Recently we welcomed Souther Williams vineyard caretakers, Ken Williams and Angela Adams, to our monthly wine event to educate us on something they know well… Wine. They spoke to us about the grapes, the growing & the harvesting process. They educated us on the grape varietals that are best grown in this region, and of course, the craft of producing complex wines. However, what stood out to me most, aside from Ken’s passion for winemaking, was his education of wines & winemakers in our very own backyard. No, these wines are not blends with grapes from California. They are 100% estate grown right here in Western North Carolina.

Souther Williams Vineyard is located within the Blue Ridge Region. An area with a distinctive soil, rich in minerals, perfect climate and elevation- making it an ideal area for growing specific grapes. The Blue Ridge Crest area received a federal designation known as an American Viticulture Area (AVA). “An AVA is a delimited grape-growing region with specific geographic or climatic features that distinguish it from the surrounding regions and affect how grapes are grown” (www.ttb.gov). This distinction can be noted on wines and gives vintners control in educating consumers on the origins of the wines used for their labels. This designation puts this area of Western North Carolina in the same company as some other familiar places… Napa and Sonoma (you may have heard of them).

Speaking of company, Souther Williams Vineyard is in the good company of many other local vineyards you might not be familiar with; And you are not alone. Many of us locals quickly look past the idea that right here in little ole’ WNC, there is the distinct ability to produce unique and complex wine varietals. Well, “some of the best grapes are coming out of Napa with lineage back to Europe for varietals” and that might be true, but the winemakers in our region have researched and traveled to Europe and other parts of the world seeking the best grapes for the soil, elevation and climate unique to this region.  

Burnt Shirt Vineyard began in 2009 with “a combination of 14 European varieties and French-American hybrids (https://burntshirtvineyards.com). This vineyard has gone on to place themselves in awards and accolades amongst the most notable wine regions in the country, along with, Napa, Washington State and Sonoma.

Stone Ashe Vineyard, another friend of Provisions, has come to educate and share with our customers their passion and their delicious wines.  Starting their vision in 2010, Craig & Tina Little set out to grow unique grapes and make exceptional wines and that they do! If you haven’t visited their vineyard, you are missing out. Positioned on the ridge of the mountain, the view is just breathtaking and a perfect pairing with their weekly live music and my personal favorite, the Cabernet Franc Rose.

As a wine drinker, I’m here to say if you haven’t gotten out to our local vineyards, you are missing out! Don’t sleep on the idea that truly remarkable & complex wines can and do come from our region. Many of the vineyards have weekly music, specialty wine tastings & events, so make it part of your next weekend plans. But also, take a look at our monthly wine event lineup at the store, we love featuring our local wines as part of our mission to bring awareness to the many amazing goods coming out of our area!

Here are some more of our favorites…

Cheers!

Heather