Rock of Ages Winery & Vineyard, Hurdle Mills NC

If the name of this Person County winery conjures up remembrances of that beloved Baptist hymn, the relevance is not coincidental; Rock of Ages Winery  & Vineyard located in Hurdle Mills used to produce communion wine for local churches in the early 1900’s under the watchful eye of Ernest Moore. Now the winery is owned and operated by his grandson Kevin Moore and his wife Kimberly. Together they have created a beautiful winery with many different varieties of wine and a first class structure to call home. Kevin Moore, in addition to being a former stockbroker, also owns Hard Rock Marble & Tile located in Hillsborough, NC. He was also the general contractor and laborer for what is truly a breathtaking edifice. Nestled on 18 picturesque acres with a 4 acre lake, this winery is an experience to be savored!

Kevin used his obvious expertise in stone and marble to create one of the most aesthetically pleasing tasting rooms and main tasting bar I have encountered. The main tasting bar is fashioned from dry stack Tennessee fieldstone and accented with Brazilian granite tops. It was obvious that the Moores had more in mind than just creating an inviting space to sample wine. The building is perfectly suited to weddings and corporate events and even boasts its own kitchen and culinary staff. The day my wife and I visited they were busily decorating and preparing for the upcoming Christmas holidays.

So, let’s talk about their wine. Seldom do I see wineries produce the impressive repertoire of wines that are offered at Rock of Ages. In addition to producing easily recognizable varietals like Chardonnay, Viognier, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon they also make wine from grapes that not only had I not heard of them but I actually had to do some research on some of their grape varieties that are not as well known. For example Petit Manseng, Lemberger and Toriga are lesser known varieties of grape that this winery expertly crafts into wine.

As if a world class winery and vineyard, exquisite wine and a beautiful building were not enough, I will always remember this winery for “cork and pork”. Cork and Pork is not only the name of one of the wineries sweet wines but it also is the namesake of their spicy barbecue sauce that they sell. For a real palate puzzle try the sauce before and after a sip of the namesake wine and marvel in the difference. At an upcoming wine tasting I intend to pair a spicy shrimp dish with the cork and pork. I am sure my guests will be impressed as I was.

Rock of Ages Winery is located in Hurdle Mills, NC and is open for wine tastings Monday through Thursday from 1:00pm until 5:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00am to 6:00pm. and Sunday 1:00pm to 5:00pm. They are located at 1890 Charlie Long Road, Hurdle Mills, NC 27541, Phone:  336-364-7625. Their website is www.rockofageswinery.com

Stony Mountain Vineyards, Albemarle, NC

The View From Stony Mountain Vineyard

In all my travels across the state of North Carolina visiting vineyards and wineries, never have I encountered a more beautiful winery than Stony Mountain Vineyards located in Albemarle. This family run operation located on top of Stony Mountain adjacent to the Morrow Mountain State Park overlooks the tranquil lower Yadkin Valley and provides visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of the Uwharrie Mountains and the Pee Dee River. The particular day my wife and I visited the outdoor deck of the winery was full of customers enjoying a glass of wine and the view. Later on in the visit we were informed that most of these patrons were taking advantage of a living social/groupon deal that was especially popular. In addition to the view, our visit there was made even more memorable by a tour of the winery conducted by the son of the family. Not every winery provides this inside look into the process by which they actually make the wine and it is becoming a rare treat. I felt lucky to be a part of the experience because the passion of the son and his family permeated every story he told and every question he answered. Plus, he and I both being middle school teachers made us kindred souls. Since he is also an assistant principal at a local school he has reached a level I still hope to ascend to. Never before had I been in a tasting room that was as busy as the day I visited! As a result, when it was our turn we were anxious and excited to sample their vintages. This small family operation produces several varieties of wine including chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, Grenache, syrah, pinot noir as well as wines crafted from our native muscadine. In addition, several fruit based wines are also available. I highly recommend a trip to this winery; the spectacular views coupled with the family charm that permeates the staff and operation is sure to lure you back.