Dobson, NC: Vineyards Take Over Tobacco Fields
In the heart of the Yadkin Valley, tobacco was once a steady, dependable cash crop that sustained small farms for generations. But when shifting regulations reshaped the industry, farmers were forced to adapt. Today, farmers in Dobson, NC, have transformed former tobacco acreage into vineyards and wineries, breathing new life into the local economy and redefining the region’s agricultural identity.
Situated within the Yadkin Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA), the region is carving out a reputation as the state’s wine country. In fact, Surry County boasts 800 acres of grape vines. With more than 20 tasting rooms, Dobson, NC, and Surry County have become an appealing destination for day trips and long weekends, and their growing collection of vineyards is the centerpiece of a new kind of rural tourism.
Shelton Vineyards
Brothers Charlie and Ed Shelton purchased the land that would become Shelton Vineyards in 1999. Through extensive travels in Italy and France, they developed a deep appreciation for wine and the sense of place that vineyards bring to a region. They asked themselves a simple but ambitious question: “Could we bring that experience to North Carolina?” They immersed themselves in learning about planting, spacing, grape varieties and the facilities needed to make wine at scale.
Determined to build credibility for North Carolina wine, the Sheltons spearheaded the effort to have the Yadkin Valley recognized as the state’s first AVA in the early 2000s.
“They wanted to give back to the state that had given them so much,” says Mandy Shelton Houser, co-president of Shelton Vineyards in Dobson, NC. Their work built the foundation for the now six AVAs across the state.
Ed and Charlie’s vision extended beyond their own vineyard. If wine was to take root in the Yadkin Valley, future winemakers needed a place to learn the craft. Through a generous gift to Surry Community College, the state’s first viticulture and enology program launched in 1999. Since its inception, the program has become a cornerstone of the region’s wine education and workforce. Its graduates, including Shelton Vineyards’ own winemaker Ethan Brown, are proof of their commitment to investing in the area’s future.
Today, Shelton Vineyards’ portfolio spans classic and reserve collections as well as the only port produced in North Carolina. Visitors often gravitate toward the riesling, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon, while the winery’s pride and joy is its ICON red blend, hand-selected by racing legend Richard Petty.
Stony Knoll Vineyards
Owned by Van and Kathy Coe, Stony Knoll Vineyards in Dobson, NC, is a North Carolina Century Farm, meaning it has been owned by the same family for more than 100 years. Today, the legacy is carried forward by the Coe’s son-in-law, Jonah Hoosier, who oversees the vines, production and tasting room.
The farm’s history stretches back to 1896, though it didn’t take up tobacco until the 1930s. For the next five decades, tobacco was its livelihood, that is until the industry’s decline in the 1980s pushed many farmers in other directions. Van enrolled in the inaugural viticulture program at Surry Community College and planted his first vines in 2001. Three years later, Stony Knoll Vineyards in Dobson, NC, opened its doors.
For Hoosier, what makes the work so rewarding is its variety.
“I love the diversity of what I get to do in a day, working in the vines, playing mad chemist to develop wines, wearing the retail and hospitality hat,” he says. “It keeps you on your toes.”
He also highlights the diversity of vineyards in the Yadkin Valley as one of the region’s strengths.
“North Carolina can be a difficult place to grow grapes, depending on our weather and climate,” Hoosier says. “We keep learning how to grow better. The industry here is still young, so there’s a lot of opportunity and progress to come.”
At Stony Knoll, guests often gravitate toward the viognier, while Hoosier is especially proud of the chambourcin, which is aged in Hungarian oak. This grape thrives in North Carolina’s soil and climate.
Hidden Vineyard
Originally from Ohio, Lisa and Tim Sherman had long traveled through North Carolina on their way to the coast and fell in love with the Yadkin Valley. With vineyards on the rise in the area, they saw an opportunity to be part of the region’s growth. In 2017, they purchased a 32-acre former tobacco farm with the idea of building something new.
At first, the Dobson, NC, property was simply a vineyard; no wine was produced or sold on-site until the Shermans took over. Lisa and Tim enrolled in Surry Community College’s viticulture program, which they credit as essential to their success.
“The program is a priceless part of our community,” Lisa says. “It’s a testament to Surry Community College that they recognized the growth and opportunity in the wine business after tobacco.”
The program’s emphasis on knowledge-sharing has not only supported their work but also drawn fresh talent to the area.
Beyond the vines, the Shermans have turned pieces of the farm’s past into new experiences for visitors. The old tobacco barn has been renovated into a destination cabin, with plans to add more rentals in the future.
Among their award-winning reds and whites, the standout is Franc the Tank, a playful cabernet franc blend made with fresh blueberry juice and a hint of vanilla. Sweet yet tangy, it became an instant hit after their first harvest in 2018 and remains their No. 1 seller.
Dobson and the Yadkin Valley have embraced grape vines and wineries that come with them. This new asset has helped develop an essential tourism industry, thriving entrepreneurship opportunities and engaged partners that support the community. Plus, it is now a key ingredient to Surry County’s success.
This article is sponsored by the Surry County Economic Development Partnership.