You Can Hike with Llamas and Drink Award-Winning Wine at This North Carolina Vineyard
Here at EatingWell, we are all about finding unique travel experiences that allow us to do what we do best—eating (and drinking) well! Our latest travel discovery is located in East Bend, North Carolina, nestled on the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail near Pilot Mountain State Park, and is home to award-winning wines and llamas. Yep, you read that right—award-winning llamas!
Divine Llama Vineyards is home to a llama farm and allows you to take these quirky animals hiking across the beautiful terrain. Bet you can't find that experience in Napa or Sonoma!
Those looking to get a little exercise in before participating in a wine tasting can join a two-mile llama trek, which finishes at the vineyard's wine tasting facility, where you can sample seven of Divine Llama's wines and receive a commemorative wine glass. You can also just check out the llama farm, where you'll meet the animal that inspires many of the company's wines.
Divine Llama has also just started hosting outdoor yoga classes—called Llamaste, naturally—on the weekends, where you can join the llamas for a restorative workout. Be sure to check their Instagram to make sure you don't miss it!
Divine Llama Vineyards is open Fridays and Saturdays from noon until 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 6 p.m. The only exception is that they are closed on Fridays during the chilly January and February months. Participating in a llama trek is $50 per person and lasts between 1 ¾ and 2 ¼ hours. Tastings are $10 and get you free admission to the llama farm if you're not interested in hiking.
Check out the Divine Llama Vineyards site for their recommendations on accommodations near the area, like adorable bed and breakfasts, and other stops you should check out on the Yadkin River Wine Trail. Sounds like the perfect long weekend to us!