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The North Carolina Wine Festival is one of several annual events showcasing vineyards from all across the state of North Carolina. It is the largest one-day wine festival in the state. It began in 2000 as a way to showcase the over 100 different wineries in the state. It was held at Tanglewood Park, in Clemmons, North Carolina. The 12th annual festival was held on May 26, 2012 and had 30 participating wineries. The general manager for WSJS-AM, Tom Hamilton, is also the festival director.
More than just a wine-tasting, the event features many bands, activities, food and apparel vendors. Attendance in 2012 was estimated to be between 12,000 and 15,000 people.
Revenue from wineries produces over $1.2 billion in annual sales, making North Carolina the 10th largest U.S. state in wine production. North Carolina is the world's largest producer of muscadine wines.
2005 split
In 2005 several wineries of the Yadkin Valley AVA pulled out of the event citing low sales and little exposure compared to other events and activities taking place at the festival. The Yadkin Valley Winegrowers Association formed their own festival held shortly after the NC Wine Festival.