Wineries on the Coast of North Carolina: Knott's Island, Wilmington and Elizabethtown

The wine lover traveling along the North Carolina coast will encounter a tasty and delicious dilemma: finding the time to stop at all the wineries along the way. Whether you have a little time or a lot, here's a peak at some of the vineyards the state has to offer, from north to south.

1. Martin Vineyards - The Vinifera grapes and muscadines of Martin Vineyards on Knotts island are caressed by the winds from the Atlantic Ocean, less than two miles away--sample 5 wines for $3 or with glass, $5. One glass of wine is $3. Buy a bottle and get a refund for the tasting.

2.Moonrise Bay Vineyard - Don't let the sun set without sampling the Magnolia Muscadine wine or the Knott Bad Red Blend at Moonrise Bay Vineyard on Knotts Island. Contact this family owned and operated vineyard for a tour and tasting.

3. Sanctuary Vineyards - A Sanctuary awaits in Jarvisburg. Sanctuary Vineyards, that is. Sample complementary tastings of the Lightkeeper and Coastal College wines, and more on the weekends from this family -owned business.

4.Vineyards on the Scuppernong - Sample the "world's healthiest wine" at this vineyard situated along the banks of the Scuppernong River in Columbia, NC. Look for specialty wines, such as Black Beary or Jingles, along with reds and whites.

5. Bennett Vineyards--Visit the Historic Bennett Vineyards in Edward, NC. Not only do the owners make their own wine, but they sell grapes to other wineries across the country. Sample their wine Monday -Friday from 8:30 am to Dark:30, and on Sundays from noon to Dark:30.

6. Lake Road Winery - Located just 20 minutes from the beaches of the Southern Outer Banks in Newport, NC, Lake Road Winery produces wines such as Lisa Marie, a light blush blended with raspberries, and Sweet Caroline, an old-fashioned red muscadine wine, Visit their tasting room Thursday-Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.

7.The Country Squire Restaurant, Vintage Inn & Winery - Iris Lennon, a native of Scotland. owns and manages this business, which is located between Kenansburg and Warsaw, NC. Visit the Tartan Tasting Room and Gift Shop and try some Pride of Scotland Chardonnay or Jester's Folly Pinot Grigio.

8. Duplin Winery - Located in Rose Hill, Duplin Winery got its start in the 1970s. This "largest winery in the South" has the capacity to produce over 1,000,000 gallons of wine per year--be sure to try the Hatteras Red muscadine wine, a popular favorite.

9. Lu Mil Vineyards & Cabins - Spend the weekend in a cabin at Lu Mil Vineyards in Elizabethtown and sample wine at your leisure. Try Taylor Divine, a blend of Scuppernong and Carlos grapes.

10. Lac Belle Amie Winery -Visit this winery and boutique shop in Elizabethtown to sample their private label wines.Shop for gifts before relaxing on the porch with a glass of wine. Call for hours of operation 910-645-6450.

11. Bannerman Vineyard and Winery - This family-owned winery has the distinction of being the only winery in Pender County. Indeed, since 1973 the vineyard has produced wine, including Marilyn, a semi-dry white table wine that's not as sweet as most muscadine wines. You'll also find wine made of blueberries, peaches and strawberries. Tasting room hours are seasonal.

12. Lumina Winery - Visit Lumina Winery in charming Wilmington and enjoy free samples in the retail store there. Prices start at $8.95 a bottle and include such offerings as Exotic Fruits White Zinfandel and Green Apple Riesling, a crisp wine with the taste of apple.

13. Noni Bacca Winery - Also in Wilmington, Noni Bacca Winery is just five miles from Wrigntsville Beach and offers everything from red wine to sweet wine. Visit the tasting room Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

14.Grapefull Sisters Vineyard - Tabor City is home to the Grapefull Sisters Vineyard and Carrollwoods RV Campground. Wine tastings are $5 and run from 1 to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Try Southern Charm, a light wine made of crispy red fruits. Want non-alcoholic wine? Uncle Pink's Alcohol Free Wine has you covered.

15. Silver Coast Winery - Located 15 miles from Ocean Isle Beach, Silver Coast Winery produces 10,000 cases of wine each year, including Calabash Red Wine for $8 and a 2008 White Merlot for $14.