Dashboards and Saddlebags the Destination Magazine™ Issue 022 January 2013 | Page 23

North Carolina’s Wine Story
T
hey say every wine has a story.
Wait till you hear ours.

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.

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

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

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.

YOUR WINE
DESTINATION

But other things permeated our
viticulture, too. Our wines evoke
not just oaken barrels, but local
flavors and connections, whether
of barbecue or mountain trout or
tailgate parties. And our vineyards
summon samplings not of wine
alone, but wine with festivals, with
arts and crafts, with our own music
and local culture. And always,
with the state’s natural beauty as a
backdrop.

Discover premium wines
from the Carolinas and
around the world.

N
OPE ON
NOWEFFERoS A v e
J
n
WENSoTrth Jeffers
We carry a large selection
of local & artisan cheeses,
infused olive oils & unique
gifts and accessories.

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.

8837 Arbor Creek Dr. Charlotte, NC
704-992-1753

This is a wine tasting like no other.
You’re invited.

7

CarolinaCountryWines.com

DashboardsandSaddlebags.com 704-706-2365

23