North Carolina’s reputation as a second home and retirement haven for splitters and half-backs is well known. From its miles of pristine beaches meandering along the Atlantic to the majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Tar Heel State is one of the most beautiful and bountiful in the southeast region. But a less known fact is that by the dawn of the 20th century, North Carolina had become the leading wine-producing region in the nation. Since 2001, the number of wineries has more than quadrupled and now approximately 90 vineyards dot the landscape from the Outer Banks to the Piedmont.
When Sir Walter Raleigh first landed on the beaches of the Outer Banks, his men reported that it was “so full of grapes as the very beating and surge of the sea overflowed them.” During the 17th and 18th centuries, settlers planted cuttings from the parent muscadine vine found on Roanoke Island. Imported European vinifera grape vines followed and were found to thrive in the Western and Piedmont regions. The Yadkin Valley is one of the most productive wine growing regions in the state, producing award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Riesling and Viognier varietals. The industry has become quite popular as a tourist attraction and tours and wine tasting events are relatively common throughout the state, year-round.
The Headwaters at Banner Elk
The 10th Annual North Carolina Wine Festival will be held on May 29th, 2010 at Tanglewood Park near Winston-Salem, NC. It is the largest event of its kind in North Carolina; more than 25,000 people attended last year. The Headwaters at Banner Elk, a private mountain community located north of Asheville, is a Presenting Sponsor of the event at which more than 30 wineries will be presenting their wares. The pairing of the festival and Headwaters makes for a perfect match. The private luxury community considers itself to be a steward of the land, embracing sustainable, environmentally responsible development practices that respect and supporting the natural ambience of the property. If you happen to attend the May festival, stop by The Headwaters tent and find out why so many families have made it their second home choice.
