Our drive back from the mountains took us near the North Carolina Yadkin Valley AVA, so we figured it would be a good opportunity to try out a winery. Shelton Vineyards had both red and white wine, plus a restaurant that was open for lunch, so it made for a nice stopping point.
We each ordered a 5 taster ‘tree’ – Eric went for whites, and Leandra choose reds.
Seating inside the tasting area was surprisingly limited, and given the recent rains much of the seating on the large patio was quite damp, but we found open rocking chairs on the porch and settled in for our tasting.
Eric’s impressions:
- Sauvignon Blanc – wet stone and tropical notes with a little cream on the finish
- Estate Chardonnay – my least favorite, too light
- Salem Fork Blush (sweet rose) – too much sweetness for my taste
- Riesling – tropical notes, needs more acidity, but decent
- Moscato – light orange and honeysuckle flavors, would make a nice porch wine. My favorite.
Leandra’s impressions:
- Cabernet Sauvignon – good acidity with black currant notes and walnut, dried raisin and cherry became noticeable after several minutes. My favorite of the classic tasting red selections.
- Madison Lee – fruiter than the other reds I tried at the tasting, not complicated and easy drinking
- Merlot – a bit thin but accurate description by winery: aromas of cocoa, chocolate covered cherry and subtle black ground peppercorn
- Cab Franc – some funk and earth on the nose; stewed fruit with a mild meatiness
- Sangria – chosen to fill out the five tastes, typical fruity wine drink
The grounds are quite nice, with lots of picnic tables, and would make for a nice picnic lunch spot on a future trip.
After our tasting we stayed for a late lunch at Harvest Grill. Eric ordered a roasted squash with craisins, golden raisins, rice and grains, etc., and paired that with a pleasant Petit Manseng. Leandra got the burger with bacon jam and a side of fries with a glass of the 259 Tannat. Overall it was a very pleasant meal with friendly service and a good break during our drive home from the mountains.
