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This East Bend Winery Combines Award-Winning Wines With 100+ Llamas On 91 Stunning Acres

Published: August 18, 2025

Where else can you sip award-winning North Carolina wines while being greeted by friendly llamas with names like Merlina and Mandarb?

Divine Llama Vineyards brilliantly combines the relaxation of wine tasting with the pure joy of spending time with these charming, gentle creatures on 91 acres of rolling Yadkin Valley hills.

Award-Winning Wines & Unique Varieties

Signature Wine Selection: You’ll taste eleven different wines made from four grape varieties grown on-site: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonel, and Traminette. The Merlina (their Merlot with blackberry flavors) consistently wins over visitors, while the Versailles white and Red Rita Rose provide excellent lighter options for different palates.

Wine Naming Tradition: Each wine bears the name of one of their award-winning llamas, creating a delightful connection between the vineyard’s two passions. The Mandarb offers a darker, drier red that pairs beautifully with steak, while Mustang Sally provides a crowd-pleasing option for casual sippers.

Tasting Experience: Flight options let you sample four different wines, perfect for discovering your preferences while learning about the unique characteristics of each varietal. The knowledgeable approach helps both wine novices and enthusiasts appreciate the nuances.

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Award Recognition: Both the wines and llamas have earned recognition – the vineyard produces nationally recognized wines while their llamas compete and win in shows across the Southeast.

Llama Farm Experience & Activities

Largest Llama Farm in Southeast: You’ll encounter over 100 llamas of all ages, sizes, and fiber types roaming 20 acres of pastures. Spring and fall bring adorable baby llamas that visitors often catch on wobbly legs during their first weeks of life.

Interactive Experiences: The llamas actively approach the fence to greet visitors, showing off distinct personalities that make each encounter memorable. You can walk down a lovely path to reach the llama corrals and spend time observing these gentle, intelligent creatures up close.

Llama Trekking Adventures: Book the ultimate experience by hiking with llamas who carry chairs, water, and provisions on 2-mile treks through rolling hills along Miller Creek. These Saturday and Sunday adventures during spring, fall, and winter include creek-side breaks perfect for photos while feeding treats to your llama companion.

Atmosphere & Décor

Rustic Farmhouse Charm: The tasting room occupies a beautifully renovated 1940s farmhouse that maintains its authentic character while providing comfortable wine tasting spaces. The historic setting perfectly complements the pastoral vineyard atmosphere.

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Multiple Seating Options: Choose from limited indoor seating in the cozy farmhouse, a large outdoor deck nestled under trees, covered front and side porches, or picnic tables scattered around the property. A large covered pavilion provides additional group seating with protection from weather.

Scenic Beauty: Five acres of vineyards provide the classic wine country backdrop, while the 91 acres of rolling hills create stunning pastoral views in every direction. The peaceful setting encourages relaxation and unhurried enjoyment of both wine and wildlife.

Other Considerations

Operating Schedule: Open Thursday through Saturday from 12-6pm and Sunday 1-6pm, making it perfect for weekend wine country adventures. The limited schedule ensures focused attention and maintains the intimate, family-run atmosphere.

Pricing & Value: Mid-tier pricing for wine tastings and bottles reflects the quality and unique experience you’re receiving. The combination of award-winning wines, llama interactions, and beautiful setting provides exceptional value compared to standard wineries.

Family-Friendly Appeal: Unlike many wineries, the llama factor makes this destination engaging for non-drinkers and families, though supervision around the animals is always required for safety.

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Best Visit Strategy: Plan 2-3 hours to fully enjoy wine tasting, llama viewing, and exploring the grounds. Consider booking a llama trek for the ultimate experience, but call ahead for reservations during peak seasons.

Seasonal Considerations: While llamas are visible year-round, they may be less active during extreme heat. Spring and fall offer the best combination of comfortable weather, active llamas, and potential baby llama sightings.


Divine Llama Vineyards
📍 4126 Divine Llama Lane, East Bend, NC 27018

Writer: Travis McClendon
Contributor

I’ve lived in Asheville for the past 12 years, but North Carolina has always felt like home. And I've always loved traveling! I enjoy taking the long way just to see what’s out there. When I’m not writing, I’m out with my old Nikon, digging through record bins, or planning my next road trip.