North Carolina’s reputation as a second home and retirement haven for splitters and half-backs is well known. 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 and since 2001, the number of wineries has more than quadrupled; approximately 90 vineyards now 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.
Lake James
The North Carolina Wine Festival 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, was a Presenting Sponsor of this year’s event at which more than 30 wineries presented their wares. The pairing of the festival and Headwaters makes for a perfect match. The private luxury community has embraced a sustainable, environmentally responsible development concept that respects and supports the natural ambience of the region. Other stewards of the land located within the western North Carolina mountain region include Balsam Mountain Preserve located near Waynesville; Creston, located in Black Mountain just east of Asheville; Ciel, a low density “green” community located less than ten miles from downtown Asheville, and 1780 and Old Wildlife Club on Lake James in Morganton. All are surrounded by dense natural forests and exhibit a distinct respect for the area’s tradition of conservation by preserving the land with its native flora and fauna for future generations.
