Is the picnic experience suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request—just notify the staff when booking.

Can the tour accommodate groups larger than two people?

The minimum booking is two guests, and small groups are welcome with advance notice.

Are children allowed on the picnic experience?

This experience is designed for guests aged 21 and over due to the wine tastings.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

The vineyard grounds include some uneven terrain; contact the venue for specific accessibility needs.

Can I purchase wine to take home?

Yes, Shelton Vineyards offers wine for sale on-site and online.

What if the weather is bad?

The venue offers rain options or rescheduling depending on weather conditions at the time of your booking.

Luxurious Vineyard Picnic Experience at Shelton Vineyards, Huntersville NC | Food Tour | Attraction

Located just outside Huntersville, North Carolina, Shelton Vineyards invites visitors to immerse themselves in a refined outdoor adventure that combines wine, food, and nature into one unforgettable picnic experience. Perched in the scenic Yadkin Valley wine region, this vineyard is known for its European-style wines and sprawling, inviting grounds that capture the essence of North Carolina’s growing wine culture. The Picnic Experience at The Farmhouse is designed for wine lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike who desire a more leisurely yet luxurious way to connect with nature and savor handcrafted flavors. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into a curated outdoor setting featuring cozy seating arrangements surrounded by the vineyard’s lush grapevines. The experience begins with a guided tour of the vineyard, offering insight into the varietals grown in this temperate region known for its blend of native and international grapes. You’ll discover how the unique soil and climate shape Shelton’s award-winning wines. After the tour, settle in for a gourmet picnic featuring an artisan lunch paired with premium wines from Shelton’s cellar. The spread includes carefully chosen charcuterie, seasonal accompaniments, and local ingredients, creating a harmony of tastes that highlight the region’s agricultural richness. The opportunity to sip freshly poured wines amid endless rows of verdant vines heightens the sensory experience, blending the pastoral backdrop with the vineyard’s signature flavors. This picnic offers more than just food and wine—it invites connection and relaxation. Guests can enjoy lawn games that encourage laughter and camaraderie, making it an ideal outing for friends, couples, or small groups seeking a memorable day immersed in nature with an elegant edge. Shelton Vineyards holds a special place in the Yadkin Valley as both a pioneer and leader in North Carolina’s winemaking history, established in 1999 with a dedication to quality and community. This picnic experience redefines outdoor dining, turning a vineyard visit into an immersive cultural and gastronomic occasion. Accessible and intimate, the location is a standout destination within the larger outdoor recreation area, combining tactile enjoyment of local terroir with the laid-back charm of the South’s wine country. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or simply looking for a relaxed way to celebrate a special occasion, this picnic offers a blend of natural beauty, educational elements, and tasteful indulgence that is hard to find elsewhere in the region.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

3 hours.

Fitness level

No special fitness required; suitable for all physical levels

Wildlife

Eastern Bluebird
White-tailed Deer

History

Shelton Vineyards helped establish the Yadkin Valley as an official American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 2003, elevating North Carolina's wine profile.

Conservation

The vineyard employs sustainable farming practices including water conservation and integrated pest management to protect local ecosystems.

The Grape Experience is a North Carolina wine tour company that arranges private tastings, picnics, and multi-vineyard excursions in the Yadkin Valley and surrounding regions. It curates full-day and weekend experiences that pair premium local wines with curated food, guided tours, and luxury transportation where specified. The company coordinates visits to recognized estates including Dynamis Estate, Piccione, Raffaldini, and Shelton Vineyards, offering options such as private seven-hour three-vineyard tours, vineyard picnics at specific sites, and an extended weekend escape. Each itinerary emphasizes small-group or private formats, detailed planning, and on-site hospitality to ensure a seamless visit. The Grape Experience works with partner wineries to provide exclusive tastings, private tours of grounds, and special food pairings like charcuterie and picnic lunches. Service elements include organized transport, curated welcome aperitifs, guided tasting sequences, and scenic stops. The business targets guests seeking relaxed, high-quality wine tourism with local flavor and personalized attention. By arranging known properties and documented experiences, it provides transparent, bookable packages that reduce planning friction for visitors. The Grape Experience relies on established winery partners and clear itineraries to build trust and deliver consistent quality. Reservations and specific inclusions vary by trip; guests are encouraged to review each product description for details. Booking information, dietary accommodations, group sizes, and accessibility options are provided at booking so travelers can plan with confidence and tailor the visit to needs easily.

Base locationHuntersville, North Carolina

Tours offered7+

Specialtyland-adventures

StewardshipLeave No Trace