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Wine & Dine: Touring The Wineries
by Carrie Miner
Grapes Of Greatness
When explorers Phillip Amadas and Arthur Barlowe first saw what is now North Carolina in 1584, they reported to Sir Walter Raleigh that the coast was "...so full of grapes as the very beating and surge of the sea overflowed them...in all the world, the like abundance is not to be found."
The next year, Governor Ralph Lane echoed the sentiment: "Grapes of such greatness, yet wild, as France, Spain, nor Italy hath no greater".
North Carolina went on to become the first place in the United States for grape cultivation and the Scuppernong, a native muscadine grape, is now North Carolina's official fruit.
Today, this Southern state is home to more than 48 wineries and 350 vineyards in 28 counties and ranks 10th in the nation for grape harvests and 12th for wine production.
Our tour of North Carolina vineyards and wineries takes us to the Yadkin Valley. This American Viticultural Area (AVA) encompasses seven counties and includes 14 wineries and more than 400-acres of vineyards.
Just minutes after landing at the Sugar Valley Airport [31A] in Mockville, you can sample premium handcrafted wines at RayLen Vineyards and Winery. Some of the estate wines offered here include Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Shiraz.
The next stop on the list is Westbend Vineyards in Lewisville. Robert Parker from The Wine Advocate calls Westbend Vineyards "one of the South's best kept wine secrets". Of special interest are the award-winning Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chambourcin, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Seyval Blanc.
After a 15-mile drive to Yadkinville you'll come to the next stop on the tour at Hanover Park Vineyard. Michael and Amy Helton planted the first two and a half acres in 1997 and added another two acres in 1998.
Some of the wines you can pick up here include Viognier, Chardonnay, Mourvedre, Chambourcin, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. While you're here make sure to take a walk through the vineyards. The groomed grounds also provide a pastoral setting for a picnic lunch.
Another 8 miles and you'll come to the final vineyard on the first day's itinerary. Located in Boonville, RagApple Lassie Vineyard sells Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and a dessert wine called Boonville Blanc.
After a short drive north to Dobson, you can check into your room at the Historic Rockford Inn Bed and Breakfast. Located on six beautifully-manicured acres, the guest rooms at the 1848 Antebellum house offer the best of country living paired with modern amenities.
Enjoy a restful evening, finish your trip with a visit to Shelton Vineyards which at 383-acres is the largest family-owned estate winery in the state. The winery offers tours and wine tastings daily.
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