The RayLen Story

When Joe and Joyce Neely started their winery in Mocksville, NC in 1999, they named it RayLen after their two daughters — Rachel and Len, short for “Helen”.

Crafting exceptional wine in NC since 1999

In the 1990s, Joe and Joyce Neely were visiting friends in Napa Valley and were inspired by the local winemaking industry. Supported by friends who had started their own wineries in North Carolina, the Neelys decided to join the nascent efforts sweeping North Carolina. While searching for the right combination of farmland and interstate access, they were delighted to find a large tract for sale in Yadkin Valley. They planted the vineyard’s first vines in 1999.

For nearly a century prior to the Neelys purchasing the property, it had functioned as a dairy farm. Today, RayLen Vineyards and Winery’s rolling hills and winding drive romance guests as they drive through 35,000 European varietal grape vines. The tasting room is frequented by new travelers and local friends alike, and loyal customers stop by on a regular basis to enjoy the breathtaking views, serene atmosphere, and of course, winemaker Steve Shepard’s award-winning wines.

A Leader in NC Winemaking

Raylen Vineyards is located in the internationally-recognized, federally-approved, Yadkin Valley American Viticulture Area (AVA) of North Carolina’s Piedmont region, an exceptional area for growing European wine grapes. RayLen Vineyards is a charter member of the AVA, joining in the early 2000s when there were only four other wineries in the area. Many other NC wineries are now a part of the AVA, but RayLen Vineyards remains a leading pioneer of the Yadkin Valley with over 35,000 vines on our property today.

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a family-owned organization

When Joe and Joyce Neely started their winery, they named it “RayLen” after their two daughters — Rachel and Len, short for “Helen”. With Joe’s passing in 2021, the leadership role has passed to Rachel and Len, who are now managing RayLen.

RayLen Vineyards Lovers

Welcome to Wine Paradise in NC

I absolutely love this winery. I drive up from Charlotte often because I love it so much. It’s so beautiful and the staff is so nice and friendly. And of course the wines are great. I love that they host jazz Sundays sometimes. Can never go wrong with live jazz and wine combined with great weather.
Cynthia R
What a lovely time spent with the love of my life. Raylen vineyards is peaceful, beautiful, and has a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Great place to stop for a tasting and glass/bottle of wine while overlooking the vines. Just minutes off of I-40.
Kimberly Holland
This was such a fun experience. The staff was very accommodating and nice! I love the wine options and they’re all quite tasty. This is a nice place to enjoy a picnic either alone, with a significant other, family, or friends. We really enjoyed ourselves.
Zaakira Holt
Best REAL winery in NC! John took wonderful care of us. He was knowledgeable and fun. We tried almost everything and left with 6 bottles and some fun souvenirs 💛 we will be back. The pumpkin carving with live music and food truck night was perfect for fall!!!
Suzanne Albrecht

Ready To visit us?

Group Tasting Reservation Form for Groups of 9 or More

Whether you’re coming to us from down the road or across state lines, you’re always welcome at RayLen Vineyards and Winery. From public winery events to private wine tastings, we offer a variety of unforgettable experiences everyone can enjoy. We’ll see you soon!

Questions about visiting RayLen for a tasting? Please call 336-331-5668.
Want to give a guided tasting as a gift? Get a gift card here!