Bottled Sunshine

BEVERLY EAVES PERDUE, Governor of the State of North Carolina, hereby proclaims September 2011, as “NORTH CAROLINA WINE APPRECIATION MONTH” in North Carolina and commends its observance to all citizens.

Well OK then. . .

I’m more than happy to observe :-)

 Until last year, I was completely unaware there were 106 wineries and 400 commercial grape growers in my own backyard~ most within an hour & a half drive~

We recently took a day trip to appreciate some NC wines with a visit to a few wineries~

Shelton Vineyards~

Located in the Yadkin Valley American Viticultural Area, the vineyard shares a similar climate and growing season to that of some of the best wine growing regions in Europe and is one of the largest on the East Coast.

From VisitNCWine.com:

Not long after Sir Walter Raleigh landed in what would become North Carolina, the grape vine was first introduced and cultivated in the New World. In fact, by the dawn of the 20th Century, NC was the leading wine-producing region in the nation.

It seemed nothing could stop us.

But we hadn’t counted on an act of Congress.

 1919.

 Prohibition.

Suddenly, products from distilleries in undisclosed locations in the Piedmont hills and dales were rather more lucrative than those from the gnarled grape orchards of yore. When we spoke of fruit, it was shriveled in white lightning.

When we packaged, it was in Mason jars rather than Chardonnay bottles.

Other pursuits followed. Often at high speeds.

The sudden professional interest of G-Men and revenuers gave rise to moonlit, midnight chases across the humble countryside, engendering a motorized pastime that became a sport that became NASCAR.

Our land is rich and many textured. The vines are wide in variety. And the people who grow them are as interesting and diverse as the state itself and, led by pioneers, farming families and glorious chance-takers, North Carolina has returned to its original roots.

Elkin Creek Vineyard ~

Inspired by one man’s passion, along the foothills of the Yadkin Valley of North Carolina, Elkin Creek Vineyard with the hand-hewed beams of the winery and the hand-tendered estate vines sits waiting for your visit.

With a glass of wine in hand,  stroll by the creek, old mill, and waterfall~ where time seems to stand still.

Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery~

Nestled in the Yadkin Valley Region of North Carolina, family-owned Raffaldini Vineyards brings Old World charm to the Old North State. Known as “Chianti in the Carolinas” Raffaldini currently produces both varietal wines and blends with its signature wines.

Raffaldini Vineyards Pino Vino III Rescue Dog Wine Label~ a portion of Pino Vino III to be donated to local animal shelters.

 The dog chosen for this year’s label, Chloe, is a Rough-coat Jack Russell Terrier from State Road, NC.

Chloe is the ambassador for all animals in need of rescue.

I’m a sucker for anything benefitting animals or dogs~ so add a dog named Chloe to a wine label & I’m happy to raise a glass for dogs in need of rescue and in observance of Wine Appreciation Month :-)

“Eighty years ago we bottled moonshine. Today we bottle sunshine.”

A wine map & travel guide from NC Wineries can be found here.

Thank you for your visit!