NC Wine Country

Thu, 01 Dec 2005 21:42:00 GMT

Southern Secrets From 10/05

I love to travel the back roads of North Carolina, but when I don’t have time to take the back roads I try to find at least one place off the beaten trail to stop and “smell the roses.” On my most recent road trip from Holly Springs to the North Carolina Mountains I took one such quick diversion that resulted in a wonderful new experience; visiting one of Yadkin Valley’s charming vineyards.

Just a stone’s throw off Highway 421 heading toward Wilkesboro and Boone is Laurel Gray Vineyards. On this 84 acre family farm you will find a 75-year-old milking parlor that has been converted into a wine tasting room. Outside sits more remnants of the past: a quaint old red barn, a pond, and porch with rocking chairs, all surrounded by the beautiful foothills of Yadkin County.

Laurel Gray is the first of four family-owned vineyards known as the Swan Creek Wine Trail. Kim Myers and her husband, Benny, own Laurel Gray. Benny’s ancestors moved to the Yadkin Valley in 1773. They settled only 8 miles away from what is now Laurel Gray. But it was their travels through the U.S. and England that helped them realize their dream of growing grapes for making wine.

Kim is the wine tasting manager, tour guide, and design artist for the beautiful wine bottle labels. Immediately upon meeting Kim you will know it is all a labor of love. And she is just as enthusiastic about the wine as she is proud of the valley she lives in. As a matter of fact Kim shared with me one of the valley’s best kept secrets. Nestled in the heart of the Swan Valley Wine trail is an Amish community that has a deli that makes fresh sandwiches, pies, baked goods and homemade quilts.

If you would like to stop by for a tasting at Laurel Gray they are currently pouring the Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon and their new 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon and their 2004 Syrah. The tasting is $6.00 and that includes a souvenir wine glass with the Laurel Gray logo. If you would like Kim to arrange a private tour of the vineyard or have a picnic basket waiting you must call in advance. I have included directions to the Amish store below, just in case you forget to ask Kim.

Before you leave the vineyard make sure you take notice of the Jackson Perkins tea roses that are in bloom from now until the first frost hits. Kim says the 70 rose are planted near vineyards because they are indicators of pests that may be on the way to the grape vines. The frost comes early at 1,100 feet elevation, so don’t wait too long or you will miss your chance “to smell the roses.”

Kim Myers recipe for Sangria
2 cans of frozen orange juice concentrate
1 can of lemonade concentrate
1 can of limeade concentrate
1 large can of pineapple juice
1 liter of club soda
2 bottles Laurel Gray Cabernet Sauvignon wine

The vineyard is past Yadkinville off 421 at exit 267. Just follow the signs. Take your bikes if you like. Biking is a great way to make the 5 mile loop around the Wine Trail and Amish Country.

Phone 336-468-9463.
Monday and Tuesday closed
Wednesday 1:00-6:00
Thursday, Friday 10:00-6:00
Saturday, Sunday 10:00-5:00
www.laurelgray.com

Directions to the Amish Store: take exit 267, go left on Windsor road, (Laurel Grey Vineyard is to the right). Follow Windsor road to St. Paul’s Church road. Just before the turn you will see Shiloh Church, the Shiloh General Store is right behind the Church. Please drive with care there are many horse and buggies on this part of the road.

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NC Wine Country