North Carolina wines may very well be the
Susan Boyle of the U.S. wine industry. This January in Winston-Salem, several Advanced Sommeliers and a Master of Wine will be judging the wines that have ignited a Wine Renaissance in North Carolina, once the largest producer of wine in the country prior to Prohibition. And just like Ms. Boyle, the local wine industry has been awaiting to appear on the national stage.
 |
| NC Vines in Winter |
North Carolina is now the 10th largest producer of grapes
and wine in the country, with a potential to be in the top 5 in the next 10 years. Due to the huge diversity in climate, from the coastal areas to the mountains in Western North Carolina and the contrasting terrain, there has been a huge investment and progress to rediscover the ability to grow a wide variety of grapes. While it is true that some former tobacco fields are being replaced with vineyards, the majority of vineyards are where rocky, hard to work fields have been cultivated and are highly suitable for grape production.
So how do you gain the reputation that you need to help rebuild a major industry? Well, much like a vineyard, through patience, hard work, and experience. Also, it helps to get your wine tasted by professionals who don't often get the chance to do so. With over 70 vineyards that produce Vinifera and Hybrid Grapes, the vineyards are coming together to support a Fine Wines Competition that will feature 100% North Carolina grown and vinified grapes. Well known Vinifera varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio. Hybrid grapes that have legs in the South are those whites like Vidal Blanc, Seyval Blanc, and Traminette, along with the very popular red hybrid Chambourcin that has an intense peppery flavor.
 |
| NC Mountain Vineyard |
Wine producers from across the state came together in 2016 to help create the Inaugural North Carolina Fine Wines Competition. The competition, conducted by the
NC Fine Wines Society, will bring together some of the most respected industry judges in the South East. Consumers and retailers are looking at this competition as a way to help educate and guide them on their wine purchases. Additionally, the local industry is looking at this competition for invaluable professional feedback as to where their wines stand on both a national and international stage. Judges' notes will be provided confidentially back to the vineyards to help them see where they are doing well and help them perform to their best potential.
Once the judging is over, the public and industry will find out the winners at the NC Fine Wines Awards Gala in Winston-Salem on Saturday February 18th, 2017. The evening will help celebrate local food and wines during a relaxed, six course dinner paired with six wines. The guests will learn from industry experts and vineyards about the challenges and rewards of the local wine industry. This "Dress to Impress" event will announce the Inaugural North Carolina Fine Wines Case of 12 bottles from North Carolina winemakers. Additionally, Double Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals will be announced. The Best in Show wine will be awarded the North Carolina Fine Wines Riedel Decanter.
 |
| NC Vineyard Ready to Harvest |
The fun and learning isn't over that night. The top 12 wines in the ShowCase will then be brought around the state for a victory march. It will be a great way for people to enjoy and maybe even discover what many already know are wonderful the wines produced here in our own backyard. The vineyards representing those top 12 wines will be pouring them to attendees, and will get the chance to meet and take questions on the vineyards' trials and triumphs. The events will be taking place on Tuesday nights with the first in Cary at The Umstead Hotel & Spa on February 28th. The tasting will then move to the Duke Mansion in Charlotte on March 14th and finally arrive at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville on March 28th. This travelling event will be a great opportunity for wine lovers, restaurants, and drinking establishments to educate themselves on the best wines that North Carolina has to offer.
 |
| Strolling the NC Vines |
And in the same way in which Susan Boyle surprised, and somehow slyly shamed a skeptical audience, North Carolina wine makers believe their "
I Dreamed a Dream" moment is about to premiere for them.
Details, tickets and more information can be found at
www.NCFineWines.com. We invite you to come and join us in this great learning opportunity about our state, local foods, and the future of the wine industry.
Click here for a Google map of
NC Fine Wine Producers.
 |
| NC Wine and Views |
