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The Appalachian Wine Country
Part I of II
It never ceases to amaze me…and if it ever does, I’ll die on the
spot…the radiating passion of a winemaker. France, Australia, or
North Carolina in this case, winemakers possess the same romance,
respect for ecology, an enduring drive to excellence, as well as
a lifestyle ease that suggests a life filled with wine
is a full one.
As the United States was imbued by mother nature with the ability
to grow wine grapes within every state in the union, it doesn’t
mean those raw materials will all taste the same, or produce the
same quality end product: wine.
Virginia leads the Southeast in grape production and wine making—they
can thank their proximity to Washington D.C. and particularly President
Jefferson for that title. But narrowing the gap like a clap of thunder
is North Carolina. While North Carolina boasts a solid thirty-three
wineries, with at least six more coming in the next twelve months,
they possess a commitment to grape-growing (250 vineyards), and
wine-making that is evident from their finished products, and the
accolades that are coming from all directions. In fact, wineries
like Shelton are finding a warm reception in cities like Atlanta
for restaurant lists.
In July of this year I have the privilege of leading a small tour
of adventurers via Discover Adventures to North Carolina for a host
of experiences, and certainly wine-related ones. As we have “scoped-out”
the key winery stops, met with the movers and shakers, and tasted
until our tongues were purple and tired, our homework will ensure
our wine adventure aficionados get a unique and memorable experience.
While I’m definitely all about the grape juice, it is not just
about wine. North Carolina boasts so many wonderful adventures,
from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Coast. Famous are
the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway.
But as adventures go, most memorable, perhaps, are the hidden gems,
still virgin to most outsiders, yet a secret that won’t last forever.
The Yadkin Valley appellation in North Carolina is only 12 months
old, and as time goes, word will leak out, and two years from now
our little wine secret will be known by many.
With a superb combination of sun, soil and soul, the Yadkin Valley
region of North Carolina is rapidly gaining a reputation for growing
high-quality grapes and producing world-class wines. Located in
the Piedmont area of the state, this wine region benefits from what
the winemakers consider the best grape-growing land in the Southeast.
For adventurous types, the bicycling and hiking are world-class
too.
Bicycling doesn’t get much better than this. On one of our tour
days, we explore Pilot Mountain, the highest peek in the Piedmont,
and zoom down the beautifully maintained park road that leads to
serene, mildly rolling terrain past scenic pastures and vines in
vineyards still in their infancy. Traffic is miles away, and only
an occasional local comes to pass. At the end of the ride you’ll
be greeted by the majestic gates to Shelton Vineyards. By East Coast
vineyard standards, magnificent falls well short of describing its
splendor. Even by West Coast standards, Shelton doesn’t disappoint,
with 200 acres under vine!
The Appalachian Wine Country
Part II
A year ago I wrote about our burgeoning wine industry in Georgia.
It's amazing the progress made in such a short year. Georgia
Wine Country chronicles but a few of the events sporting our
state's wines, usually in tandem with good music and food providing
a full experience at the winery.
Chateau
Elan was first on the scene, and like many pioneers, their learned
experiences have provided short-cuts for those who came after. Armed
with a winemaker who understands the particular climactic conditions
of a low-elevation, more humidity prone vineyard area, they are
making great progress towards higher quality wines. Many believe
they are the sleeping giant, already equipped with 200 acres under
vine and ample capital reserves.
Next in line was Habersham
Winery, with one of Georgia's three winemakers formally trained
in enology. Good wine is grown in the vineyard, and Habersham's
more northerly location provided advantages in grape hang-time,
lower humidity, and less interference from certain pestilence. Habersham
is particularly proud of their 2002 Chardonnay which has snared
gold medals at more than one regional competition.
The late 90's saw Three
Sisters Vineyards, Wolf
Mountain Vineyards, Tiger
Mountain Vineyards, and Frogtown
Winery make substantial investments with the goal of world-class
commercial wines. Today all four, along with a sprinkling of others,
are producing very exciting wines, often selling all of their annual
productions out of the tasting room.
As someone who is living their passion, I really enjoy seeing it
reflected in the faces of our state's winemaking families. Attorney,
military officer, corporate executive--these former professions
have given way to the romance of the vine, and set whole families
on course with an agricultural craft like no other.
On my guided trips to Georgia Wineries, one of my objectives is
for guests to witness and "feel" the passion of these
winemaking families so they know that this business (yes it is a
business!) is a far cry from our standard rush-rush of business.
It is more far-reaching, affecting diet, lifestyle and pace of life.
Yes, wine is a lifestyle, and one that is infectious once you feel
it first hand.
I have three trips that include North Georgia wineries this summer.
I hope you will be on one of them for a unique experience not to
be had without. Either way, do your lifestyle a favor and experience
one of our family wineries to "feel" what I am saying.
Comments from Discover Adventures President,
Tom McManners:
“I’m excited to say that I believe our greatest summer tour this
year is through the wine country of North Carolina. I’m even more
excited to say that having Michael Bryan, Atlanta’s wine educator,
on our Distinguished Guest Series featuring our Appalachian Wine
Country Adventure is also going to be world-class.
Michael’s Distinguished Guest tour is July
25-29, 2004. The cost of the tour is the same price as it is without
Michael as a special guest, a tremendous value. Guests on this tour,
connoisseurs and recreational wine enthusiasts alike, will be spoiled
with elegant accommodations, fine dining and fantastic wine education
and tastings…don’t miss this perfect week in North Carolina!”
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