ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A new statewide tasting pass is giving wine, cider and mead enthusiasts a reason to hit the road this winter and discover some of North Carolina’s award-winning producers.

The NC Wine Winners Pass allows visitors to choose six participating wineries, cideries or meaderies for tasting experiences through March 31, 2027. The pass costs $99.

Each participating destination earned recognition in the 2026 North Carolina Wine Competition, giving passholders an opportunity to sample award-winning beverages and learn more about the producers behind them.

Plan your own tasting experience

Unlike a guided tour or scheduled event, the Winners Pass lets visitors choose when and where to stop. Passholders can visit several destinations during a weekend trip or spread their tastings over the winter months.

The program includes 12 participating destinations across North Carolina, including several in the western part of the state.

Participating businesses are:

Western North Carolina destinations include Botanist and Barrel and Noble Cider in the Asheville area, Mountain Brook Vineyards in the Tryon foothills, Point Lookout Vineyards near Hendersonville and Mill Camp Wines & Cider in Boone.

Other participating businesses are located across the state, giving visitors opportunities to explore North Carolina’s wine-producing regions.

Visitors enjoy wine among the vines at a vineyard. The NC Wine Winners Pass offers tastings at six participating wineries, cideries or meaderies across North Carolina through March 31, 2027. Photo courtesy of NC Wine.

Showcasing North Carolina’s wine industry

The Winners Pass was created to highlight medal-winning producers from the 2026 North Carolina Wine Competition and encourage visits to their tasting rooms.

North Carolina has seven federally recognized American Viticultural Areas, designated wine-grape growing regions with distinct geographic characteristics.

The state’s wine industry includes vineyards growing traditional European grape varieties and native muscadine grapes, along with producers specializing in cider and mead.

By including wineries, cideries and meaderies, the Winners Pass introduces visitors to a broader range of North Carolina-made beverages while supporting the businesses that produce them.

How to purchase the Winners Pass

The pass is valid through March 31, 2027. After purchasing, customers receive a mobile pass by text and email, with no app download required.

At each participating destination, visitors present their pass and follow the on-site check-in instructions to redeem their tasting.

For more information or to purchase the $99 pass, visit the NC Wine Winners Pass website.