One of the oldest cultivated grapevines in the country, still growing on Roanoke Island soil
The Mother Vine is one of the more unusual entries on Roanoke Island: a single scuppernong grapevine, on Mother Vineyard Road on the outskirts of Manteo, reputed to be one of the oldest cultivated grapevines in the United States. Local and regional accounts put its age in the centuries, with lore that stretches the vine's origins back toward the era of the earliest English arrivals on the island in the 1580s — though, like much from that period, the exact history is passed down more as long-standing local claim than documented record.
Unlike a working vineyard built for visitors, the Mother Vine grows on private property, and there's no tasting room, ticketed access, or set visiting hours attached to it — this is a piece of living local history you pass on Mother Vineyard Road, not a formal attraction with amenities. It fits into a broader regional story: scuppernong and muscadine grapes are native to this stretch of the coastal South, and old vines like this one are frequently cited as the root of North Carolina's long relationship with scuppernong wine. For anyone tracing Roanoke Island's deep history alongside stops like Fort Raleigh or Roanoke Island Festival Park, it's a quieter, easy-to-miss thread in the same story.
66 reviews
4 months ago
Super cool history. Estimated to be 400 years old & is believed to be the oldest grape vine in all of North America, planted by either Croatan Native Americans or settlers of the Lost Colony. It still produces succulent, white scuppernong grapes- a member of the muscadine species.
3 months ago
A neat quick stop. The map marker location as of 05/26 was incorrect. The physical address is 255 Mother Vineyard Rd, on the north side of the street. The property has some limited parking seemingly available for tourists. As others have mentioned, this is private property of a residence that seems to welcome visitors so please take care to be especially respectful of the site.
a year ago
Very cool spot to check out if you're into wine, horticulture and/or history! The whole property and the set-up for the vines are beautiful!! They have a sign on the road a small paved area to park, so its very easy to visit. As others have mentioned please be respectful. If the owners of the house are reading this, thank you for taking care of the mother vine and sharing with the public!
a year ago
On the island? Stop by. Centuries old and sprawling across their yard and still growing. Not a lot here. Short spur to the sound if you are so intrigued. It produces Thomas Jefferson's favorite grape, the Scuppernong. You wont be here long, but you'll be able to say that you saw it.
a year ago
Amazing to see a grape vine that was one of the first sights that the English men saw upon arriving on the shores of this new place. It is believed to be over 400 years old. There is an old fashioned well near the vine. The well is filled in. It is worth taking the trail to see the ocean and take pictures. Beware of an uneven path surrounded by vines and trees. The vines have large thorns, so be careful.