A Guest Blog by Cindy Williams, co-owner of Green Jeans Consignment
It’s no secret that Carolinians (Charlotteans in particular) love the fact that they can drive to the beach or mountains in a matter of hours! But what about that area they refer to as Yadkin Valley? Ever spent time there? I discovered this sometimes forgotten place last fall and I fell in love! Given its proximity to Charlotte (right at one hour) and recommendations from friends, I decided to take one of my visiting best friend’s Ann, on a minivan wine tour day trip. We had no idea what to expect, but WOW, we were impressed and found out that Yadkin Valley houses some of the nation’s top ranked vineyards! I enjoyed the experience so much, that I’ve been back once with my hubby and neighbors and have another trip planned in four weeks with girlfriends (limo this time; no minivans for us)!
Here are some of my discovered favorite places…
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| Grassy Creek Vineyards |
Very laid back and rustic. The vineyard was once a large dairy farm (totally up my alley as I’m a farmer’s daughter). Enjoy listening to the family and land history (you gotta ask) and the wines are great! My favorite is the Chambourcin. It’s a beautiful red with a long finish. In addition to the tasting room, Grassy Creek Vineyards offers lodging in their Klondike Cabins. We stayed in the Hanes Cabin, a two-bedroom, two-bath home with fireplaces in each bedroom and a common area. Super rustic (gotta love deer heads staring at you), but clean and homey!
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| Cindy Williams and friends at Elkin Creek |
My favorite. I relax just thinking about it! I could literally sit in one of their creek-side adirondack chairs all day with a glass of Soft White, my favorite Elkin Creek wine. The tasting room is fabulous; love the chickens that run around out front! If you are in the area on Sundays, chef makes fresh made-to-order pizzas in their wood-fire brick oven. First come, first served – when the pies are gone, they are GONE! Reservations are recommended.
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| Raffaldini |
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| View from Raffaldini |
The closest Italian experience you’ll get in the Carolinas! This 43 acre vineyard screams beauty and sophistication. From the manicured rose gardens to the Tuscan-style Villa tasting room, this place is breathtaking. Spend the afternoon sipping on Bella Misto, our favorite, overlooking this grand estate… a must see!
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| Harvest Grill |
In my opinion, the biggest isn’t always the best, BUT Shelton Vineyards needs to be on your list when visiting NC Wine Country. They have great wines and an incredible restaurant, The Harvest Grill. I’ve eaten there for dinner and brunch – both equally scrumptious and the service is stellar! Great local flare with thoughtful ingredients and presentation makes you want to photograph and Facebook about it (I did – I’ll admit). We came away with full bellies and several bottles of the Madison Lee Red and White Table Wines. Easy drinking everyday wines – perfect for us!
Last but not least, I have to share our dining experience at Twenty One & Main Restaurant and Wine Bar in Historic Downtown Elkin, NC. OMG – seriously, I don’t know where these chefs come from, but what a meal! Again, amazing local flare with unique flavor combinations and paired perfectly with local wines. If this doesn’t make your mouth water I don’t know what will: lowcountry crab cake with tomato chutney, fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese and tomato chutney, shrimp and grits: sautéed shrimp, smoked bacon, caramelized onions and spiced cream and mixed grill of lamb and duck: smoked gouda mac-n-cheese and currant chutney. Yuuuuumy! Twenty One & Main DEFINATELY needs to be on your list for lunch or dinner!
So these are my NC wine country favs. There are so many more great vineyards to visit. Check out www.visitncwine.comor www.visitncwinecountry.comfor maps and information about additional vineyards, accommodations and dining! This is the perfect getaway for you and hubby or a girls weekend; not too far from home, but far enough to feel like you are really some place special! Enjoy!
Cheers,
Cindy Williams
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Mad thanks to Cindy for sharing this great list of local gems. I love my gals and I love my wine, so a girl’s wine trip is in order. Who’s in with me?
If you have a favorite spot to add to the list, let us know about it!
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