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