Where should I go wine tasting??

[eloyfan]

Originally Posted by whiteboyslo

there's a nice little vineyard in Mebane called Iron Gate. the wine is OK (not SUPER great, but they have a few worthwhile ones), but the facility is charming and they do a nice job with the tastings.

Mike

Funny you should mention them. Two very nice ladies from Iron Gate were set up at the farmer's market at Carpenter Village in Cary this past Saturday morning. It felt odd doing a wine tasting at 9:30 a.m., but I sure did and bought a bottle of cab. There's a place you could take your friend.

[Ricklh]

Hinnant Family Vineyards in Pine Level, NC

[armory]

North of Santa Barbara, CA.

[armory]

Originally Posted by Dire Wolf

I reallylike (red) wine, but IMO most of the NC Wine is not very good. There are some wineries that are at least interesting to visit, and a few that actually have some good wine. I have not found any very close to the Triangle though. But if you get further west, try out Shelton (good tour, so-so wine) or Raylen (probably the best NC wines I've tried).

If you want to taste some good wine, just go to one of the many local wine shops and taste some wine from California, Oregon, Chile, Australia, France, Italy, etc. I like Apex Beverage Company and Seaboard.

Are there any decent reds from the east coast? I know whites and fruits are big in VA but their reds s*ck. Been to a few wine festivals in The Plains and got white wine hangovers, mainly from sweet wines and hot afternoon sun.

[zitsky]

Originally Posted by armory

Are there any decent reds from the east coast? I know whites and fruits are big in VA but their reds s*ck. Been to a few wine festivals in The Plains and got white wine hangovers, mainly from sweet wines and hot afternoon sun.

First, I can't believe someone opened a 6 year old thread just to post a lame comment. Anyway.

If you are ever in North Carolina, try going to Raylen in Mocksville or try Biltmore's Cardinal Crest available at Total Wine. It's made supposedly from California grapes but made at the estate. Stay away from Childress, try Junius Lindsay (I'd recommend the white).

My theory has always been that you can find good wine anywhere if you try. Although I admit, I'm not a big fan of muscadine.

[CurlySue1]

Taylor's Wine Shop has some fun in-store free tastings about twice a month

[pbctong]

The Wine Feed in Raleigh is pretty cool.

[garnetpalmetto]

Originally Posted by armory

Are there any decent reds from the east coast? I know whites and fruits are big in VA but their reds s*ck. Been to a few wine festivals in The Plains and got white wine hangovers, mainly from sweet wines and hot afternoon sun.

I'd say most of the Barbera's I've had from the Yadkin AVA, especially Hutton's, are pretty decent. I like Cellar 4201's reds, particularly their Cherokee Red blend - great with a plate of lasagna or chicken parmesan. Be sure to look for chambourcins, especially again from the Yadkin or Swan Creek AVAs. Chambourcin is a French-American hybrid that grows particularly well here in the Southeast.