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HOUSE DIARIES
North Carolina Wine
August 11+
Written October 27
Dear Friends and Families,
It's been a busy time, but we still do like to have a record of what's happening (for our "declining years", you know).
Nevertheless, it's been almost three months since I got around to doing ANYTHING and now all I can handle is a series of brief photo albums. Well, at least the thought is there.
This is the story of a small North Carolina winery. Actually, it's pretty big by N.C. standards, but this clearly isn't Napa or Burgundy.
Cute sign on the entry road.
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The Yadkin Valley may not be as famous as Napa or Burgundy, but everyone starts somewhere. |
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Out back, the fields ran up the hill. |
The grapes were full, despite the ongoing drought in the U.S. South. |
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Just below the fields were the grape cleaners and presses. |
Inside, the stainless tanks made the whole operation seem very modern. |
Shelton actually sells barrels, after they have been used for a year or two to age their red wines. The barrel owners has an option on the first bottles from the barrel, and the barrel itself. |
The grounds of the winery are pleasantly landscaped. This is NOT a low-budget operation! |
The Harvest Grill http://www.sheltonvineyards.comrestaurant is very much in the French tradition of fine kitchens in the vineyards. I had to give it a try. |
Fortunately, it was too crowded inside, so I was sent to the covered patio. While the day was fairly hot, the setting was wonderful. |
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A few weeks later, I stopped by the Shelton Winery again. On this September weekend, they were making special offers on cases of wine, which I had to turn down because I was only days away from getting back on the plane to Germany. |
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But, it was fun listening to the country singing. |
And inspecting the main attraction -- old farm equipment. When I first saw this lineup, I thought these were new machines, being advertised by some local entrepreneur. |
Up close, it became clear that these machines were restored antiques, many over a half-century old. THIS is what the farm back in Bavaria needs! |
Take care and be on the outlook for a good old tractor.
John and Marianne.
http://www.sheltonvineyards.com
Harvest Grill (336) 366-3590
HOUSE DIARIES
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