Seeing Southern
The Blue Ridge Mountains from the tasting area at Round Peak Vineyards in Mt. Airy, NC
Would you believe that North Carolina has over 400 vineyards and 100 wineries? Who are they, Napa? Claiming the same number of vineyards and the same AVA designation, Napa and North Carolina are duking it out in the winemaking world. If you've traveled through the state of North Carolina lately and stopped for a wine tasting or strolled through the rolling vineyards, you'll catch yourself saying, "Napa who?"
As the fall season explodes in brilliant hues, wandering through the hills of the Yadkin Valley in northern North Carolina is a sensory adventure. From the fields of tobacco, soybeans to the vineyards that weave along the hillsides, the expanse sets the backdrop for a tasting celebration.
As you visit the small wineries, you'll more than likely be served by the owners or wine makers, anxious to share their story and their fermented gold. Listen to their story. Engage their passion. Ask questions. Your enthusiasm inspires them. They will inspire you.
Come along with Seeing Southern as we visit the best of Yadkin Valley - Shelton Vineyards, JOLO, Round Peak Vineyards, Adagio, Elkin Creek Vineyards, Brushy Mountain, and even Surry Community College - and sample wines that change your opinion of the richness of North Carolina.
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Jason Wiseman of Brushy Mountain Winery in Elkin, NC
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Atmosphere is key at JOLO Winery in Pilot Mountain, NC
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Chef Brian Brown at End Posts Restaurant. He pledges to serve local products, "to give our people something to stand upon."
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Joseph Geller, Surry Community College
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Surry Community College bottles under the Surry Cellars label.
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Sunday is a brick oven pizza celebration at Elkin Creek Vineyard.
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The celebrated passion for music and wine at Adagio Winery
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Charlie Shelton (second from right) had 130 acres of grapes and produces 100% for the Shelton Vineyards label.
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The Blue Ridge Mountains from the tasting area at Round Peak Vineyards in Mt. Airy, NC
Click here for more images and to read about our visit to the Yadkin Valley.
Judy and Len Garrison are at home in Farmington, Georgia, just on the outskirts of Dawg country - better known as Athens. Len, an IT manager for a major Atlanta company, and Judy, an editor, author and travel writer, invite you to travel along with them as they explore the best of the South. Email them at seeingsouthern@gmail.com. Visit their website at Seeing Southern, and follow them on Twitter at @judyhgarrison , @seeing_southern and LIKE them on Facebook.