Zimmerman Vineyards, Trinity NC

Zimmerman Vineyards, Trinity NC

What do North Carolina, great wine and the Greek god Sisyphus have in common? If you are not sure than you have never been to Zimmerman Vineyards! This quaint operation located in Trinity, NC just outside High Point makes outstanding wines in a picturesque setting framed by the Uwharrie forest. Their rustic country location is only exceeded by their bold and innovative approach to making wine.

I confess that as a native North Carolinian (and proud of it) I am always in awe of vineyards that dare to grow European vinefera as opposed to the native muscadine and scuppernong varietals that have long called this area home. From latitude to soil to humidity there is a myriad of barriers and obstacles to growing these grapes in this part of the country but the owners of Zimmerman Vineyards excel at their craft.

You need look no further than their Viognier wine that many local wineries consider unfeasible to nurture from grape to wine. Not only is the Viognier varietal extremely susceptible to disease but it’s small clusters do not yield nearly the same amount of juice that other varieties of grape do. Oddly enough, just one state north (Virginia) and the same grape is so embraced that it is the official state grape! Recent I have even read of a growing contingency that want to change the official slogan of the state from “Virginia is for Lovers” to “Virginia is for Viognier”! From what I have sampled, they would be well served to embrace the change. The version of Viognier produced at Zimmerman is delicious and a welcome alternative to chardonnays.

This winery bears the distinction of being the first in Randolph County and was established on land that has a rich history and legacy. I remember very well the owner (wife) explaining to us how they wanted the land to “work for them” and considered many alternatives including a plant and shrub nursery. However, a visit from a N C State horticultural student set in motion a chain of events that resulted in the present day vineyard. Wine is crafted and bottled offsite, but all grapes are grown on the property.

If you visit be prepared for a small intimate tasting room. Should it prove too confining for you and weather permitting then you would be well served to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the stone terraced patio that overlooks the forest below. But, be forewarned, the owner’s pet dogs that zealously welcome you as ambassadors will gladly accept food in return for services rendered!

By the way, what about the references on the wines to Greek mythical characters? Well, for the life of me I can’t remember the connection but I assure you that the owners will be glad to elaborate. May I suggest that you plan your visit to coincide with their Sisyphus Saturdays which occur on the last Saturday of each month from April through October and feature live music.

Zimmerman Vineyards is located in Trinity, NC and is open for wine tastings Saturday from 12:00pm until 6:00 pm, Sunday from 1:00am to 6:00pm and by appointment. They are located at 1428 Tabernacle Church Road, Trinity, NC 27370, and Phone:  336-861-1414. Their website is www.zimmermanvineyards.net.

The terrace at Zimmerman Vineyards

Wolfe Wines LLC, Snow Camp, NC



Wolfe Wines, LLC, Snow Camp, NC



A quick glance at the calendar a day or so ago reminded me that March is quickly winding down which not only heralds the entrance of spring but the availability of strawberry wine at Wolfe Wines! Although I have never tasted it I have had the privilege of smelling it as it waited patiently in a large glass jar (carboy?) during a tour of Wolfe Wines by owners Floyd & Nina Wolfe. I must point out that this was not just any tour; as in the tours that walk you around the grounds, gift shop, etc. but show you little to none of the actual wine making process. My tour with the owners was an actual behind the scenes look at the wine making process. It was obvious that they take a lot of pride in their craft and I was fascinated! So much so that I have signed up for a recent groupon that gets me into my first wine making class! Being inspired by my trip to Wolfe Wines to test the winemaking waters myself was not my only “aha” moment of my brief visit and tasting.

Like most vineyards, Wolfe Wines offers a tasting of all their offerings but this vineyard does something very unique; they offer a sweet and dry (or semi dry) wine for virtually each of the selections in their impressive repertoire! I was shocked as Floyd Wolfe repeatedly poured us this startling contrast in each of the wines he makes and the difference between the two wines was always noticeable. I was skeptical when the owner announced the ability to pour dry and sweet for each wine but quickly became a believer.

What Wolfe Wines is able to do with their fruit wines is nothing short of miraculous. For consummate European varietal drinkers like myself who prefer a chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon to a sweet fruity wine I was impressed enough to walk away with multiple bottles of their fruit wines. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for blackberry wines based on my days of picking the wild variety in my youth and Wolfe’s blackberry wine was good enough to bring a bottle home. But, where else would you dare buy a bottle of cherry wine? Well, I did at Wolfe Vineyards!

In addition to their expertise with fruit wines and the rare opportunity to have a behind the scenes look at the winemaking process, I will always relish my visit to Wolfe Wines for the hospitality and privilege to interact with the winemaker/owners on a personal level. It is becoming more and more difficult to get the ear of a winemaker and have a dialogue unless you are attending a very expensive wine dinner or are attending a mega wine festival with several hundred people. Even rarer is the opportunity to find a winemaker who is willing to answer your questions and share their passion.

Just a day or so ago I literally drove an hour to purchase a bottle of Wine from Wolfe. In addition, it was not just any wine but a bottle of the coveted strawberry wine that Floyd & Nina had allowed me to savor the aroma of just a few months prior before it had even been bottled. Since it was only my second visit to this quaint rustic winery I just expected Floyd & Nina to be behind the counter conducting tastings as they did that Sunday several months ago.

Upon entering and seeing a smiling and pleasant face (that was not one of the Wolfes) I realized how lucky and blessed I was to have had my tasting conducted by the owners. They readily answered all my questions about the winemaking process and gave me several insights into the operation of a vineyard. For example, I never knew until my visit to Wolfe that a winery’s labels must meet certain criteria and the designs and wording are tightly controlled by state regulatory agencies.

Wolfe Wines is not one of the larger winery or vineyard operations in the state but don’t let their small size fool you. Their size may be small but their passion and expertise are as large as any winery I have visited. This passion and expertise coupled with the hospitality and rustic charm of this winery make it a must visit.

Wolfe Wines, LLC is located in Snow Camp, NC and is open for wine tastings Thursday through Friday from 1:00pm until 6:00 pm, Saturday from 12:00pm to 6:00pm and Sunday 1:00pm to 6:00pm. They are located at 8973 Old Plank Rd, Snow Camp, NC 27349, and Phone:  336-376-1401. Their website is http://wolfewines.com/Home_Page.html.