Hinnant Family Vineyards and Winery

Open: Year Round

When we are little we all dream of living and playing in a land of wonder and magic! The Hinnant kids were no exception! Although their dream came true long after their childhood had come and gone. In 1971 Jacqueline,  Freddie, Douglas and Willard started making their dream world a reality. Who knew that this kingdom being built in eastern Johnston County would mean a lifetime of sweaty brows, sunburned necks and purple fingers! In the early days the work was all done by hand. Mrs. Freddie remembers being on her knees planting grapes from morning until the full\moon was shining bright overhead! Freddie's husband, Glen, had the honor of being the original knight of the Hinnant kingdom. He was the vineyard manager that watched over the vineyard while the others maintained their jobs as, a teacher, dentist, book keeper and carpenter. Though they would always come back to the vineyard and see their creation, this land of the great Muscadine! As the seasons change so does the path of life. Though its twist and turns, some may be lost but never forgotten, however Willard and Freddie, the last of the original four, have a new dream on the horizon.

The seasons change again and there is now a young noble to watch over this majestic land, learning the traditions from a lifetime ago, Bob Hinnant now starts his own quest. With his family's reassurance, support (and secret recipe,) he gives life to a sleeping giant; Hinnant Family Vineyards & Winery! After the turn of the century the walls were constructed, the tanks were inserted and the grapes were harvested and the outcome was magical, like nectar from the Gods, it was Muscadine wine at its best! Starting with just a few varieties of wine the doors opened and in 2003 the first bottle was sold, it was the start of something great! In recent history Willard has acquired all of the land and holdings from his fellow siblings. Building upon the original acreage growing close to 80 acres of grapes; Hinnant Family Vineyards & Winery is the oldest and largest commercial Muscadine vineyard in the state of North Carolina. The Hinnant Family has also become experts on other native grapes.  From Virginia; the Norton grape takes up approximately 2 acres and is handcrafted to produce their driest, most complexed red, offering oak, vanilla and spice notes! From Texas; they have 2 acres of an American hybrid Blanc du Bois. The fruit offers intense grapefruit, pinapple, and passion fruit flavors.