Savory The Vintage Selections Along North Carolina's Wine Trails, By Melody Schubert
Whether
planning a party or a romantic weekend, wine is a wonderful
addition to the menu. North Carolina has a diverse mix of
wines offering a wide selection of wines to suit your taste.
One of newest wineries is the Divine Llama Vineyards in
East Bend. This vineyard features a tasting room and a
five-acre pasture for llama and miniature horses. This makes
a nice outing for families because children and adults alike
can pet the llamas. Among the vines planted on the property
are Chardonnay, Chardonnel, Traminette, Merlot and Cabernet
Franc. (www.divinellamavineyards.com)
The Big Woods Restaurant at Sanders Ridge in Boonville is another of the newer wineries. This is the ideal place for dinner as well as for private special events. The freshest ingredients make all of the dishes at The Big Woods a savory delight. Sanders Ridge is located off I-77, about 45 minutes northwest of Winston-Salem. (www.sandersridge.com/big_woods/big_woods.htm)
If you’re traveling in your RV touring the North Carolina Wine Trails is even more fun. Stop in, sample a delicious selection of wines, and pick up your favorite bottle for an evening treat when you stop to camp for the night. There’s a great downloadable guide in PDF format that features many of the RV-friendly wineries and nearby campgrounds to check out to help plan your trip as well: www.VisitNCWine.com
An intimate look at the North Carolina winemakers
is offered online with oral histories captured by the Southern Foodways Alliance.
In their
“Wine in the South” special feature
they feature the Biltmore Estate, Duplin
Winery, Garden Gate Vineyards, Hinnant Family Vineyards, RagApple Lassie
Vineyards and Westbend Vineyards.