A Guide to North Carolina's Wineries

Since the first edition of A Guide to North Carolina's Wineries in 2003, the state's wineries have nearly tripled in number. Tar Heel grapes are grown in the sand of coastal islands, on mountains so steep that tractors slide down them, and everywhere in between. The winegrowers include scientists, farmers, teachers, computer geeks, and "wine bums." They make or sell their wine at idyllic country estates, in converted gas stations and barns, and in conjunction with their art galleries and restaurants. Among the newcomers is Richard Childress, as committed to winemaking as he is to his NASCAR teams. In just a few years, Childress Vineyards has assumed its place alongside noted establishments like Biltmore Estate Winery, Shelton Vineyards, and Duplin Winery. Vineyard, which the owner spent years building by hand; Thistle Meadow Winery, where the proprietor would rather teach you how to make your own wine than sell you a bottle of his; and Sanctuary Vineyards, whose owners flood 20 to 30 acres of farmland each winter to welcome thousands of snow geese. The 64 winery profiles in this second edition provide wine lists, directions to the wineries, and contact, schedule, and fee information. They also detail the history of each winery and convey some of the passion of the owners and winemakers.