North Carolina wine isn't just about super-sweet Muscadine anymore. If you still think that, you're missing out. Seriously. Tucked away on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, Medaloni Cellars Lewisville NC has quietly become the place where people go when they want the vineyard vibe without the stuffy, "don't touch the grapes" attitude you find at some of the bigger estates. It’s twenty-two acres of rolling hills that feels like a secret, even though it’s barely a twenty-minute hop from Winston-Salem.
I’ve spent a lot of time talking to local winemakers in the area, and they’ll tell you the same thing: the terroir here is unique. We’re talking about the Brushy Mountains acting as a buffer. It creates this little microclimate. Joey Medaloni, the guy behind the name, didn't just stumble into this. He had a vision for a space that felt like a backyard party but served wine that actually holds its own in a blind taste test.
The Vibe at Medaloni Cellars
It's casual. That’s the first thing you notice. You pull up and you aren't greeted by a massive marble fountain or a valet. Instead, you see sunset decks. Lots of them. The layout is designed specifically to catch that "golden hour" light over the vines. Honestly, if you aren't there for the sunset, you're doing it wrong.
The tasting room is a blend of rustic wood and modern glass. It doesn't try too hard. You'll see people in hiking boots who just came from Pilot Mountain sitting right next to a bridal party in sundresses. That’s the magic of this specific spot in Lewisville. It bridges the gap. Most North Carolina wineries pick a lane—either high-end luxury or farm-style rustic. Medaloni just sits comfortably in the middle.
What’s Actually in the Bottle?
Let’s get real about the wine.
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You’ve got your classic Yadkin Valley staples. Chardonnay? Check. Merlot? Check. But the Medaloni Cellars Lewisville NC lineup usually has some surprises. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is often bolder than you’d expect for the region. The soil here is heavy on clay and loam, which gives the reds a certain earthiness. It’s not Napa, and it doesn't want to be. It tastes like the Piedmont.
- The Whites: Look for the Viognier if they have it in stock. It’s usually floral but crisp. Perfect for a 90-degree July afternoon.
- The Signature Blends are where Joey’s team usually gets creative. They aren't afraid to mix things up to see what sticks.
- Sweet wines? Yeah, they have them. Because it's North Carolina. But they aren't the main event.
One thing people get wrong is thinking they only serve their own estate grapes. Like many boutique wineries, they source high-quality fruit from around the region and even the West Coast to supplement their estate-grown crops. This ensures that even if a late frost hits the Lewisville vines—which happens more than we'd like to admit—the tasting room stays stocked with variety.
Why the Cabins Are the Real Secret
Most people just come for a tasting and leave. Big mistake.
The property has these tiny houses and cabins scattered around. They’re called things like the "Wine Loft" or the "Classic Cabin." Staying overnight changes the whole experience. You get the vineyard to yourself once the tasting room closes at 6:00 or 7:00 PM. It’s quiet. Eerily quiet, in a good way. You can hear the crickets and the wind through the trellises.
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I remember talking to a couple who stayed in the "Boxcar" cabin. It’s literally a refurbished shipping container turned into a luxury suite. It sounds gimmicky, but it works. It’s that industrial-meets-nature aesthetic that’s all over Instagram right now, but it feels authentic here because it's surrounded by actual agriculture.
Events and the "Lewisville Social" Scene
Lewisville isn't a big town. It’s a bedroom community for Winston-Salem, mostly. But Medaloni Cellars Lewisville NC acts as the unofficial town square on Friday nights. They do food trucks. They do live music. They do "Wine-O-Bingo."
If you're looking for a silent, contemplative wine swirling session where you discuss notes of "damp forest floor," maybe don't go on a Saturday afternoon in June. It’s loud. There are dogs everywhere. There are kids running around the grass. It’s a community hub.
Practical Advice for Your Visit
- Check the Calendar: They host tons of private weddings. If you show up on a Saturday without checking, you might find the best decks roped off for a ceremony.
- The Wind Factor: Because of the elevation and the clearing, it gets breezy. Even if it’s warm in downtown Lewisville, bring a light jacket for the vineyard.
- Food Situation: They don't have a full-service kitchen. They have snacks—cheese plates, crackers, the usual suspects. If a food truck isn't scheduled, eat before you get there or bring a picnic. They're pretty cool about outside food as long as you're buying their wine.
- The Drive: Shallowford Road is a winding two-lane road. It’s beautiful, but keep an eye out for deer, especially at dusk.
The Impact on the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail
The Yadkin Valley was North Carolina's first AVA (American Viticultural Area). For a long time, it was dominated by a few big names like Shelton or Childress. Medaloni represents the "second wave" of NC winemaking. It’s more entrepreneurial. Less about the "estate" and more about the "experience."
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This shift is why the area is finally getting national attention. People realize you can get a world-class travel experience without flying to France or California. You just need a car and a free Saturday in Forsyth County.
How to Get the Most Out of Medaloni Cellars Lewisville NC
Don't just walk up to the bar, do a flight, and bolt. That’s a waste of the drive.
Grab a bottle. Grab some glasses. Walk down past the main tasting room toward the lower pond. There are paths that most people don't bother to explore. You get a better view of the vine rows and a much better sense of the scale of the operation. It’s twenty-two acres, which isn't massive, but it’s laid out in a way that feels expansive.
Honestly, the best way to experience it is to lean into the casualness. It’s okay if you don't know the difference between a Malbec and a Merlot. The staff is usually pretty laid back and won't judge you for asking. They want you to like the wine, but they mostly want you to like the time you spent on their land.
Your Next Steps for a Lewisville Wine Trip
If you’re planning to head out this weekend, here is the move:
- Call Ahead: Confirm if there’s a private event closing the main deck.
- Pack a Blanket: The chairs fill up fast, but the grass is always open.
- Coordinate a Ride: If you're doing a full tasting, the winding roads of Lewisville aren't the place to be testing your limits.
- Explore the Town: While you're in Lewisville, stop by the Shallowford Square or grab a coffee at one of the local spots nearby. It rounds out the day.
Go for the wine, stay for the sunset, and don't be surprised if you end up looking at the cabin availability for a return trip before you even finish your first glass.