Muscadine's Second Act
North Carolina's Sweet Rebellion
It’s funny how tastes shift over time, and nowhere is that more evident than in North Carolina’s curious revival of Muscadine wine. Once written off by the “serious” wine drinkers as overly sweet and, let’s face it, a bit odd on the nose, Muscadine is staging a comeback that’s as bold as its character. Why? Maybe because Muscadine embodies everything North Carolina locals hold dear: history, resilience and a touch of that Southern charm.
Muscadine, after all, is our grape—a native grape that thrives in the heat and humidity of the South. There’s something almost rebellious about embracing a wine that’s been pigeonholed as “too sweet.” And wineries are catching on, experimenting with drier styles, sparkling options and blends that balance the grape’s naturally fruity profile. This new wave of Muscadine wines is expanding beyond the sticky, syrupy reputation, introducing something with surprising depth.
But the resurgence isn’t just about taste. It’s about roots and pride. North Carolina drinkers are waking up to the fact that Muscadine is unique to our terroir and culture. It’s authentic—an answer to the homogenized wine trends dominating shelves.
– Dathan Kazsuk