Carolina Trip Report, Part 4: Wineries

I got to investigate for myself North Carolina wine country, which has started to attract a little national attention with over 50 wineries and a tourism campaign. Folks are saying that this region is starting to produce some real quality wines.

I only had time to visit two wineries — mostly because each visit was so fun they lasted way longer than expected — so I can’t evaluate the quality of the region as a whole. I will say that we tasted (and bought) some great tasting wines, and more appealing to me, a some very idiosyncratic wines that seemed to reflect not only the soil and microclimate but also the spirit of the winemakers and perhaps of the area’s wine community. Since we at the Linkery are particularly interested how the choices and values of the craftsman affect the experience of a dish or beverage, to sense that perhaps there was a distinct style of North Carolina wine was an intriguing and enjoyable thought.

Of course, only visiting two wineries, it’s hard. to say…it could just be a coincidence.

A Bridge over Elkin Creek 

First we visited Elkin Creek, beautiful winery in the Yadkin Valley, built on the property of an old mill. The property has a beautful “wine country style” restuarant with a fantastic menu — we were bummed we hadn’t been able to wait until we got there to eat. They cure their own meats and use local organic produce from the valley.

Inside the Elkin Creek Restaurant 

The chef, Jesse Williams, was a super gracious and entertaining host, and toured us on the property. Elkin Creek’s owner maintains (maybe lives in?) a “festival” (large) yurt out among the vineyards, and some of the staff live in the huge old mill along the beautiful creek. The wines themselves ranged from a conventionally very good Pinot Grigio, to a couple unusual and enjoyable Sangioveses (one served chilled), to a slightly earthier Rosso, and a a dessert wine made partially from Raspberry wine (tart and interesting).

We also went to Raffaldini Vineyards, in the Swan Creek AVA. Raffaldini overlooks the scenic rolling hills and vineyards in a way that evokes photos of Old World wineries.

Raffaldini’s New Building is Under Construction

At Raffaldini we sampled many interesting (in a good way) wines. We most enjoyed their reserve Sangiovese and their Rose. The Rose had a nose with the distinct aroma of floral hops! Peter and I held the glasses to our faces, looked at each other, and both said “IPA”. (Actually, I think I said “Alesmith IPA”). We also agreed that in the Rose we experienced pronouced notes of umami or MSG (don’t be hatin’ on MSG, unless you aren’t down with bacon).

View From Raffaldini’s Deck

These unusual and enjoyable components of the Rose made me have to buy some to bring back home to share. I also bought the Reserve Sangiovese. I believe we’re not allowed to sell these wines due to state import regulations, but I hope that I can share them with folks on a personal, nonresale basis, in a situation where that’s allowed.

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