaderies across the state, and 11th in number of tourist visits at more than 1 million visits; and 

Whereas, the annual economic impact of wines, ciders, and meads sold in North Carolina is estimated at more than $7.69 billion, with the industry employing more than 45,000 full-time workers in the state in multiple areas, including farming, production, retail, hospitality, marketing, travel/tourism, business, and research, and providing nearly $376 million in state and local tax revenues, along with another $187 million in state consumption taxes; and 

Whereas, North Carolina’s towns and countrysides invite exploration and discovery, and North Carolina Wine Month serves as a time to honor and celebrate the craft, creativity, and dedication of our state’s farmers and makers, whose passion and expertise enrich our lives and communities;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as “North Carolina Wine Month” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-seventh day of April in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.