Vineyard Weddings in Yadkin Valley Yadkin Winter Reds event

Vine
the
WineArt Food
&
Carolina Wine Country News
Vineyard Weddings
in Yadkin Valley
Area wineries
celebrate
Valentine’s Day
Yadkin
Winter Reds event
ee
Fr
On
January–April 2016
OnThe Vine
A publication of the Tribune
contents
2 | On The Vine | January – April 2016
3
4
6
8
10
12
16
18
20
22
Welcome to Winter in the
Yadkin Valley Wine Region
Calendar of Events
Vineyard Weddings in the
Yadkin Valley
6
Yadkin Winter Reds Event
Area wineries celebrate
Valentine’s Day
Winery Index
Craft Beer joins this year’s
Budbreak festival
Explore Yadkin Valley
wineries with a winter wine
passport
10
Downtown winery is a
destination for locals, tourists
Wine infused winter recipes
On the
Cover
A bride in the
vineyard at
RagApple Lassie
in Boonville.
Photo courtesy of Rod
Hunter Photography
EDITOR
Wendy Byerly Wood
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kitsey Burns Harrison
Diane Blakemore
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Holly Lamm
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
336-835-1513
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
tricalendar@civitasmedia.com
On The Vine
214 E. Main St.
Elkin, NC 28621
On The Vine is published quarterly
by Civitas Media LLC.
Welcome to winter
in the Yadkin Valley Wine Region
Greetings wine lovers and
visitors to our beautiful Yadkin
Valley. The holiday rush is now
behind us so it’s time to curl up
somewhere cozy with a glass of
your favorite red (or white) and
enjoy the winter. But, before you
snuggle up, be sure to come to
the Yadkin Valley to pick up a
few bottles, or maybe a case to
last the entire winter long.
The great thing about our area
wineries is they are wonderful places to visit all year long.
Many of the wineries still host
special events this time of year
and if you’re tired of sitting on
the couch watching Netflix, it’s
a great way to get out and enjoy
the day.
In this quarter’s issue of On The
Vine you’ll find more details on
upcoming events including the
Winter Passport event at Surry
County wineries and the Yadkin
Winter Reds in Yadkin County.
And don’t forget Valentine’s
Day!
For some of you, you may not
get much time to relax this
winter as you may be planning
a wedding. Did you know,
December is the most popular
month for engagements? I sure
do, as my husband popped the
question on Christmas Eve
2014. Once again, a visit to one
of our beautiful area wineries
may be just the thing to get you
thinking about the perfect
location for your special day.
Many of our area wineries host
weddings and receptions — all
in the unique and magical
etting of a vineyard.
Also in this issue of On The
Vine you’ll find more information about why vineyards make
a special choice for a wedding
venue as well as other feature
stories and news about events
happening here in the Yadkin
Valley and throughout the
region.
We are thrilled to have you visit
our beloved Yadkin Valley, or
if you picked this magazine up
elsewhere, we hope to see you
soon. We also love to hear from
our readers. If you have a great
wine-related story to share, we’d
love to hear it. Feel free to contact me at kburns@civitasmedia.
com.
Grapefully yours,
Kitsey Burns Harrison
Staff Writer - On The Vine
Magazine
Photo courtesy of Rod Hunter Photography
Kitsey Burns Harrison in the
vineyard at RagApple Lassie in
Boonville.
u ri
To
ev
sm D elopm
e
nt
Au
thority
Jonesv
ille
discover
Jonesville
Tourism Specialists On Staff Monday-Saturday 8:30AM-8PM & Sundays 1PM-8PM providing a wealth of information on the Yadkin Valley, its Wine Region and more!
For more information, call the Jonesville Welcome Center at (336) 835-2000
336-835-6000
336-526-6777
336-835-9400
Go Anywhere – Stay Here!
336-835-1994
336-835-3609
00804024
On The Vine | January – April 2016 | 3
The Jonesville Welcome cenTer
I-77 at Exit 82, in The Heart of the Yadkin Valley
Calendar of Events
Jan. 16
•
Adagio Vineyards, 139 Benge Drive, Elkin, will host the
Adagio Art Coaster Class during which participants can make four custom marble coasters with their own photos. All materials and instructions and a glass of wine are
included for a $30 fee. For more information visit
www.adagiovineyards.com or call 336-258-2333.
•
Round Peak Vineyards, 765 Round Peak Church Road, Mount Airy, will host a Signature Series Wine Blending, during which visitors can create their own wine blend and take a case home. For more information, visit www.round
peak.com or call 336-352-5595.
•
•
Shelton Vineyards, 286 Cabernet Lane, Dobson, will host a Vintner’s Dinner at the Harvest Grill at 6:30 p.m. Menu and price will be announce at a later date. Reservations are required. Call Harvest Grill for reservations at 336-366-3590 •
or email harvestgrill@sheltonvineyards.com. For more information, visit www.sheltonvineyards.com or call
336-366-4724.
• Adagio Vineyards, 139 Benge Drive, Elkin, will host
Tasting Notes with a violin performance from 1:30 to
3:30 p.m. at the winery. For more information visit
www.adagiovineyards.com or call 336-258-2333.
•
• Shelton Vineyards, 286 Cabernet Lane, Dobson, will
host a culinary experience at the Harvest Grill from 2:30
to 4:30 p.m. Menu and price will be announce at a later date. Reservations are required. Call Harvest Grill for
reservations at 336-366-3590 or email harvestgrill@
sheltonvineyards.com. For more information, visit
www.sheltonvineyards.com or call 336-366-4724.
Jan. 24
Feb. 6
4 | On The Vine | January – April 2016
•
•
Feb. 12-15
Shelton Vineyards, 286 Cabernet Lane, Dobson, will
host Cupid’s Celebration featuring special wine tastings offered all day each day. For more information, visit
www.sheltonvineyards.com or call 336-366-4724.
• Flint Hill Vineyards, 2133 Flint Hill Road, East Bend, will have Valentine’s specials and dinners throughout the week
end. Visit www.flinthillvineyards.com for more information.
Feb. 13
Shelton Vineyards, 286 Cabernet Lane, Dobson, will
host Sweet Sips from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Menu and price
will be announced at a later date. Reservations are required. Enjoy dessert creations from Chef Frances paired with Shelton Vineyard wine. For more information, visit
www.sheltonvineyards.com or call 336-366-4724.
Feb. 14-15
Adagio Vineyards, 139 Benge Drive, Elkin, will host
Sweets and Flowers for Valentine’s weekend. Sweet treats will be paired with wines and flowers. For more information visit www.adagiovineyards.com or call 336-258-2333.
Feb. 20
Adagio Vineyards, 139 Benge Drive, Elkin, will host the Adagio Art Coaster Class during which participants can make four custom marble coasters with their own photos. All materials and instructions and a glass of wine are
included for a $30 fee. For more information visit
www.adagiovineyards.com or call 336-258-2333.
Feb. 26
Shelton Vineyards, 286 Cabernet Lane, Dobson, will host Chef’s Table at the Harvest Grill at 6:30 p.m. Menu and price will be announce at a later date. Reservations are required. Enjoy an evening with Chef Paul and Chef
Frances as they create, plate and present a one-of-a-kind
dining experience. Call Harvest Grill for reservations at
336-366-3590 or email harvestgrill@sheltonvineyards.com. For more information, visit www.sheltonvineyards.com or call 336-366-4724.
March 12
•
Adagio Vineyards, 139 Benge Drive, Elkin, will
host the Adagio Art Coaster Class during which
participants can make four custom marble coasters
with their own photos. All materials and instructions and a glass of wine are included for a $30 fee. For more information visit www.adagiovineyards.com
or call 336-258-2333.
•
Shelton Vineyards, 286 Cabe5rnet Lane, Dobson,
will host a Farm to Fork Dinner at the Harvest Grill
at 6:30 p.m. Menu and price will be announce at a later date. Reservations are required. Call Harvest Grill for reservations at 336-366-3590 or email
harvestgrill@sheltonvineyards.com. For more
information, visit www.sheltonvineyards.com or
call 336-366-4724.
• Skull Camp Brewing, 1980 N. Bridge St., Elkin, will
celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early. For more information,
visit skullcampbrewing.com or call 336-258-8124.
March 19
• Round Peak Vineyards, 765 Round Peak Church
Road, Mount Airy, will host a Spring Fling. For
more information, visit www.roundpeak.com or call
336-352-5595.
•
March 25
Shelton Vineyards, 286 Cabernet Lane, Dobson, will host Chef’s Table at the Harvest Grill at 6:30 p.m. Menu and price will be announce at a later date. Reservations are required. Enjoy an evening with Chef Paul and Chef
Frances as they create, plate and present a one-of-a-kind
dining experience. Call Harvest Grill for reservations at
336-366-3590 or email harvestgrill@sheltonvineyards.
com. For more information, visit www.sheltonvineyardscom or call 336-366-4724.
April 9
• Round Peak Vineyards, 765 Round Peak Church Road, Mount Airy, will host a spring wine club event. For more information, visit www.roundpeak.com or call
336-352-5595.
•
•
Shelton Vineyards, 286 Cabernet Lane, Dobson, will host its fourth annual Spring Fling from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be free admission, free regular tours and tastings. The event will include local vendors. For more information, visit www.sheltonvineyards.com or call 336-366-4724.
April 16
Shelton Vineyards, 286 Cabernet Lane, Dobson, will host its annual British Car Gathering from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This is the Southeast’s largest display of vintage British cars
scattered throughout the vineyard. For more information, visit www.sheltonvineyards.com or call 336-366-4724.
On The Vine | January – April 2016 | 5
Vineyard
Weddings
in the Yadkin Valley
By Kitsey Burns Harrison
kburns@yadkinripple.com
The busy holiday season is over, but for many
couples, excitement is building anew as they plan
to start their lives together. The holiday season
is one of the most popular times of the year for
engagements and so as a new year begins, many
are planning for that special day — their
wedding day.
Following the all-important dress decision, the
ceremony and reception location is one of the
biggest decisions for a couple. Many of the
wineries and vineyards of the Yadkin Valley play
host to multiple weddings a year. Couples may
choose to have their wedding and/or reception
at a winery for various reasons, but most, said
winery owner Lenna Hobson, love the atmosphere of a winery or vineyard.
6 | On The Vine | January – April 2016
“There’s a romance and a mystique attached to
wineries and that’s part of what helps to bring
people to the Yadkin Valley,” Hobson said.
Hobson and her husband Frank are the owners
of RagApple Lassie Vineyard and Winery in
Boonville.
“It’s romance, pure and simple. It’s a centuries old mystique that weddings and love and
romance pairs with perfectly,” Hobson said.
While some of the couples who have been
married at RagApple Lassie found the location
by happenstance, Hobson said many have a
connection with the winery in some way. Several
couples got engaged at the winery and returned
to have their wedding or reception there.
Hobson said they often return every year to
celebrate their anniversary at the winery as well.
Photos courtesy of Jennifer K Photography
| www.jenniferkphotography.com
Newlyweds at Elkin Creek Vineyard.
Photos courtesy of Ron Day Photography |
www.rondayphotography.com
Mary and Blake Johnson in the
vineyard at Raffaldini.
When a unique building adjacent to their property became available a few years ago, the owners
of Hanover Park in Yadkinville added on a special
space just for weddings and other events. Amy
Helton, who owns the winery along with her
husband, said the new space has been a big hit
with brides. Having a space separate from their
winery tasting room also allows a lot of flexibility for couples to decorate and prepare their
space in advance of the ceremony or reception.
Helton said couples who have been married at
Hanover Park have been from all across the state
of North Carolina and some from out of state as
well. The unique setting of the vineyard
provides a scenic place for a couple’s special day.
Those scenic views showcasing the beauty of
nature get in the blood for some, including
Jennifer and Nick White. In October of 2008, the
couple said their “I dos” at Elkin Creek
Vineyard where they became friends with the
owner. Now, the couple, along with their friends
Louis and Carrie Jeroslow, own the vineyard.
“Elkin Creek Vineyard speaks to couples who
are looking for a wedding venue that showcases
nature, is secluded, but is not remote or hard to
get to,” said Louis Jeroslow. “The site of a
Historic Grist Mill built in 1896, our special
location features two creeks flowing through the
property. One of our most sacred and symbolic
places at Elkin Creek Vineyard is where the two
creeks join together to form one. This extraordinary setting can host very intimate ceremonies
and larger-scale celebrations.
“Elkin Creek Vineyard embodies the elegant-rustic qualities that are now so highly sought after,”
Jeroslow added. “We have worked very hard to
create wedding packages that are completely
scalable to the size needed. We often provide
an all-inclusive wedding experience to private
elopements and can also host weddings up to
well over 100 guests. The flexibility and personal
touches are what really attract couples to want to
have their wedding here.”
Local wedding photographer Jennifer Kleinheksel has photographed multiple weddings at Elkin
Creek and other area vineyards. She said a vineyard setting for a wedding makes for beautiful
images which will be treasured for years to come.
“I love photographing weddings at our area
vineyards and wineries because I get to be a part
of one of the most important days in someone’s
life and at a beautiful location,” Kleinheksel said.
“There is so much love and joy that is part of
the day and it is a true honor to be the one to
capture it all. It is my job to not just be taking
photographs of the day, but to actually capture
the essence and feelings that the couple felt so
that every time they look back at their images,
they will be able to relive and feel those feelings
all over again.”
For couples looking to tie the knot at a Yadkin
Valley vineyard, the best place to start is visiting
area vineyards to get a feel for the setting. Most
area vineyards also have information available
on their websites or by contacting the location
regarding wedding and reception options.
Kitsey Burns Harrison may be reached at
336-679-2341 or on Twitter @RippleReporterK.
Photos courtesy of Jennifer K Photography |
www.jenniferkphotography.com
A newlywed couple at Elkin Creek Vineyard.
Photos courtesy of Hanover Park Vineyard
The Studio at Hanover Park is set for a
wedding reception.
The Real Taste of Italy
We Cater All Events!
Call us today for your Special Event!
5
Top
Southern Living
Magazine
www.fullersbbq.com
Daily
Lunch
Specials
Authentic Thai Cuisine
1521 N. Bridge St., Elkin NC 28621
Great Food
...Great Times
MountAiry,
Airy,North
NorthCarolina
Carolina
Mount
www.eat13bones.com
Visit
Country
– And
Dine
Us!
DineNC
withWine
us during
your visit
to NC
WineWith
Country!
642 N. Bridge St., Elkin NC 28621 | For To-Go Orders
Call (336) 835-1466
3450
OldAndy
Salisbury
Rd.
• Winston-Salem
• 336-764-3313
502 S.
Griffith
Pkwy
• Mt. Airy • 336-786-1313
00806662
00804687
Facebook:
Prime Thai
660986
Tue-Thu 11AM-9PM, Fri 11AM-9:30PM, Sat 4PM-9PM
Sun 12PM-8:30PM, Closed Monday & 2:30PM-4PM Daily
and
be surefor
to come
Hungry!
Best
Catering
Your Next
Event
S. Andy
Griffith
Pkwy • Mt.to
AiryRemember!
• 336-786-1313
-502
Give
‘Em
Something
On The Vine | January – April 2016 | 7
Serving
Select NC
Wines
7 Days a Week, Mon-Sat 11AM-9PM & Sun 11AM-4PM
Daily Lunch Specials until 3PM • Professional Catering
00805729
3201 Roberts Avenue
113 N. Eastern Blvd.
Lumberton, NC 28358 Fayetteville, NC , 28301
(910) 738-8694
(910) 484-5109
The winter may bring cold...
By Kitsey Burns Harrison
kburns@yadkinripple.com
...and gloomy days, but that’s no reason
to stay at home. It’s nice and cozy at
the wineries in Yadkin County and the
seventh annual Yadkin Winter Reds
is the perfect reason to get out of the
house on a cool winter day.
“An absolute must to cure the midwinter blahs,” said LeDon Bedsaul of
the Yadkin Winter Reds event. “All the
wineries are so warm and inviting, and
I highly recommend it.”
The Yadkin Winter Reds wine and food
pairing event will be held Jan. 30-31
and Feb. 27-28. The event is sponsored
by the town of Yadkinville and Yadkin
County Tourism Development Authorities.
“This is a great opportunity for you to
visit Yadkin County wineries and taste
the excellent wines that are being produced,” said event organizers.
Jamie Johnson at the Yadkin County
Chamber of Commerce said the event
brings in many new visitors to the area
and is a great boost for tourism during
a typically slower time of year.
8 | On The Vine | January – April 2016
“It’s like a progressive party that people
used to do,” explained Donna Bissette,
a local wine connoisseur. “We often end
up on the same path as other groups
and meet some fun folks, as wine drinkers tend to be! The food and wine pairings are fabulous. It’s a festive winter
tradition.”
For the event, Yadkin County wineries will feature a 2-ounce pour of their
Winter Red selection paired with a
4-ounce serving of a gourmet food
item. The hours will be Saturday noon
to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Each
ticket holder will be assigned to a starting winery where they will receive their
souvenir glass and a map. The ticket
is good for both days on the selected
weekend — one visit per winery. A limited number of tickets are sold for both
weekends.
Amy Helton of Hanover Park Vineyard
said the event is unique because it
offers wine lovers a chance to learn
more about food and wine pairings.
“Yadkin Winter Reds allows people to
learn about pairing food and wine and
the more educated the public is, the
more they will enjoy the wine,” she
said. “I think that is one of the most
important aspects to me and also for
people to spend a day driving around
our community to see what it’s about.”
The pricing and menu for the event are
as follows:
January weekend — $15 per person
February weekend — $20 per person
Both Weekends Package — $30 per
person — a savings of $5. If you select
both weekend package then you must
use your wine glasses that you receive
for both weekends. You will not have to
select a winery for your February weekend since you have already received
your wine glasses.
Also, check out the calendar of events
for additional activities happening the
weekend of the Yadkin Winter Reds.
Menu for January Weekend
(Tickets must be ordered by Jan. 27)
Sandwiches paired with Cabernet Franc
• Yadkin Valley Wine Company will feature Lemon Poppy Seeds paired with Carolina Blue
Menu for February Weekend
(Tickets must be ordered by Feb. 24)
• Cellar 4201 will feature Gumbo
with Chicken & Sausage paired
with Rose
• Divine Llama Vineyards will feature Brunswick Stew paired with In A Heartbeat
• Flint Hill Vineyards will feature
Popcorn Carbonara paired with
Cabernet Sauvignon
• RagApple Lassie Vineyards will feature Sweet & Spicy seared Beef encroute with Peston Cream paired with Hobson’s Choice Estate Grown Reserve
•
Sanders Ridge Vineyards will
feature Morrocan Spiced Shrimp with Arrugulant Pickled Onions.
For more information about the Winter Reds Event, contact the
Yadkin County Visitors Office at 1-877-492-3546.
Kitsey Burns Harrison may be reached
at 336-679-2341 or on Twitter @RippleReporterK.
• Brandon Hills Vineyard will feature Pork Barbecue Sliders paired with Raptor Red
• Hanover Park Vineyards will feature Chili paired with Chambourcin
• Laurel Gray Vineyards will feature Homemade Jalapeño Cheese Mini File photo
Visitors fill the RagApple Lassie tasting
room for a special wine tasting event
featuring several area wineries.
Yadkin Winter Reds event
..warms up the winter
RagApple
Lassie Vineyards
will feature Sweet
& Spicy seared
Beef encroute
with Peston
Cream paired with
Hobson’s Choice
Estate Grown
Reserve
On The Vine | January – April 2016 | 9
“An absolute must to cure the mid-winter blahs,”
said LeDon Bedsaul of the Yadkin Winter Reds event.
10 | On The Vine | January – April 2016
Area wineries
celebrate
Courtesy photo
Couples celebrate Valentine’s Day in style with live music and
dancing at Carolina Heritage Vineyard and Winery.
By Kitsey Burns Harrison
kburns@yadkinripple.com
Valentine’s Day will soon be here,
and what better way to celebrate this
special day of love and romance than
enjoying some delicious wine. With
Valentine’s Day on a Sunday this year,
most of the Yadkin Valley wineries will
be open for regular tastings and many
also will be offering special extras for
the day.
A number of wineries also will be hosting special events for Valentine’s Day.
Grassy Creek Winery in State Road will
be hosting its sixth annual Valentine’s
event on Feb. 13 with live music,
dinner and, of course, wine.
“We’ve done this event many different
ways, but this year we are doing to do
what we did last year which was really
super fun. Everyone seemed to really
love it because it became very social,”
said co-owner Cynthia Douthit. “It will
be a dinner served at food stations. The
dessert is going to be a flambe station
with bananas foster. There will be five
food stations, appetizers, soup, and
meat stations and then the dessert.”
Douthit said it is a much anticipated event
at the winery and it is limited to 80 guests,
so early reservations are recommended.
“There’s not a better time to share in all
of the senses with love, wine, music, food
and dancing,” Douthit said. She added that
not all attendees last year were couples,
the social nature of the event is also great
for those coming by themselves just to celebrate good food and wine.
During its regular tasting room hours of
1 to 6 p.m. on Feb. 14, Carolina Heritage
Vineyard and Winery will be having live
music as well as a chocolate fountain for
guests to enjoy.
“It’s fun to be out and just enjoy a traditional romantic day, and wine and chocolate are
just a part of that,” said owner Pat Colwell.
Brenda Doub, owner of Flint Hill Vineyards,
said their tasting room will be open for
Valentine’s Day and they also plan to offer
a special dinner that weekend. Check www.
flinthillvineyards.com for further details.
Also serving a special menu for Valentine’s
weekend will be The Hearth Restaurant at
Sanders Ridge Winery in Boonville. Avail-
able Feb. 12-14 from 5:30 to 9 p.m., the special Valentine’s menu will include selections
like filet mignon and shrimp, crab stuffed
chicken breast and more. Reservations are
recommended.
Special tastings featuring sparkling wine
and chocolate are planned at Shelton Vineyards in Dobson for the entire Valentine’s
weekend. Shelton Vineyard’s signature restaurant the Harvest Grill also will feature a
special menu for Valentine’s.
At RagApple Lassie Vineyard in Boonville,
a special dessert and wine pairing will be
offered.
“Valentine’s Day is also huge because people
of all ages make an effort to do something
special on Valentine’s Day. They love to pair
the wine with chocolates as a starter before
heading out to dinner,” said owner Lenna
Hobson.
For more information about special events
happening at area wineries for Valentine’s
Day, visit your favorite winery’s website or
give them a call.
Kitsey Burns Harrison may be reached at
336-679-2341 or on Twitter @RippleReporterK.
On The Vine | January – April 2016 | 11
00797080
16
19
30
27
21 37
34
15
33
23 13
1126 5
22
20 9 32
28 6 8
4 17
10
4
29
3
2
1
3 1
5
12
10
24
18
31
1 Allison Oaks Tasting Room
3
1 4
2 3Me
14
Brandon Hills Vineyard
336-463-WINE (9463)
BRANDON HILLS
VINEYARD 1927BrandonHillsRoad,
Yadkinville,NC27055
Owners:DavidandPamelaBlackwell
Winemaker:DanaAcker
Website: brandonhillsvineyard.com
Location: YadkinCounty-FromUS421take
US601So.,turnrightonLoneHickory,1.2
milesturnrightonNeelieRd.,0.5mi.turnlefton
BrandonHillsRd.
Tasting Room Hours:Saturday12pm-6pm
Sunday1pm-5pmorbyappointment
WeareclosedtheentiremonthofJanuary
7
5 15
4
36
6
2
13
3
2
15
8
Chape
5
19
14
12
5
13
4
12
17
9
18
11
21
5
11
7
Cellar 4201 336-699-6030
6
4201AppersonRoad,
EastBend,NC27018
GPS Coordinates:36D14M12SW80D28M26S
Owner:GregHutchins,DonnaCarlyleHutchins
Winemaker:CharlieKidd
Website:www.Cellar4201.com
Location:YadkinCountyFromI-77Exit82Travel
EastonHwy67toEastBend.TurnleftontoAppersonRoad.FromWinston-Salem,takeHwy67
West,1milepastYadkinRiverBridge,turnright
ontoAppersonRoad,travel2.6milesonleft.
7 Childress Vineyards
Divine Llama Vineyards, LLC
8
336-699-2525
4126DivineLlamaLane,EastBend,
NC27018
GPS Coordinates:N36d13m10s
W80d20m03s
Owners:ThomasH.HughesandMichaelWest
Winemaker:DanTallman
Tasting Room Hours:Fri&Sat:12:00pm-
5:00pm;Sun:1:00pm-5:00pm,(Sat&Sun
Only,Jan&Feb)
Website:www.divinellamavineyards.com
Location:FromNCHwy67,turnontoMacedoniaRoadinEastBend.Vineyardis.6mionleft.
318ElkinCreekMillRoad,
Elkin,NC28621
Tasting Room Hrs:Thursday–Sunday11AM–
5PM.WineTasting&LightFoodsDaily,Brick-Oven
PizzasEverySunday.AvailableforWeddings&Special
Events–PrivateLuxuryRentalCabins
Website:www.elkincreekvineyard.com
Lat:36.2804452Long: -80.8763055
10 Flint Hill Vineyards & Century Kitchen
11 Grassy Creek Vineyard
336-835-4230
235CottageCircle,
StateRoadNC28676
Owners:DerrillandLoriRice,Jimand
CynthiaDouthit
Winemaker:JimDouthit
Website:www.grassycreekvineyard.com
Location: Surry/WilkesCounties—Westoff
I-77atExit85toUS21-BypassNorth.leftafter
firsttrafficlightontoKlondikeRoad.Leftinto
vineyardafterabout1/2miles.
12 Hanover Park Vineyard
13 Hutton Vineyards & Winery
14 Junius Lindsay Vineyard
15 McRitchie Winery & Ciderworks
16
Old North State
Winery & Brewery
336-789-9463
308NorthMainStreet,
MountAiry,NC27030
Owners: Ben&EllieWebb
Winemaker/Brewmaster: BenWebb
website:www.oldnorthstatewinery.com
Location:SurryCounty-FromI-77Eastto
US601,takeUS601toHwy.52N.Exitoffof
Hwy.52NontheMt.Airy/GalaxHwy.89Ext.Go
straightonIndependencethrough5lights.Turn
rightontoN.MainStreet,Wineryistwoblocks
ontheleft.
RagApple Lassie Vineyards
Toll Free:1866-RAGAPPLE
Winery:336-367-6000
3724RagAppleLassieLane
Boonville,NC27011
Owners:FrankandLennaHobson
OpenDaily12pm-6pm(exceptEaster,Thanksgiving&Christmas)
TastingsDaily12pm-5:30pm
GPS Address:3808RockfordRd,BoonvilleNC27011
Website:www.ragapplelassie.com
18 RayLen Vineyards
19 Round Peak Vineyards 17
20 MenaRick Vineyard & Winery
21
26
Owners:CharlesM.SheltonandR.EdwinShelton
33
32
Lazy Elm
(336)909-4914
523DannerRoad,
Mocksville,NC27028
www.lazyelm.com
OpenSat&Sun12PM-6PM-ish
Adagio Vineyards
(336)258-2333
139BengeDrive,Elkin,NC28621
www.adagiovineyards.com
Owners:Drs.TimandJanWahl
Winemaker:TimWahl(YadkinValleyRegion)
Location:SurryCounty,I-77toexit83
US21bypassNorth,leftfirsttrafficlight,leftonNBridge
StreetthenrightonCarterMillRoad,firstleftonBenge
Drive.
TastingRoomHours:FriandSat12-,Sun1-5
SWAN CREEK AVA
10
4
www.roaringrivervineyards.com
31
(866)313-8008
231VineyardLn,Dobson,NC27017
herreravineyards.com
6
0370
493BrewerMillRoad,Traphill,NC28685
GPS Coordinates:36.318514,-81.049772
Owners:Josephine&TomSilvey
LuxuryLodgings,BusinessMeetings,Weddings,RehearsalDinners,andPrivateEvents.Website:
Shelton Vineyards
336-366-4724
286CabernetLane,
Dobson,NC27017
Winemaker: GillGiese
Website:www.sheltonvineyards.com
Location:SurryCounty—I-77toExit93Dobson.
Turnright,thentakefirstrightontoTwinOaksRd.
Go2.5milestotheSheltonVineyardsentrance
ontheright.
22 Stony Knoll Vineyards
23 Surry Community College Winery
24
Weathervane Winery
1452WelcomeArcadiaRd.
Lexington,NC27295
(336)793-3366
Winemakers:SidProctor&EricProctor
Tue-Thu11AM-5PM,Fri11AM-6PM
Sat11AM-5PM,Sun1PM-5PM
www.weathervanewinery.com
WineTastingsforbothDryandSweetWineLovers
VisitourwebsiteforEvents&moreinformation
36 Native Vines Winery
Herrera Vineyards
37
Owners:TimGentryandKarenDefreitas
Website:www.slightlyaskewwines.com
Location:SurryCounty—TakeExit85fromI-77.
Weston268bypass(CCCampRd).9milesturnleft
onS-21(NBridgeSt.)go.8miles,wineryonright
(yellowhouse).
Wine List:Largeselectionofwines.20+winesfrom
semi-drytoDryWhitesandReds,andlargeselection
ofFruit/Sweetwines.
Olde Mill Vineyards
27 Sanders Ridge Vineyard
28 Sweet Home Carolina Vineyard & Winery
29 Roaring River Vineyards, LLC
30
(336)790-8888orTollFree(877)658-
3
1
5
Slightly Askew Winery
336-835-2700
913N.BridgeStreet,
Elkin,NC28621
34
1 Windsor Run Winery & Distillery
JOLO Vineyards
219JOLOWineryLane
PilotMountain,NC27041
336614-0030Winery
336614-0013EndPostsRestaurant
www.jolovineyards.com
Owners:JWandKristenRay
Winemaker:JWRay
Location: SurryCounty
Tasting Room Hours:Thursday10:30a.m.-6:00
p.m.FridayandSaturday10:30a.m.-9:00p.m.
SundayNoon-5:00p.m.
EndPosts Restaurant Lunch Hours:Fridaythrough
Saturday11:30a.m.-3:00p.m.SundayNoon-4:00p.m.
EndPosts Restaurant Dinner Hours:Fridaythrough
Saturday5:30p.m.-9:30p.m.Sunday4:30p.m.to
6:30p.m.(SundayFamilyStyleSuppers)
Jones von Drehle
Vineyards & Winery
964OldRailroadGradeRd.
Thurmond,NC28683
(336)874-2800
www.jonesvondrehle.com
100%Estate-Grown&ProducedFineWines
Hours: Wed–Sat11AM–6PM,Sun12N–5PM
VisitwebsiteforSpecialEvents&Directions
GPS:Lat:36.378139,Lon:-80.949068
Lat:36degrees22minutes41.29seconds
Lon:-80degrees56minutes56.64seconds
Elev1480ftasl
2 Dobbins Creek Vineyards
3
Laurel Gray Vineyards
336-468-9463 (Got Wine)
Toll Free: 888-769-4635
5726OldUSHwy421
Hamptonville,NC27020
Owners:KimandBenMyers
Winemaker:StephenRigby
Tasting Room Hours:WednesdaythroughSaturday10amuntil5pm.Sundayafternoons1pmuntil
5pm.Lasttastingstartsat15minutestill5:00pm
GPS Coordinates:N3608.03W8050.22
Location:LaurelGrayVineyardsisanestatewinery
withonsiteawardwinningvineyards.Locatedwithin
boththeYadkinValleyandSwanCreekAVAdesignationsLaurelGrayisjustonemileoffI-77andless
than.3mileoffHwy421.DrivingDirections:OffI-77
takeexit#73BthenfollowHwy421toExit#267
(WindsorRd.)TurnnorthonWindsorRd.forashort
distanceuntilitdeadendsintoOldUSHwy421.
TurnrightontoOldHwy421andLaurelGrayisjust
aheadontheleft.
Wine List:Specializingininternationallyaward
winningFrenchViniferadinnerwinesthatareestate
grownandonlyavailableatthevineyardtasting
room..
4 Raffaldini Vineyards
5 Shadow Springs Vineyard
On The Vine | January – April 2016 | 13
12 | On The Vine | January – April 2016
Elkin,NC28621
Owners and Winemakers: Clyde&PatColwell
Website:carolinaheritagevineyards.com
Location:FromI-77:TakeI-77Exit85East(Right)
Hwy-268Bypass/CCCampRoadtoHighway268.
TurnLeft(East)-Highway268for.8mile.Vineyard
isvisibleonthenorthsideof268nexttoroadsign:
“HeritageVinesWay.”(10202EHwy268-Elkin)
FromHwy52/Hwy601:TakeHwy268Westfor3
milesfromHwy601.Vineyardisvisibleonthenorth
sideofHwy268nexttoroadsign:“HeritageVines
Way.”(10202EHwy268-Elkin)
Elkin Creek Vineyard
336-526-5119
9
2
2
3
4 Brushy Mountain Winery
Carolina Heritage
Vineyard & Winery
336 366-3301
170HeritageVinesWay,
9
7
13
4
7
10
8
6
16
12
14 9 16
19
17 20
3
YA D K I N VA L L E Y
1
11
1
8
PIEDMONT REGION
MOUNTAIN REGION
1 Banner Elk Winery
14 Old Stone Vineyard & Winery 704-279-0930
2 Calaboose Cellars
3 Biltmore Estate Winery
4 Cerminaro Vineyard
5 Chateau Laurinda
6 Elk Mountain Winery
7 Ginger Creek Vineyards
8 Green Creek Winery
9 Lake James Cellars
10 New River Winery
11 Owl’s Eye Vineyard & Winery LLC
12 Raintree Cellars
13 Rockhouse Vineyards
14 South Creek Vineyards
15 Thistle Meadow Winery
16 Waldensian Heritage Wines
17 WoodMill Winery
19 Baker Buffalo Creek Vineyard & Winery
3521 Falston-Waco Road
Lawndale, NC 28090
www.bakerbuffalocreek.com
owner - Charles Edwards
Thursday-Saturday 12:00 noon – 5:00 pm
15 Rock of Ages Winery & Vineyard
Stonefield Cellars
336-644-9908
8220 Hwy. 68 N.,
Stokesdale, NC 27357
Owners: Robert and Natalie Wurz
Winemaker: Robert Wurz
Website: www.stonefieldcellars.com
Location: Guilford County — North off I-40 at Exit
210. Take NC 68 north 13 miles. Winery on right at
intersection with NC 65 (entrance on NC 65).
Stony Mountain Vineyards 704-982-0922
26370 Mountain Ridge Road,
17
Albemarle, NC 28001
Owners: Ken, Marie and Devron Furr
Website: www.stonymountainvineyards.com
Location: Stanly County — Take
Hwy 24-27 East from Albemarle. Turn left at Stone
Mountain sign. Turn right on Mountain Ridge Rd.
16
20
9 Sanctuary Vineyards
10
Silver Coast Winery
910-287-2800
6680 Barbeque Rd.,
Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
Southport Tasting Room
910-777-5151
105 S. Howe St., Southport NC 28461
Owners: John and Maryann Azzato
Website: www.silvercoastwinery.com
Location: Brunswick County — From Hwy.
17 (7 mi. north of S.C. border) take Hwy. 904
west. After 1.5 miles, take right on Russtown
Rd. After 1.5 miles, take 4th right on Barbeque
Rd.
11
The Country Squire
Restaurant, Inn &
Winery
(910) 296-1727
748 NC Hwy 24 & 50
Warsaw, NC 28398
Website: www.countrysquirewinery.com
Winery Hours: Tues - Sat 12:00pm - 7:00pm
Restaurant: Home of the 72-ounce steak
“The Kilt Buster”. Lunch: Sun - Fri 12:00pm 2:00pm, Dinner: 7 days a week 5:30pm - until.
Wine List: Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot,
Syrah,
Riesling, Pinot Grigio, White Zinfandel,
Pomegranate, Blackberry, Blueberry, Peach
Winery, Restaurant, Inn, Bed & Breakfast,
and Vineyards all at same location.
All ABC PERMITS
12
Vineyards on the Scuppernong, LLC
Southern Charm Winery
235-D East Main St.
Lincolnton, NC 28092
Carolyn Ramseur
Hours: Tuesday- Friday 11:00 am to 5:00
Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Website: www.Southerncharmwinery.com
21 Southern Medley Wine Cellar
118 North Rutherford Street
Wadesboro, NC 28170
(704)-994-2389
Owner: Elizabeth Schafer, Owner/Winemaker/Chief Bottle Washer
Website: www.southernmedley.com
Wine List: Amarone, Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Riesling,
Syrah Rose’, White Merlot, White Zinfandel
Location: 1 block south off Highway 74 East in historic,
uptown Wadesboro.
GPS coordinates: 34.9629254, -80.0897725
Tasting Room Hours: Thur.-Sat. 2-8pm, Sun. By Appointment Only
Autumn Creek Vineyard
336-548-9463
364 Means Creek Rd.,
Mayodan, NC 27027
Owner: Bill Stanley
Website: www.autumncreekvineyards.com
Email: info@autumncreekvineyards.com
Location: Rockingham County. Take US 220 to
NC 770, turn left, Rt. on Glenns Chapel Rd., left
on Means Creek Road.
14 | On The Vine | January – April 2016
7 Martin Vineyards
8 Moonrise Bay Vineyard
18 Uwharrie Vineyards
19 Zimmerman Vineyards
PIEDMONT REGION
1
COASTAL REGION
HAW RIVER AVA
2 A Secret Garden Winery
2 Glen Marie Winery
3 Black Rock Vineyards
3 Grove Winery
4 Cauble Creek Vineyard
4 Iron Gate Vineyards & Winery
5 Chatham Hill Winery
5 Silk Hope Winery
6 Chinqua Penn Vineyards
COASTAL REGION
13
Weeksville Vineyards & Cellars
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA REGION
1
Chateau Morrisette
540-593-2865
287 Winery Road SW,
Floyd, VA 24091
Owner: David Morrisette
Website: www.thedogs.com
Location: Milepost 171.5 Blue Ridge Parkway
Winery Hours: Mon–Thu 10AM–5PM
Fri & Sat 10AM–6PM, Sun 11AM–5PM
Visit our website for Winery Tour schedule
2 Blacksnake Meadery
3 Foggy Ridge Cider
7 Cypress Bend Vineyards
1 Bannerman’s Vineyard
4 Villa Appalacia
8
2 Bennett Vineyards
If you wish to have an extended listing
helping your customers to locate and
contact you, please call
Holly Lamm with
On The Vine Magazine.
We will be happy to invoice you annually for
your listing in our quarterly publication.
Daveste’ Vineyards
704-528-3882
155 Lytton Farm Rd.,
Troutman, NC 28166
Website: www.davestevineyards.com
Email: info@daveste.com
Tasting Room & Art Gallery
Open Mon., Thu. & Fri.: 11 am - 6 pm
Sat.: 10 am - 6 pm & Sun.: 12 pm - 6 pm
Closed Tues. & Wed.
9 Dennis Vineyards
10 Garden Gate Vineyards
11 Germanton Art & Winery
12 Hinnant Family Vineyard
13 Horizon Cellars
3 Duplin Winery
4 Grapefull Sisters Vineyard
Lu Mil Vineyard
(910)866-5819
438 Suggs-Taylor Road,
Elizabethtown, NC 28337
Website: www.lumilvineyard.com
Owner: Ron Taylor
Tasting Room Hours: Monday - Saturday (10am - 6pm) &
Sunday (1pm - 6pm)
Wine List: Old Cumberland, Taylor Divine, Bladen Blush, Harmony Hall, Cape Owen Red, Merry Christmas, Sir Walter Raleigh
6 Lumina Winery
5
Annual Listing with phone number,
location, directions, website,
owner and/or winemaker names
is $100 annually.
To add your logo is an
additional $50 annually.
South Carolina W inery I ndex
SOUTH CAROLINA
1 The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards Marina
2 Victoria Valley Vineyards
3 Grape and Grain Vineyards
4
5 Palmetto Pickup Wines
6 Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill
7
5
6
3
4
8 7
9
Location: I-26, Exit #74 (Hwy 34)
Turn towards Winnsboro, ½ mile
from exit, turn right on Dusty Road.
½ mile on left, turn into driveway
and vineyard and tasting room
will be in the back area. Look for
signs on Hwy 34 and Dusty Road
location.
Enoree River Winery
803.276.2855
1650 Dusty Road
Newberry, SC 29108
8 Proverbs 31 Winery
Hours: Wednesday through
9 Mercer House Estate
Saturday, 11am until 6pm and Sunday, 2pm
until 6pm
10 Irvin-House Vineyards
Owners: Richard and Laura LaBarre
11 September Oaks Vineyards
Website: enoreeriverwinery.com
Email: enoreerivervineyards@gmail.com
Like us on Facebook: Enoree River Winery, LLC 12 Island Winery
10
11
12
00806765
On The Vine | January – April 2016 | 15
City Scape Winery
864.329.0615
589 Dunklin Bridge Rd.
Pelzer, SC 29669
Hours: Thursday, Friday and Saturday from
10:00 to 6:00.
Owners: Wayne and Anita Tamme
Website: cityscapewinery.com
Email: cityscapewinery@aol.com
Location: Milepost 171.5 Blue Ridge Parkway
2
1
Craft Beer joins this year’s
Budbreak Festival
Courtesy photos
By Diane Blakemore
dblakemore@civitasmedia.com
Mediocre Bad
Guys take the
stage at the
2015 Budbreak
festival. This
year the line-up
includes Time
Sawyer and
Phatt City.
Budbreak wine and craft beer festival will
be celebrating its ninth year in 2016. In
less than a decade, the festival has grown
in popularity becoming Mount Airy’s
third largest annual event.
The event began as a celebration of the
growing wine industry in the Yadkin
Valley, according to event coordinator
Bob Meinecke. Held on the last Saturday
of April, the name Budbreak describes the
early buds coming out on the grape vines
during the spring. Through the years,
the festival has expanded to include craft
beers from local brewers.
16 | On The Vine | January – April 2016
Hosted by the Mount Airy Rotary Club,
Budbreak is the organization’s primary
fundraiser. “The regular chicken stew
fundraisers were getting worn out,” said
Meinecke, explaining how the club came
to partner with Ben Webb of Old North
State Winery to create the first Budbreak
festival.
This year 17 wineries and four craft brewers from across the region are expected
to participate, including Mount Airy’s
own Round Peak Winery, Old North State
Winery and Skull Camp Brewing. “Adding
the craft beer last year doubled our attendance,” said Meinecke, explaining the
variety creates a broader appeal.
The festival will feature performances by
two bands, Time Sawyer, returning from
last year, and Phatt City, playing beach
music, R&B, and dance music since the
1970s. “We try to tie in with the arts
council to provide enough entertainment
for an overnight stay,” said Meinecke.
The third annual public art Fiddle Crawl
will be unveiled the night before
Budbreak, allowing festival goers to see
the latest public art creations.
“What makes this festival special is keeping it small,” said Meinecke.
Set in the heart of historic downtown
Mount Airy, the 400 block of Main Street
is closed to vehicles for the afternoon.
The easy accessibility to the town’s
amenities allows the organizers to really
focus on the wine and beer. Many independently-owned restaurants are within
a short walk, so only one food vendor, 13
Bones, is set up within the festival.
“Downtown merchants have captured
the essence of the event,” said Meinecke,
noting a friendly collaboration has formed
between the Rotary Club, the city of
Mount Airy and the Downtown Business
Association. Visitors to the festival are
encouraged to walk down the street,
taking in the Downtown Business Association sidewalk sale and the many shops
and restaurants which make up the town.
Advance tickets, at $15, will be available
beginning late in February on the website:
budbreakfestival.com, where it is also
possible to sign-up for email updates.
Tickets also will be sold at the gate on
April 30 for $20.
Diane Blakemore may be reached at
336-368-2222 or on twitter @PilotReporter.
Courtesy photos
When the
buds appear
on the vines
in early May,
the Budbreak
wine and
craft beer
festival fills
Main Street in
Mount Airy.
The Country Squire Restaurant
Winery and Vintage Inn
748 NC Hwy 24&50, Warsaw NC 28398
(910) 296-1727 • www.countrysquirewinery.com
(on Hwy 268 – 3 mi east of I-77 - Exit 85)
(336) 366-3301
Regular Music Events include:
Celtic Jam – 1st Saturday each month
Bluegrass Jam – 3rd Saturday each month
First USDA-Certified Organic
Vineyard & Winery in the Southeast!
And our wines are Vegan-Friendly & Gluton-Free!
Bright. Earthy. Bubbly. Sweet. Spicy.
Are we describing your wedding style or your favorite wine?
At Weddings by the Vine, we’re passionate about both.
vineyard venue selection • day of coordination • full service planning
www.weddingsbythevine.com • 919.415.1331
Yacouba Tanou Photography
00768393
On The Vine | January – April 2016 | 17
170 Heritage Vines Way
Elkin, NC 28621
00806362
Authentic Old-World Ambience • Historic 1780’s Tasting Room
Romantic Inn & Restaurant • Free Tastings and Winery Tours!
Explore
18 | On The Vine | January – April 2016
Yadkin Valley
wineries with
a winter wine
passport
Spend the chilly months sipping wine in
cozy tasting rooms throughout the Yadkin
Valley with the sixth annual Winter Wine
Passport.
The passport program expands to cover
a longer time period this winter. It begins
Nov. 27 and continues through April 3,
2016.
Wine lovers who purchase a passport
receive a tasting at 10 Yadkin Valley wineries, a commemorative trivet to fill with
corks from each stop, and discounts at 18
area businesses, including restaurants,
shops and lodging.
Food-and-wine weekends take place
once a month in January, February and
March. During these weekends, select
wineries prepare a dish which either
incorporates their wine as an ingredient
or pairs well with a certain wine. Guests
receive recipes for the featured dishes.
Participating wineries are: Adagio,
Brushy Mountain, Carolina Heritage,
Elkin Creek, Grassy Creek, Herrera,
Round Peak, Skull Camp, Slightly Askew
and Stony Knoll.
“People come to this area because of
the wine region, and as a winery owner,
that’s exciting,” said Pat Colwell of
Carolina Heritage Vineyard and Winery.
“The variety found in the Yadkin Valley
is impressive. You name a grape, and I’ll
point you to a winery that makes wine
from it.”
Passports are on sale now through
the end of the program. Anyone who
purchases a passport before Nov. 27
receives the early-bird rate of $50 for
an individual or $85 for a couple. The
standard price is $55 for individuals or
$95 for couples. Passports are available
at participating wineries and online at
www.SurryWineries.com.
“We encourage people to buy them
early, so they have as much flexibility as
possible to enjoy every winery on their
own schedule,” Colwell said.
For more information on the Winter
Wine Passport program, call 336-366Submitted photo
3301 or visit www.SurryWineries.com. Elkin Creek Vineyard is one of 10 Surry County wineries participating in the Winter Wine
Passport program. Passports can be purchased now.
Create your very own
Vintage
Exceptional Elegance
LUMBER RIVER
TRADING COMPANY
336-258-2333 •www.adagiovineyards.com • 139 Benge Drive • Elkin, NC 28621
00806457
1675 North Roberts Ave.,
Lumberton NC 28358
910-738-7788
00770604
On The Vine | January – April 2016 | 19
Where all five senses are met With
Downtown
winery is a
n
o
i
t
a
n
i
t
des
for locals, tourists
By Wendy Byerly Wood
wbyerly-wood@civitasmedia.com
20 | On The Vine | January – April 2016
As travelers drive or walk south along North Main Street in
downtown Mount Airy, they may catch a glimpse of people
enjoying a glass of wine and a meal on the front porch of Old
North State Winery. Or with a glance through the windows,
visitors to the winery might be seen tasting wine or enjoying
live music.
Old North State Winery has become a gathering place for both
locals and tourists to the area, with the Downtown Deli providing food for customers as well as nonalcoholic beverage options
and the wine tasting bar providing a place to enjoy a nice glass
of wine.
And special opportunities are available for cellar tours to the
basement of the winery and get a closer look at the barrel
room, the bottling and wine tanks used in the winemaking
process which is done on site. The barrel room is even available
for special events such as wedding rehearsal dinners, explained
Joel Woodson, operations manager for ONS Winery.
The history of the winery dates back to 2002 when it was
founded as a co-op winery to provide smaller vineyard owners
a place to meld their grapes into a sellable wine product under
the name of Old North State Winery.
Wendy Byerly Wood | On The Vine
Bob and Judy Newburn of Mount Airy look over the selection
of wines available at Old North State Winery prior to making
a purchase.
In 2006, father-and-son duo Tom and Ben Webb along with
Mike Thomas, who were all co-op members, purchased the
winery, and since that time, Ben Webb has bought out his
father and Thomas to become sole owner and operator of the
business, Woodson explained.
Wendy Byerly Wood | On The Vine
Wendy Byerly Wood | On The Vine
The tasting bar is a popular stop for locals and visitors to downtown Mount
Airy’s Old North State Winery.
Lindsay Boyan and Rachel Hiatt, both of Mount Airy, visit with Old North
State Winery Operations Manager Joel Woodson as they enjoy a glass of
wine on the front porch of the downtown winery.
He said most of the grapes are grown on 15 acres at
Sandy Cross Vineyards in Rocky Mount in the eastern part of the state, but three years ago, a second
vineyard, Green Hill Vineyard, was planted in the
northern part of the Yadkin Valley.
“We’ve constructed a vineyard in Mount Airy, but
it takes several years to cultivate those,” Woodson
explained, noting some of the wineries grapes are
purchased from other vineyards to meet demand.
“We try to get most of our grapes from the Yadkin
Valley and vineyards here, but it depends on the
weather and the yield.”
The winery also has a priority to use as many supplies as it can from North Carolina companies, such
as wine corks and other products needed in the
business, Woodson said. “It is really important to
us to be supportive of North Carolina. It is tourism,
but we also want to support the people who are
here,” he said. “It’s got to be NC.”
Woodson said popular local chef Chris Whishart
recently came on board as the general manager for
the tasting bar and deli, which could mean new
menu items.
As far as the wines, Woodson said, “We try to offer
a lot of different style wines, because we want to
make them available to different people’s taste preference, whether it is dry reds, sweet whites and in
between.”
One of the wines offered is coined Restless Soul and
specifically refers to the history of the historic building which houses the winery, Woodson said.
“The Old North State Winery’s building was
originally constructed in 1885 by Thomas Franklin
– Seersucker Social – Sandy Cross and Fish Hippie – Seersucker Social – Red Muscadine, which are
both semi-sweet and sweet wines.
Accordingly, dynamite sales became a lucrative
business in the area. Legend has it that due to a disagreement with Prather, the owner of the neighboring general store set of dynamite charges along the
store front in 1926.
Other wines offered at ONS include a Riesling; Girls
Just Wanna Have Fun, which is a red blend; Afternoon Delight; and Starlight White – 38 Vines.
“The store façade was completely destroyed and
Belk’s Department Store purchased the distressed
building and rebuilt the storefront remaining here
till 1969,” it goes on to say. “During the reconstruction, the skeletal remains of an arm were found. Still
to this day no one knows to whom the arm belongs.
“The staff of Old North State Winery have noticed
mysterious events inside the building. Seasonally, our cellar staff works long hours and may be
working into the early hours of the morning. Many
reports of walking on the hardwood floors, closing
doors, shuffling feet, shadows of movement and the
feeling of not being along when alone.”
The story has even brought paranormal researches
to the building in the recent past.
This story sparked the creation of Restless Soul, a
red wine blend dedicated “to this wandering sleepless spirit.” The bottle’s label features a skeletal arm
holding a glass of wine.
A series of wines have been labeled Fish Hippie
after the Fish Hippie brand of which Webb is a part
owner, Woodson said. Fish Hippie is a lifestyle
brand featured on T-shirts and other product lines.
It got its start in the ONS building, but has since
moved to its own location.
Fish Hippie wines include a 2014 chardonnay, Fish
Hippie Soul, cabernet franc 2013, merlot 2011,
which are reserve wines; Fish Hippie Bare Bones,
Fish Hippie Spring House, 2012 chardonnay, Fish
Hippie Soul, merlot 2011 and Fish Hippie Rose,
which are semi-dry and dry wines; and Fish Hippie
Leading the winemaking at ONS is Nick McCrary,
said Woodson, adding he’s worked at the winery
many years and “is very intuitive and makes sure
things run seamless.”
“Our main goal is to provide the best customer service we can,” Woodson said of the winery. “We have
an amazing staff right now.”
He said one of the things he enjoys about working
at ONS is, “I’ve been able to work in the cellar and
I helped construct the vineyard here in Mount Airy.
About the only thing I haven’t done is cook.”
Woodson added that Webb is a hard worker and is
always working right alongside the rest of the team.
“Ben definitely still does the harvesting. We have a
vineyard crew also, an eclectic crew, they work in
the vineyard and are hands-on with building anything. The versatility among that group is amazing,”
he said.
ONS wines can be found in about 700 retail locations, Woodson said, from grocery stores to restaurants and convenience stores, as well as specialty
wine stores. Distribution includes North Carolina,
South Carolina, Virginia and Georgia was recently
added to that list.
The winery is open Monday and Tuesday from 11
a.m. to 9 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday
from 11 a.m. until, depending on the events going
on, and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. with the deli
closing that day at 3 p.m. The deli is open during
business hours on the other days, except from 3 to
4 p.m. for a switch in menu from lunch to dinner.
Wendy Byerly Wood may be reached at 336-2584035 or on Twitter @wendywoodeditor.
On The Vine | January – April 2016 | 21
The winery frequently features live music in the evenings as well and hosts many local activities in its
first-floor space such as fundraisers for the Mount
Airy Museum of Regional History and a bridal fair
put on by the Downtown Business Association, just
to name a couple.
Prather as a general store,” explains the winery’s
website, oldnorthstatewinery.com. “Mount Airy is
home to the world’s largest open face granite quarry.
Wine-infused
Sue’s Shepherd’s Pie
If you’re dining in on a cold winter evening, try this recipe for Shepherd’s Pie shared by Sue Greaves Johnson of Elkin. We recommend, of course, using a Yadkin Valley wine in the
recipe and to serve with the dish.
Ingredients
• 3 cups cooked lamb, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 4 cups mixed vegetables
• 3 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 tbsp. plain flour
• 1/2 cups red wine
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 15 oz. can chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 17 oz mashed potatoes
• 1 tsp. fresh mixed herbs chopped to taste
• salt and pepper to taste
22 | On The Vine | January – April 2016
Directions
Saute onion, carrot and garlic in olive oil until browned.
Add vegetables, lamb, tomato paste and flour and mix over
a low heat for 3 minutes. Add red wine, stock, Worcestershire
sauce, tomatoes, salt and pepper and bring up for a boil.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes until liquid
has reduced. Turn off heat and stir through peas and fresh
herbs. Place in a pie or casserole dish and top with mashed
potato and Parmesan cheese. Bake in pre-heated 350°F
oven for 20-30 minutes until the top of the potatoes have browned lightly.
winter recipes
00806561
On The Vine | January – April 2016 | 23
Chef Christian’s Red Wine
Compound Butter
Chef Christian Froelich of The Hearth Restaurant at Sanders Ridge Winery in Boonville shared this
wonderful compound butter recipe. “Great use for leftover red wine after it has been opened and
before it turns to vinegar,” he added. “As a butter it can be kept it the fridge for a few weeks or in
the freezer for up to a year.”
Ingredients
• 1 cup Dry or Off Dry Red Wine (Like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Etc.)
Recommended: Sanders Ridge “Classic 57”
• 1 Tbsps. Dry Minced Onion
• 1 tsp. Dijon or Yellow Mustard
• ½ tsp. Dry Rosemary
• ½ tsp. Garlic Salt
• 1 Tbsps. Parsley Flakes
• 1 tsp. Cracked Black Pepper
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
• 2 sticks (8 oz.) Whole Butter (Cold)
Directions
24 | On The Vine | January – April 2016
Place wine, onion, rosemary and parsley flakes into a small sauce pot and cook down until it is
nearly, but not quite dry. Let cool for about 5 minutes off the heat. Scrape out with a rubber spatula
into food processor with the blade attachment in place. Add Worcestershire, mustard, garlic salt,
pepper & butter. Puree in food processor until smooth. Place in a container and smear over hot
steak whenever you wish.
If you have wine-related recipe to share, email it to kburns@civitasmedia.com
00803944