I’m no sommelier, but a glass of Chardonnay to toast the end to summer – yes, please. While others are sitting by a crowded poolside or out on the lake slowing for yet another jet ski to zoom past, why not celebrate the unofficial end to summer by touring wineries close to Charlotte?
Toasting goodbye to the hot days and welcoming the approaching cooler sweater weather is the ideal celebratory way to escape the City. Below are some of North Carolina’s best wineries. We’re not Napa, but NC is the birthplace of grape cultivation in the US, and now the Scuppernog is our official state fruit (how’s that for back pocket trivia without Siri!). We are making a name for ourselves in wine production as we climb the rankings to number 11.
Here’s to that and a fabulous winery weekend – While most are open on actual Labor Day, you may want to call ahead before adding them to your route.
Banner Elk Winery – This first and most acclaimed winery in NC’s High Country has received two Gold Medals at the International Eastern Wine Competition for its 2011 Banner Elk Red and 2011 Marechal Foch. Among the vines and 2-acre blueberry orchard, sits a Tuscan inspired villa with seven luxurious suites. Check out their website to view the amenities.
Biltmore Winery – This needs little explanation. It’s the BILTMORE, which hosts more people at its winery than any other winery in the US. There are enough tastings, tours, events for a weekend, plenty of pairings for tastings and 8,000 acres to savor in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Make this your destination, not a stop on your tour. Plus, plan to dine at Curate in Asheville while you’re nearby – it’s also a must.
Childress Vineyards – Usually NASCAR and wine aren’t the pairings people envision, but Childress Vineyards is NASCAR legend, Richard Childress’ family’s grape have. This Lexington winery has music on the weekends, and their 2014 Reserve Viognier, with its crisp and floral notes, is one not to miss this summer.
Daveste Vineyards – Less than an hour’s drive, Daveste Vineyards takes a minimalist approach to wine making, production currently limited to only 1500 cases per year. Their white wines are produced 100% in stainless steel and reds, depending on variety, are blended from lots that have been aged in both new and neutral French oak. There’s also craft beer on tap for any non-wine drinker who tags along.
Dover Vineyards – This is not a stop but a vineyard to keep on your radar. It recently began in 2009 in Concord by Elizabeth Dover, 24-year-old Davidson graduate, who changed career paths from international ambassador to grape grower, winemaker, farmer. She is dedicated to keeping agriculture alive in Cabarrus County and is farming on prime commercial real estate developer’s dream land. Their wine, Chambourcin Rose, was “a happy accident”. Setting it apart from others, their Rose is dry and fizzy. It has hints of cranberry, lemon and green apple. Perfect for Summer sunsets, this one may be the one to pick or their barrel fermented Villard Blanc just realeased this May is also one to try. In Charlotte, you can find their wine at 7th Street Market or at Earl’s Grocery on Elizabeth Avenue. Join Dover Vineyards on October 14th for their Harvest Celebration and taste one of their current six wines available.
Overmountain Vineyards – The winemakers are a father and daughter duo, and boutique winery sits on a 70 acre family owned farm in Tryon, NC. There are 17 acres of french vinifera focusing mainly on Petit Manseng, “an elegant aromatic white originally from southwest France” as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. There are also 2 acres of organically grown blueberries under cultivation for future wines. You can sample their wines in their quaint guest cottage, overlooking the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, by the fire, picnic by the creek or even hike the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail on-site. Their medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of cherry, anise, dried fig, dark chocolate, and cedar, layered with flavor and aged for 15 months in French Oak. The silky mouth feel with mild tannins and a lingering finish. Estate Grown. 2015 Vintage – piqued your interest?
Raffaldini Vineyards – Located only 1.5 hours north of Charlotte in Ronda, NC, Rafaldini Vineyards is hosting Labor Day with music, gelato and a food truck. While you’re there, try one of their three stunning new wines – the 2016 Girasole, 2015 Sangiovese Classico and 2015 Montepulciano Riserva. Because of their 2015 pristine harvest conditions, 2015 wines are the best to date. But the 2016 Girasole arrives just in time for late-Summer enjoyment, beautifully crisp and a refreshing complement to their big reds.
Shelton Vineyards – In the heart of the Yadkin Valley Viticulture Area is Shelton Vineyards, one of the largest vineyards on the East Coast. It shares the same climate and growing season as some of the best wine growing regions in Europe. Thanks to two Mount Airy brothers, this vineyard produces several varieties of vitis vinifera grapes: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Malbec, Tannat, Petit Verdot, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. Since it’s located in Dobson, definitely be sure to visit Raffalidini Vineyards in nearby Ronda.
Treehouse Vineyards – Not only does this 35-acre vineyard in Monroe boast of its off-dry to sweet Muscadine (Carlos & Noble grapes) wine, but you can rent one of their three traditional treehouses for a tasting, date night or evening escape. If you make this your last stop, you could stay the night in Papa’s Dream Treehouse while tasting their wines produced only from organically grown grapes.
