NC Vine - Blogs http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php North Carolina wine social community covering news, blogs, and events from vineyards and wineries across the state. Come share your wine experience, make new friends, and involved in the wonderful wines of North Carolina. en Fri, 10 Sep 2010 23:10:20 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.ncvine.com/images/misc/rss.jpg NC Vine - Blogs http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php Sept. is NC Wine Appreciation Month - This calls for a Sale! http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=65 Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:12:21 GMT In Honor of Gov.ernor Perdue's proclomation, all wines will be 10% for the month of September.:cool:

NC Wine and Grape Appreciation Month

In a proclamation praising North Carolina’s grape and wine industry, Governor Bev Perdue has declared September 2010 as Wine and Grape Appreciation Month in North Carolina. Governor Perdue urges for restaurants, retailers and consumers to help support our growing wine industry by promoting North Carolina wines throughout September.

We encourage consumers to celebrate NC Wine & Grape Appreciation Month! ]]> Barnhills http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=65 Who is RedWineDiva? http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=64 Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:43:46 GMT I just saw a post on Twitter regarding stirrup pants coming back in style – boy what a flashback! This brought up some memories from years ago and it made me start thinking about how I have gotten to where I am today.

I graduated from Tennessee Technological University in 1991. The economy wasn’t great at that time but not nearly as depressed as it is today. It took me several months to find a job. My major was business with a concentration in accounting. I had worked as an intern at a local CPA firm in Cookeville, TN until I graduated. Once I graduated, my job was over or was supposed to be over. The owner of the CPA firm called me a few weeks after my Internship had ended and asked if I would come back on a part-time basis. Of course I said yes. I was a single parent with no income.

I continued to work at this small; local firm for almost a year before I landed a real job. I was so surprised at the salary offer for my first real job. While in school, we had been told that Accounting Majors would be offered a starting salary of $28,000-$30,000 per year. Well one interview I had only offered $19,000 per year and the job I ended up taking offered a whopping $20,000 per year; however, I failed to take into consideration that I lived in Tennessee where there were no state or local taxes. The job offer I accepted was in Kentucky and my salary was virtually eaten up with State and County/School taxes. My bring home pay was at the poverty level.

Well, needless to say, I struggled financially (and I mean really struggled). I only had a couple of business suits and the CPA firm where I was working expected us to dress professionally every day. And I tried – I really tried. I went to work in November, 1992. And as all smart shoppers know, BIG sales start just before Christmas and run through January. I was so thrilled to be able to find clothes on sale that I could wear to work (and coincidentally, my daughter could wear the same size so we could share!). I rushed out and bought three pair of stirrup pants that matched blazers I already had. I now could mix and match these great blazers with a variety of shirts/blouses and these stylish stirrup pants. I was SO THRILLED to have these great new wardrobe choices for work. So off to work I went, all dressed up and so proud of the way I looked and the way I represented the firm.

My new look went on for a couple of weeks until the managing partner paid me a visit one afternoon. He came strolling into my office and pulled up a chair. At first he just made small talk, but then he let the bomb drop. He personally didn’t feel that my stirrup pants represented the image the firm was trying to portray. His comment was “Our clients pay dearly for our services, and our image is part of that service. I don’t think that stirrup pants represent the right image. It would be best if you didn’t wear them anymore.”

I was shocked to say the least; but I was also hurt. He didn’t pay me enough money to buy new clothes on a regular basis and I had done the best I could with what I had, but I had no choice, I was not allowed to wear them anymore – the secretaries could, but not the professional staff.

This was in 1992. I only stayed in public accounting until 1996. My first move into private accounting was into the world of NASCAR; and I will admit, that was quite a ride (but we should cover it in another story). As NASCAR churned and dealt with its own issues, I ended up losing my job in 2008. That is when RedWineDiva was born. My passion for wine (and for life) took over and I decided it was time to truly enjoy life. So here I am today, doing wine tastings, visiting wineries, and chatting with friends all over the globe via social media.

And the best part of it all – nobody cares what I wear! ]]> RedWineDiva http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=64 Surprising Health Benefits to Moderate Drinking!!! http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=63 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:10:12 GMT Check out this link for some surprising health benefits to moderate drinking (good NC wine from Barnhills of course):cool:... Check out this link for some surprising health benefits to moderate drinking (good NC wine from Barnhills of course):cool:
http://health.msn.com/health-topics/...1681&gt1=31036 ]]> Barnhills http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=63 Huge labor day sale going on now!!!! http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=62 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:27:16 GMT Huge Labor Day sale going on today and tomorrow!!!

All items with an "Orange Tag" are 30% off.:cool:

All Xelene jewlery is 50% off.
:)
AND EVERYTHING ELSE is 10% off. Come in today and find your new favorite NC wine or book.:D ]]> Barnhills http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=62 Cabernet Day in the Carolinas http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=61 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:26:56 GMT Barnhills is excited about hosting the "Cabernet Day in the Carolinas". We hope that everyone can join us in person or online. We have over 16 Cabs in the store from several different wineries.

This should be fun!!!:cool: ]]> Barnhills http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=61 Black Wolf Vineyards and Wolf’s Lair Restaurant http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=60 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 22:23:40 GMT Black Wolf Vineyards and Wolf’s Lair Restaurant I am a huge proponent of the North Carolina Wine industry and do what I can to promote it as...
Black Wolf Vineyards and Wolf’s Lair Restaurant


I am a huge proponent of the North Carolina Wine industry and do what I can to promote it as well as the Wineries. Black Wolf Vineyards had long been one of my favorites as it was one of the first wineries I ever visited. My husband and I had loved the Wolf’s Lair and had eaten there a few times. With that said, on Friday, August 20, I decided to stop by and check everything out before heading to the auction. There was someone from the auction company at the Wolf’s Lair to show people around and answer questions. It seemed a little eerie entering into the restaurant that was once so full of life but was now so quiet. Strangely though, everything was set up as if they were waiting for the dinner crowd to come rushing in. The tables were covered with linen table cloths and the silverware was set. The menus were on the stand for the hostess to grab as she led you to your seat. It was sad and a bit lonely – and if you stopped for just a second, you could hear the lone howl of the wolf.


Black Wolf Vineyards had fallen on rough times and actually auctioned off In October, 2009 after having already gone for nearly a year of neglect. At that time it was purchased by the bank – Carolina Farm Credit in Statesville, NC. So for the next year, they vineyards sat untended as well which allowed disease to set in on the vines. Black Wolf Vineyards had some of the oldest vines in the Yadkin Valley AVA, some dating back to 1991. The winery was added in 2004 and they started producing their own wines. Prior to this, the wines had been made by Chatham Hill Winery.

The meeting room(s) at the hotel was filled to capacity for the auction. Vintners and winery owners from all across Virginia and North Carolina were gathered, some just to see how everything went, others hoping to bid on equipment, and a few people who were eager to own and operate their own winery. Once again I wondered if I could hear the howl of a lone black wolf as the hair stood up on my arm and the auction began.

I actually love auctions. It is a past time of mine that started years ago.

The bidding started with the Wolf’s Lair and 10+ acres of land. Bidding was low on all the lots and tracts. The previous winemaker was there and you could see the melancholy in her face as she watched a part of her past being divided and sub-divided for the highest bidder. But when it was all said and done, we have a new winery owner in Dobson, NC.
Javier Herrera bought it all – the restaurant, the winery, the vineyards, and the cabin. It will take a bit of work to get the vineyards back up to production. The vines will all be pulled up and new ones planted, so they are looking at three years out before they start making wine again; but Mr. Herrera currently owns several acres of vineyard and has someone else process his grapes and make his wine. Now he will be able to make his own, create jobs and support the local community.

The wolf is calm. There are no more howls. The name of the vineyard will change, but when you go up to Surry County to visit what used to be called “Black Wolf Vineyard and the Wolf’s Lair”, pay close attention. There will always be dark beady eyes watching over the vineyard. ]]> RedWineDiva http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=60 The Grove Vineyards - Wine Tasting http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=59 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:35:25 GMT The Grove Vineyard will be at Barnhills offering FREE tastings of their awesome wines on Friday, September 9th from 3-6p. If you have tasted thier... The Grove Vineyard will be at Barnhills offering FREE tastings of their awesome wines on Friday, September 9th from 3-6p. If you have tasted thier Nebbiolo - you are in for a treat! ]]> Barnhills http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=59 Raffaldini Vineyards Wine Tasting http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=58 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:30:02 GMT Raffaldini Vineyards will be at Barnhills on Friday, August 20th offering FREE tastings of their wines. Author Jason L. Green of Wilkesboro will... Raffaldini Vineyards will be at Barnhills on Friday, August 20th offering FREE tastings of their wines. Author Jason L. Green of Wilkesboro will also be here signing copies of his book: The Weeds Are Always Greener.:) ]]> Barnhills http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=58 Barnhills - FREE Wine Tasting Everyday http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=57 Fri, 06 Aug 2010 17:23:13 GMT Barnhills has FREE wine tastings everyday. We also have special events with different vineyards visiting our store. Check our website... Barnhills has FREE wine tastings everyday. We also have special events with different vineyards visiting our store. Check our website (www.onlyatbarnhills.com) for all the details. We also have a LARGE selection of self-published authors and small independent publishers. We have author events all the time. :cool: ]]> Barnhills http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=57 Barnhills Wine Tasting - EVERY DAY!!! http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=56 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:21:04 GMT Barnhills ONLY carries NC wines and we have free wine tastings every day in addition to special events when the wineries come to us. We currently... Barnhills ONLY carries NC wines and we have free wine tastings every day in addition to special events when the wineries come to us. We currently carry wines from 26 of the 94 NC wineries.
Here is a list of upcoming events:
Flint Hill Vineyards, 7-30-10, 3-6p
Benny Parson Winery, 7-31-10, 2-5
Shadow Springs Vineyards, 8-4-10, 5-7p
Buck Shoals Vineyards, 8-7-10, 2-5p
Raffaldini vineyards, 8-20-10, 3-6p
The Grove Vineyards, 9-10-10, 3-6p
Round Peak Winery, 9-17-10, 4-7p. ]]> Barnhills http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=56 Barnhills Wine Tasting http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=55 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:15:49 GMT Check out our website for all the wineries visiting our store and offering FREE tastings...we carry over 24 of the NC finest and adding more daily.... Check out our website for all the wineries visiting our store and offering FREE tastings...we carry over 24 of the NC finest and adding more daily.
Here is a sample list:
Today, Jul 2: Junius Lindsey from 3-6
Next Friday, Jul 9: Dennis Vineyards from 3-6
Sat, Jul 10: Lake James Cellars
Friday, Jul 16: New River Wiery from 3-6
Sat, July 17: Daveste Vineyards from 2-5
Sat, July 24: Grassy Creek from 2-5
Friday, July 30: Flint Hill

Check our website for more details. ]]> Barnhills http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=55 Thanks for a Wonderful Evening! http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=54 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:16:26 GMT Many thanks to the folks at Raffaldini for their gracious hospitality! They shared their delicious wines, their time, and knowledge with us for the... Many thanks to the folks at Raffaldini for their gracious hospitality! They shared their delicious wines, their time, and knowledge with us for the Virtual Wine Tasting on Wednesday evening. If you missed it, be sure to go back and read the entries-- and definitely try some of their wines. You will not be disappointed!!

If you haven't been to Raffaldini Vineyards, treat yourself to visit. The grounds are beautiful, as are the stunning views. We were especially fortunate to watch the sunset over the mountains from their tasting room.

Again, thanks for a wonderful evening! ]]> GotWine? http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=54 Tanglewood http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=53 Thu, 27 May 2010 13:43:28 GMT Hi folks, Is anyone going to the wine festival in Tanglewood? It is going on this Sat. I heard it is the largest wine festival in NC. Tim Hi folks,

Is anyone going to the wine festival in Tanglewood? It is going on this Sat. I heard it is the largest wine festival in NC.

Tim ]]> timgupta http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=53 Banner Elk: Veal Chops and Marechal Foch http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=52 Mon, 24 May 2010 12:35:30 GMT Banner Elk: Veal Chops and Marechal Foch The Banner Elk Café, a neat little diner in the middle of Banner Elk NC, has been one of my favorite... Banner Elk: Veal Chops and Marechal Foch

The Banner Elk Café, a neat little diner in the middle of Banner Elk NC, has been one of my favorite restaurants for breakfast, especially on a cool morning in early May when I’m in the area playing three of my favorite golf courses: Grandfather Golf & Country Club, Elk River Club, and Linville Golf Club.

The eggs over light with country ham, grits and wheat toast (preferred instead of biscuits) are as good as you’ll find. The coffee is basic and just right. The service is local and attentive, and the food is delivered in a timely fashion, especially when a tee time is drawing near. It's THE place for breakfast in Banner Elk.

In Banner Elk recently on that golf trek, the Banner Elk Café was visited twice, but just once for breakfast. The other was a night later and included a delicious dinner. The Café is adjacent to the Lodge, also known as Fresh at the Lodge as well as the Lodge Expresso Bar & Eatery, depending on your Google search. The two restaurants are connected twice: once through ownership who is the same person, and twice by an outdoor deck/patio.

Diners at either may order from the menu of the other or both. Each has its own kitchen and chef. The wait staff runs between the two, serving up interesting dishes, some basic and some not so, some delicious and some mysteriously not so delicious but not bad, just bland. It’s not uncommon for a table of several to select items from the two separate and different menus, each with its own unique look.

Considering my experiences at the Café have been limited to breakfast and remembering that last fall a nice sandwich lunch was served at the Lodge, sitting between the two on that recent visit to the ski-in-the-winter-play-golf-in-the-summer area of North Carolina, it was interesting that the veal chop screamed for attention from its place on the Café menu.

“It’s my favorite,” the wait person volunteered when asked for suggestions. “It’s amazing. The chef does a wonderful veal chop. I think it’s the best thing on the menu.” But then she took a little edge off her suggestion when she said, “But if you want beef, the sirloin is very good.”

So, the veal chop it was, arriving cooked medium rare as requested, seasoned just right and with an interesting sauce sprinkled on and off of half of the chop. Sides of fried asparagus (is that asparagi or asparaguses if there are more than one?) and chunky, seasoned mashed potatoes. A substantial roll, crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, hugged the edge of the plate. There was plenty of food for a hungry golfer who had played 36 holes that day.

And, it was delicious, amazingly so. As someone who, primarily for business, has traveled extensively throughout the United States, I have my favorite restaurants for favorite food. For instance, the blackened halibut at Brophy Bros. in Santa Barbara CA is absolutely the best anywhere. The hamburgers at Johnson’s in Siler City are delicious. The bone-in ribeye at The Saloon in Chicago is hard to beat. The ham biscuit at Jimmy’s Barbeque in Lexington NC is the juiciest and most tender you'll ever have, melting in your mouth. And, I’ve always thought of the veal chop at any Capital Grille, a national chain with at least 40 locations but with a local flavor and touch, as the best anywhere.

Until now. I’ll put the Banner Elk Café veal chop, at least the one on my plate the other evening, up against the Capital Grille’s offering any day. And the price was just right. With two Yuenglings, the bill was less than $30 with tax and before tip. And, that included a side of garlic knots served with a yummy marinara sauce for dipping and dunking. “That’s $3 extra,” said the waitress. “I put it on your bill, if that’s okay.”

It was, and the food and service were a lot better than just okay. Next time in Banner Elk for golf (I’m not a skier), another veal chop is to be served.
----------
Less than two miles from the Banner Elk Café is the Banner Elk Winery and Blueberry Villa. Having visited this winery several months ago (that’s the time of the previous eating experience at the Lodge), stopping to make a purchase before heading home was a must.

The Winery and the Villa are in separate facilities and are equally impressive. It was a Sunday afternoon of the last visit, and the tasting was absolutely wonderful. There was music offered on the front porch, and the cool to warm temperatures called for lingering and sipping glasses of the Banner Elk Winery’s Marechal Foch, which is described by the winery as: A single varietal Cabernet Hybrid developed for a Cabernet to grow at high altitudes and withstand cold winters. It is fruity, jammy and considered to be a "grapey" wine. It is very food friendly, but pairs exceptionally well with red-sauced pasta dishes.

And for sitting and nipping on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The grape was developed in France. In the United States, it grows best in cold-weather climates for which the Banner Elk area seems to be ripe. Read more about the Marechel Foch grape at Wikipedia or at Appellation America.

The Banner Elk Winery is another one of North Carolina’s offering at which enjoying all wines is easy. On this time through, I picked up a couple of bottles of each of Banner Elk Red—a blend of Marechal Foch, Petite Syrah and Cabernet Franc, all three very good alone but interesting and tasty as a blend—and Banner Elk White, a blend of un-oaked Seyval Blanc, Viognier and Golden Muscat, another excellent combination.

The Banner Elk Winery was established on a 25-year-old blueberry farm thus the name of the Villa. Both opened in 2006. For more on both, visit their websites, or better yet, take a drive to Banner Elk. Enjoy the summer mountain air, the locally produced wines and, may I suggest, the veal chop at the Banner Elk Café. Call ahead and ask if bringing your own wine—Banner Elk Red, Banner Elk Cabernet Sauvignon or Marechel Foch—is okay. The dining combination and overall experience is highly recommended.

Repost from Actions and Reactions II by Jim Pomeranz ]]> RedWineDiva http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=52 Along for the Ride: United Slurps of America http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=51 Sun, 23 May 2010 12:03:58 GMT Along for the Ride: United Slurps of America May 20, 2010 — @wineaccguy Today, I have the distinct honor of joining Swirl Smell Slurp for... Along for the Ride: United Slurps of America

May 20, 2010 — @wineaccguy

Today, I have the distinct honor of joining Swirl Smell Slurp for their United Slurps of America tour. Representing the great state of North Carolina is McRitchie Vineyard, a winery from Yadkin Valley AVA. Come to think of it, I should have just called this Yadkin Valley Week. If nothing else, I hope this week on Wine(Explored) and this collaboration proves that North Carolina is capable of producing a premiere wine-growing region.

Make sure you head to check out the full post at Swirl Smell Slurp. They’re the ones who conceived and organized the idea; I’m just along for the ride.

Onto the wines!

McRitchie 2009 Yadkin Valley Fallingwater

The Fallingwater has a very light yellow color, with just a tinge of green, and it has a lower viscosity than I would have expected. The nose consists of overly ripe tropical notes, apricot and a sweetness like honey, and a bit of vinyl. Rather dry, with a detectable alcohol flavor and a hot scent. Flavor of apricot preserves, pineapple, and there is that slight vinyl flavor. It’s got a very luxurious, tropical medley on the finish that’s hard to pin down but still very enjoyable. Has a very strong acidity that becomes prominent on the finish. Balance isn’t quite there for me. 6/10.


McRitchie Apple Cider
McRitchie North Carolina Dry Hard Cider

It’s much, much lighter than most hard ciders I’ve seen. I cheered inwardly a bit when I noticed the carbonation in the glass. It’s very fine, frizzante, not aggressive like the more common hard ciders. It has a musty, Champagne-like nose with a very subdued apple scent. I honestly don’t know what to expect just from the smell. The flavor is very subtle, and, as the name states, very dry. The apple flavor is pure, but not sweet, like apple juice. If it weren’t for the warming sensation in my throat and stomach, I wouldn’t even be sure there was alcohol here. It barely comes through on the finish, but there’s just enough there to give it a bite. Its got a great balance. 7/10.

McRitchie 2008 Yadkin Valley Merlot

Before I even get to the color, I can smell the chocolate. My exact words: “mmmm, chocolatey.” Anyway, the color is a wonderful, deep, rich red with a very, very light purple tint that becomes noticeable on the swirl. In addition to the chocolate on the nose, there’s a jammy cherry scent. I also, and I think I’m a bit crazy, get a hint of both burlap and maple syrup. Was this aged in French oak? I can definitely detect the oak influence in the flavor, contributing a powdery vanilla-sugar flavor. I also get a tart cherry and coffee and a bit of chocolate on the finish, which is long and clean. There’s also a certain sort of baking spice flavor like cloves or cinnamon. Mouthfeel is a bit stringy and the alcohol/acidity balance is a bit harsh, but the overall experience is a clean, medium-bodied, classic Merlot flavor. 6/10.


McRitchie Ring of Fire
McRitchie 2008 Yadkin Valley Ring of Fire

Color’s a very deep, almost opaque reddish purple. Rich scent of redcurrant and coffee. It has a very smooth, very full texture, evidence of a very good amount of time in oak. Flavor is a very rich mocha with a bit of cherry. Tannins are chalky, not quite chewy, and the sensation lingers on the finish. Good balance on the alcohol here; it contributes to the structure without coming forward. This one is my favorite of their wines. 7/10.

If you’re looking to get your hands on some of their wine, just drop by www.mcritchiewine.com. They’ve got all the info you need to start experiencing their wines for yourself!

Note, these wines were provided by the winery as a sample for review.

Repost from Joshua S. Sweeney on Wine (Explored). ]]> RedWineDiva http://www.ncvine.com/blog.php?b=51