Davesté Vineyards of Cornelius

Davesté Vineyards of Cornelius is a boutique winery in Cornelius, North Carolina, specializing in handcrafted, award-winning wines produced from grapes grown on-site. Located on 60 acres in the scenic Lake Norman region, the vineyard offers wine tastings, guided tours, live music performances, and event hosting in a beautifully landscaped setting featuring walking trails, waterfalls, and an event pavilion. The property includes a tasting room, art gallery showcasing original works by North Carolina artists, a microbrewery, and a state-of-the-art winery facility that opened in 2022. The winery is recognized for its excellence, having earned the prestigious North Carolina “double gold” medal, a distinction reserved for the top wines in the state. With a 4.60 rating and a strong reputation among local and visiting wine enthusiasts, Davesté Vineyards is a celebrated destination for wine lovers and art appreciators alike.

The vineyard was founded in 2004 by Dave and Esté DeFehr, who planted their first vines on a 60-acre pastoral site in Troutman, North Carolina. Their vision was to establish the first winery in Iredell County, a goal realized with the first harvest in 2007. The tasting room and art gallery opened in 2008, followed by an outdoor pavilion in 2012. The original winery, which reached capacity by 2020, was replaced by a new, modern facility in 2022. The winery’s artistic identity is deeply rooted in its connection to local talent, with wine labels featuring original artwork by North Carolina artists who work primarily in watercolor, pastel, oils, acrylics, and collage. The current winemaker, Meg Tipton, brings global experience and a passion for viticulture developed through travels to renowned wine regions around the world.

Nestled on Lytton Farm Road, Davesté Vineyards lies within the heart of the Lake Norman region, offering a serene retreat for visitors seeking both exceptional wine and natural beauty. Its location in a pastoral landscape enhances the sensory experience of the vineyard, making it a destination for relaxation, culture, and celebration. As a leading winery in North Carolina’s growing wine industry, Davesté Vineyards stands out for its dedication to quality, artistic expression, and community engagement.