Making a Name With Grapes

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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.—No need traversing the globe to find a wide selection of excellent wine! The Yadkin Valley, encompassing 1.4 million acres and including Surry, Wilkes and Yadkin counties as well as portions of Stokes, Davie, Davidson and Forsyth counties, is fast becoming the mecca of North Carolina wine production. North Carolina's rich farmland and mild climate contribute to the success and wide variety of grapes grown across the state, producing more than 500,000 gallons of wine annually. The environment found in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, along with the rich soil provided by the Yadkin River, contribute to a grape ideally suited for vinifera wine. Vinifera wines are a type of grape such as European-types, native muscadines, and other fruits, that are grown in North Carolina to create wine with a superior flavor.
 
"Wine is bottled poetry," Robert Louis Stevenson, a respected author, once remarked. If so, Yadkin Valley is poet laureate. The Yadkin Valley has been approved as North Carolina's first American Viticultural Area (AVA) by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). ATF designation of a viticultural area is based on a geographic region that shares notable characteristics suitable for growing grapes, such as soil, climate, elevation, and topography. In 2003, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms approved a new appellation for the region -- the Yadkin Valley appellation -- allowing winemakers to bottle wines with a label indicating that the wine came from the Yadkin Valley. The wines from AVA vineyards must be made from 85 percent of grapes that are originally from that region in order to have the designation on their bottles. ATF believes that using viticultural areas as appellations of origin in wine labeling and advertising allows wine consumers to know the specific areas where grapes used to make the wines are grown. This enables patrons to make better-informed choices in the wines they purchase and to know that the wine they are enjoying comes from the finest quality grapes.
 
Within the Yadkin Valley, there are a group of vineyards in a region known as Swan Creek. These vineyards enjoy a unique climate and soil composition and offer both French and Italian wine varieties along with a few unique local blends. Vineyards that lie within this region will be notated below and are located less than 5 miles apart from each other. Many of the local wineries in Yadkin Valley encourage visitors to enjoy a relaxing day tasting savory wines, touring their premises, and discovering the magic behind making wine. Visiting Yadkin Valley’s vineyards afford an unparalleled experience of excellence in wine appreciation.
 
Buck Shoals Vineyards rolls across farmland that has been in the Crater Family for five generations. From tobacco-to-grassland-to-vineyard, a natural progression. This vineyard is located in the midst of the Yadkin County Amish Community. Visit the cozy and fragrant log cabin tasting room and gift shop. Sit in a rocker on the inviting porch or bring a picnic to enjoy on the large covered deck overlooking the vines. *This vineyard is part of the Swan Creek region.* 
Wine List: Pinot Grigio, Viognier, Chardonnay, Rocco Red, Vito’s Pride, Shoals Creek Red, Bryan’s Legacy, Shoals Creek White
Call 336.468.9274 or visit www.buckshoalsvineyard.com
 
Childress Vineyards
NASCAR team owner Richard Childress realized his personal vision to create fine wines in North Carolina with the launch of the Childress Vineyards in 2004. The magnificent winery is located only 20 minutes south of Winston-Salem in Lexington. European grape varietals produce some of the most award-winning and popular wines in the state. Childress Vineyards is open daily for tours, tastings, lunch and Sunday brunch. Many special events and activities take place year round. A hotel is now open adjacent to the winery.
Wine List: Classic White, Classic Red, Classic Blush, Classic Scupperdine White, Classic Scupperdine Red, Chardonnay, Meritage, Pinot Gris, Savignon Blanc, Viognier, Riesling, Trio, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Savignon, Merlot, Pinnacle, Syrah, Starbound, Polar, and Late Harvest Viognier.
Call 336.236.9463 or visit www.childressvineyards.com
 
Divine Llama Vineyards–Located just 20 minutes west of Winston-Salem, the vineyards are situated on 77 acres of rolling hills with spectacular views of Pilot Mountain. Part of a working farm in the heart of the Yadkin Valley Wine Appellation, it is home to almost 40 llama, miniature horses, and other farm animals. Started in 2009, by two architects who met the first day of college in 1980, Divine Llama Vineyards is one of the more unique wine venues in the state. Currently seven wines are offered. Groups are welcome. In the Fall and Spring, half-day llama treks with picnic lunches and wine are also offered.
Wine List: Cabernet Franc, In a Heartbeat, Merlot, Chardonel, Chardonnay, Traminette, and Red Rita Rose.
Call 336.699.2525 or visit www.divinellamavineyards.com.
 
Flint Hill Vineyardsis located on a designated century farm, having been in the family for 130 years. The tasting room is open Thursday through Saturday 12-5pm and Sundays 1-5pm with restaurant, Century Kitchen, open for dinner Thursday through Saturday 5-9:30pm. Enjoy great wine and a delicious dinner in a casual, relaxed atmosphere.
Wine List: Viognier, Chardonnay, Synergy, Chambourcin, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Olde Yattken, & Crushed Velvet.
Call 336.699.4455 or visit www.flinthillvineyards.com
 
Hanover Park Vineyard is the first bonded winery established in Yadkin county since prohibition. Taste the European inspired wines crafted in an old world style and picnic beside the 1897 farmhouse, under the shade of the ancient oak trees. 
Wine List: Chambourcin, Mourvedre, Cabernet Franc, Michael’s Blend, 1897, Courtney Red, Port Hanover, Vin d’Orange, Blueberry, Early Twilight, Barrel-aged Chardonnay, No-oak Chardonnay, and Viognier.
Call 336.463.2875 or visit www.hanoverparkwines.com.
 
Raffaldini Vineyards - As a family-owned vineyard, Raffaldini brings Old World charm to the Old North State and is known for being the place for tasting  “Chianti in the Carolinas.” Raffaldini hosts public and private events throughout the year. *This vineyard is part of The Swan Creek region.*
Wine List: Oenotria, Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, Fiori, Sangiovese, Sangiovese Riserva, Montepulciano, Bella Misto, Pino Vino and Chiara. A variety of sparkling wines are to be released in Spring 2010.
Call 336.835.9463 or visit www.raffaldini.com.
 
RagApple Lassie Vineyards, located just under the western gaze of Pilot Mountain in Boonville, is the namesake of owner, Frank Hobson’s championship 4-H show calf. Garnering its own share of awards including a “First Place” International award for label series, “Best of Show” for Chardonnay, and designation as finalist for “Best New Winery”, RagApple Lassie is open daily, noon to 6:00 and holds weekly events.
Wine List: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Kaleidoscope Gold, Viognier, Pinot Gris, First Blush, Rockford Red, Boonville Blanc. Reserves include Evening Sunset & Hobson’s Choice.
Call 866.RagApple or visit www.ragapplelassie.com.
 
RayLen Vineyards & Winery – Until 1998, when Joe and Joyce Neely purchased the land, RayLen Vineyards & Winery functioned as a dairy farm for nearly a century. Today, the rolling hills and winding drive romance visitors as they cruise through 35,000 European varietal grape vines. The distinctive cupola roof top of RayLen Vineyards & Winery is a beacon for the southern portion of the Yadkin Valley Appellation. Travelers from the highway and wanderers from the surrounding country roads are drawn to the tasting room to discover a new experience. Loyal customers return for the lush vista and a reliable favorite of RayLen’s award-winning wines.
Wine List: Viognier, Yadkin Gold, Riesling, Carolinius, Eagle’s Select, Category 5, Pale Red, Sparkling Brut, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and several styles of  Chardonnay.
Call 336.998.3100 or visit www.raylenvineyards.com

Round Peak Vineyards is located in the Yadkin Valley AVA at 1300 ft. in elevation in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountians. Currently, the vineyard consists of 12 acres producing nine French and Italian varietals. All of the award-winning wines are estate bottled and use the grapes grown in the vineyard.
Wine List: Sangiovese, Les Trois Chiens, Chardonnay, Fiddler’s Red, Dry Rosé, Nebbiolo, Merlot, Gata Rojo, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Savignon. “Skull Camp” wine varietals include: Anticipation, Confusion, Infatuation, and Trepidation.
Call 336.352.5595 or visit www.roundpeak.com.
 
Shelton Vineyards - Tour the winery and taste the award-winning wines. Browse the gift shop for wine and accessories. Be sure to allow enough time to enjoy lunch or dinner at the Harvest Grill, a signature three-diamond rated restaurant nestled in a beautiful vineyard setting.
Wine List: Blanc De Blanc, Estate Port, Claret, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Table Red, Table White, Savignon Blanc, Riesling. Salem Fork varietals include: Blush, White, & Red.
Call 336.366.4724 or visit www.sheltonvineyards.com.
 
Stony Knoll Vineyard’s first harvest took place in the fall of 2002. Wines may be purchased from the website, local vendors, restaurants, or at the winery. Private tastings are also offered by appointment and the facility can be reserved for special events.
Wine List: Viognier, Chambourcin, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Ardella Blanc, Plantation White, Plantation Red, Merlot, Chardonnay and Syrah.
Call 336.374.5752 or visit www.stonyknollvineyards.com.
                                  
Westbend Vineyards – The history of Westbend vineyards began in 1972 with the planting of the first acres of prime French Vinifera vineyards. The fine estate grown wines are born in carefully cultivated vineyards and nurtured to perfection in the estate winery. The Wine Advocate has endorsed Westbend Vineyards as the "best kept wine secret in the Southeast."  Westbend Vineyards offers an educational tour and has won numerous national and international competition awards.
Wine List: Barrel-fermented Chardonnay, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Lucky Lucci, Pinot Noir, Shallowford Red, Vintner’s Signature, First in Flight White, Pioneer White, Viognier, Carolina Blush, Aquarius Red Dessert Wine, Lillmark Sparkling Wine, Lilly B, Chambourcin, and Merlot.
Call 866.901.5032 or visit www.westbendvineyards.com.