North Carolina has been a winemaking state for much of its history. Yet, it was not until the early 1970s that organizations began forming to collectively support those who had an interest in growing grapes and making wine in North Carolina. The muscadine grape growers were the first and formed what is today the North Carolina Muscadine Grape Growers Association. Yet, since the early 1980's it has been the interest in growing vinifera, or European style bunch grapes, which has led to a major shift toward making European style wines here in North Carolina.

The Piedmont Grape Grower's Association was the first group to champion vinifera grapes in North Carolina and this organization formed the core of what is known today as the North Carolina Winegrower's Association. The North Carolina Winegrower's Association was formed in 1993, primarily through the efforts of people like Steve Shepard, then at Westbend Vineyards and Earl Mitchell, Professor of Physics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The focus of the group was then, and remains today, the open interchange of information among both professional and amateur winemakers, with a focus on education, research, and professional development.