Winter on the Outer Banks has a quieter kind of magic. The traffic thins and the landscape settles into a slower rhythm that locals know well. It’s also the best season to enjoy some of the region's top experiences. One winter must-do is to spend a cozy afternoon at Sanctuary Vineyards in Jarvisburg.
Settled in the rural Currituck County Mainland, Sanctuary Vineyards feels worlds away from the bustle of the Outer Banks, but it's only a 20-minute drive away. In winter, rows of dormant vines stretch across acres of sandy coastal soil, migratory birds sweep overhead and the tasting room becomes a warm gathering place for locals and visitors. If you’ve ever thought wine country was strictly a mountain or piedmont affair, a winter visit here will happily change your mind.
For seven generations, the Wright family has called Currituck County home. Long before grapevines lined these fields, farming was central to family life — a tradition that began centuries ago after original settler Jacob Wright shipwrecked near Duck. Sanctuary Vineyards is the modern expression of that history, built on generations of agricultural knowledge and a belief that world-class wine could come from coastal North Carolina.
Photo: The dormant vines have their own kind of beauty in winter.
With the development of Sanctuary Vineyards, the present-day Wright family, which also owns three Cotton Gin stores in Corolla, Duck and Nags Head, set out to create a new wine tradition for the region. Instead of leaning on the sweet muscadine wines North Carolina was once famous for, they focus on European-style vinifera grapes that thrive in the area’s unique conditions. Today, 10 acres of grapes are tucked among hundreds of acres of farmland and wildlife impoundments.
The vineyard benefits from intense summer heat moderated by steady coastal breezes and ancient sandy soils that drain exceptionally well. In wine terms, it’s all about terroir — the combination of earth, sun and sky that gives Sanctuary wines their distinctive character.
One of Sanctuary Vineyards’ biggest surprises for first-time visitors is how dry, complex and balanced the wines are. These bottles consistently debunk the myth that all North Carolina wine is sweet, and they have earned numerous awards, including the N.C. Governor’s Cup Award for The Plank at the 2023 N.C. State Fair Wine Competition.
The current lineup offers something for every palate. Whites like the 2023 Chardonnay deliver bright apple and pear notes with a clean mineral finish, while The Triangle, a white blend of Viognier, Chardonnay and Vidal Blanc, layers honeysuckle, melon and stone fruit with refreshing acidity. Pearl, crafted from Albariño, is the bold standout – textured, complex and full of tropical fruit, citrus zest and ripe apricot.
Photo: The Plank is a muscadine red.
Rosé fans gravitate toward Wildflowers, a full-bodied pink made with Outer Banks-grown Tannat, while red lovers have plenty to explore. Coastal Collage and Shipwreck offer approachable elegance, while Double Barrel (a blend of Tannat and Petit Verdot) is Sanctuary’s most powerful red, built to age and recently named Best Red at the North Carolina Fine Wine Competition. And for a nod to coastal history, The Plank, a wax-sealed red muscadine, adds a playful pirate twist.
Winter tastings take place inside the heated winery building, making it easy to linger over a flight, chat with knowledgeable staff and learn more about what makes coastal winemaking work. On milder days, firepits outside invite you to step into the vineyard and take in the quiet beauty of the season.
While Sanctuary Vineyards hosts events year-round, the off-season is when the calendar truly comes alive. With fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, winter events feel relaxed, social and distinctly local.
Photo: Chowder and Chili is a warming winter event pairing chef-made soups and Sanctuary wines.
January brings Chowder and Chili Saturdays, where guests can warm up with hearty bowls of soup prepared by Chef David Garrenton, sip Sanctuary wines and enjoy live music — all indoors and cozy. It’s the perfect way to turn a winter afternoon into something special.
February keeps the energy going with the Love on the Run 5K on Valentine’s Day, a scenic run or walk through the vineyard trails followed by a post-race wine, cheese and chocolate party. The very next day, Sanctuary transforms for The Cajun Occasion, a Mardi Gras celebration complete with Cajun cuisine, lively music, masks, beads and wine tastings.
In March, the Leprechaun Party adds a splash of green to the season with Celtic music, Irish-inspired food and festive wines.
These events aren’t just about wine, they’re about community, bringing together locals from Currituck and the Outer Banks during a time of year when gathering feels especially meaningful.
Photo: Love on the Run 5K is a great way to start off Valentine's Day.
Outside of events, you can visit the tasting room for a Discovery Wine Tasting or Reserve Wine Tasting here. Find out more about their wine club here.
“Winter is a great time to see what Currituck is all about,” says General and Vineyard Manager John Wright. “Our side of the water is something that everyone should experience, and this is the perfect time to do it.”
A winter visit to Sanctuary Vineyards pairs easily with a quieter Outer Banks getaway. Fewer lines, peaceful beaches and a slower pace make it ideal for exploring beyond the shoreline. And if you can’t make it to Jarvisburg, Sanctuary wines are available at the Corolla, Duck and Nags Head locations of The Cotton Gin, where you can sample wines while browsing coastal home décor, gifts and apparel.
Whether you’re escaping for a weekend or rediscovering your own backyard, Sanctuary Vineyards offers a warm, welcoming reminder that winter on the Outer Banks has plenty to savor – especially when there’s a good glass of wine involved.
Photo: The Cajun Occasion is a favorite Valentine's-weekend event with New Orleans-style music in the winery.
Sanctuary Vineyard Winter Events
Chowder and Chili
January 10, 17, 24, 31
12 to 3 p.m.
Food by chef David Garrenton
Wine, warm chowder and chili, live music, socializing are happening every Saturday inside the winery. A ticket purchase is required.
Love on the Run 5K
February 14
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Start Valentine's Day on a run with your sweetheart – or maybe find one on the course! The scenic trail run/walk winds through the vineyard, under the trees, by the sound and back to the winery for a post-race wine, cheese and chocolate tasting party including Sanctuary souvenir swag. Non-alcoholic beverage options are available, and all ages are welcome. Visit event website for more information
The Cajun Occasion
February 15
12 to 4 p.m.
Experience vibrant Mardi Gras music, authentic Cajun dishes like gumbo and jambalaya by Coinjock Catering, wine tastings, masks and beads. Reserve a table, which includes seating for 8 guests, a swag bag filled with special treats, plus three bottles of Sanctuary Vineyards wine for you to enjoy throughout the event. Visit event website for more information and to reserve tables and tickets.
Leprechaun Party
March 14
12 to 3 p.m.
Join Sanctuary Vineyards for a taste of Ireland with Celtic music, a traditional Irish lunch, green wines and craft beer.
For more about Sanctuary Vineyards events, click here.
Want to go?
Sanctuary Vineyards
7005 Caratoke Highway, Jarvisburg
(252) 491-2387
sanctuaryvineyards.com
Photos courtesy of Sanctuary Vineyards
About the Author Molly Harrison
Molly Harrison is managing editor at OneBoat, publisher of OuterBanksThisWeek.com. She moved to Nags Head in 1994 and since then has made her living writing articles and creating publications about the people, places and culture of the Outer Banks.
