Attention history (and wine!) enthusiasts: the largest natural wonder of its kind in the U.S. can be found on Roanoke Island in Manteo. If it’s hard to imagine what’s so special about the oldest cultivated grapevine in the U.S., then try this on for size: one grapevine root system once covered an entire acre with not only vines, but also succulent muscadine grapes.

Take a look at the enormous root system of what’s called The MotherVine, located between two houses in a waterfront neighborhood.

Facebook/The Mothervine Nutraceutical Co., LLC

It’s believed The Mothervine was planted by the Croations who later became known as Native Americans. The first record of the vine is found in the writings of an expedition to the New World in 1584. Upon arriving and seeing all of the grapes growing in the area, the first European explorers happily declared there to be much wine in the New World.

Facebook/The Mothervine Nutraceutical Co., LLC

However, they soon found out that the Native Americans had no knowledge of the fermenting process and were simply eating the bountiful grape harvest each year.

Facebook/The Mothervine Nutraceutical Co., LLC

Today, The Mothervine is still thriving, although it has dwindled down to approximately half an acre. The grapes and the pulp from the grapes are being turned into healthy living products, including MotherVine Grape Juice. (Sold online and in stores.)

Facebook/The Mothervine Nutraceutical Co., LLC

Want to see it in person? That’s completely doable, as long as you remember it’s sitting on private property. The good news is that it’s right by the road, so you can see it without leaving your car.

Google Maps [enhanced] You’ll find The MotherVine on the left side of Mother Vineyard Road in Manteo. This link should help you navigate.

Did you know about the MotherVine? We’d love to know!

Facebook/The Mothervine Nutraceutical Co., LLC

Google Maps [enhanced]

You’ll find The MotherVine on the left side of Mother Vineyard Road in Manteo. This link should help you navigate.

North Carolina is home to some rather gawk-worthy and bizarre roadside attractions. See 15 of them in this previous article.

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