The First ever 919 Wine Trip, great success

919 | UPFRONT

Why are there rose bushes on the end of every post? Our team knows the answer

Photography by Catherine Davis

Winding ThroughWine Country

Shelton Vineyards

919’rs Enjoy A Special Visit to North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley Wineries

Departing from Brier Creek in a beautiful, state-of-the-art luxury motor coach, 40-plus Wake County residents were whisked away for a late spring day of fun with door-to-door service to three beautiful vineyards in North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley – home to dozens of wineries, featuring a wide range of varieties. Hosted by 919 Magazine’s 919 Tours, the trip’s first stop was at Shelton Vineyards -- founded in 1999 by brothers Charlie and Ed Shelton. This beautiful property provided guests the opportunity to ramble among rows of grapevines, take it the towering weeping willow trees, lakes and streams and a picture-perfect photo opportunity throughout the property. Continued on Page 36

919 | UPFRONT

(Continued from Page 35) The vineyard offers an expansive tasting room and gift shop. Additionally, a full-service restaurant is available for lunch and dinner (and an ample picnic area is also available).

The next stop was Round Peak Vineyards: A quaint little vineyard tucked up on the hill and far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Guests enjoyed a private tasting on the terrace overlooking the expansive grounds. It’s a peaceful location and the perfect place for couples and those looking for a quieter experience (many on the trip indicated they could have stayed for hours).

Rounding up the day was JOLO Winery & Vineyards. The owners here offer up a strong wine experience for any visitor with many national award-winners produced at their location.

The group tasted several wines, including the winery’s infamous “Beach Bubbles” – a new take on a sparkling wine, and a real hit with the tour participants. And many guests signed up for the quarterly wine club that delivers 4-5 quality bottles of North Carolina wines from JOLO directly to your door (or they will hold for pick up and that provides a great excuse to stop by the vineyard for pick up and visit again).

It truly was a magical day filled with sipping, dining and unwinding. New friends were made over incredible local wines. 919 Magazine Publisher Suzy Beth Sarver shared why this first 919 Wine event received such a strong turnout. “We really enjoy sharing travel destinations with our readers. Often I visit a location for an assignment for 919 Magazine’s continuing series All Things Carolina and end up enjoying the trip so much that I return again and again with family and friends,” she said.

“Now, our new tour division at 919 Magazine brings this experience to our readers while leaving the planning, details and driving up to us. People are looking for new experiences and the opportunity to make new connections,” she noted. “I thoroughly enjoy the whole process and our community partners appreciate the visits from new folks, the stories and the recognition 919 Magazine provides.”

Clara and Donna after a little shopping

Some of our group enjoying Round Peak Vineyards

The expansive views from the terrace at Round Peak

Guests on their way in to lunch at The Harvest Grill-Shelton Vineyards

It's a tough job, but someone has to do it. Wine tasting at Shelton Vineyards.

Partners for the 919 Wine Trip included EcoStyle Transportation and Lowe’s Foods of Brier Creek (North Raleigh).

919 Wine Tour’s May Participating Wineries

Shelton Vineyards 286 Cabernet Lane Dobson, NC 336-366-4724 sheltonvineyards.com

Round Peak Vineyards

765 Round Peak Church Road Mt. Airy, NC 336-352-5595 roundpeak.com

JOLO Winery and Vineyards

219 Jolo Winery Lane Pilot Mountain, NC 855-565-6946 jolovineyards.com

FEATURES: Summer concerts, Harvest Grille restaurant, tasting room and gift shop.

FEATURES: Outdoor camping, bonfires, picturesque terrace overlooking vineyards, tasting room.

FEATURES: Live music, onsite restaurant, tasting room, outdoor patio area and seating overlooking private lake (with a view of Pilot Mountain, and a (special newlywed chateau).

Wendy Gates Corbett

Enjoying the wine presentation at JoLo Winery

JW Ray, Owner of JoLo Winery entertaining our guests with his incredible knowledge and charisma

The barrel room at Shelton Vineyards.

Next Trip:

Lexington Wine & BBQ Experience, Oct 10

The next 919 Wine Trip is planned for Thursday, Oct. 10. The Lexington Wine and BBQ Experience presented by 919 Magazine will feature a visit to the historic downtown of Lexington, NC, departing North Raleigh at 8:30 a.m. and returning at 6:30 pm the same day.

Guests will enjoy an autumn holiday shopping experience visiting unique local gift shops, food emporiums, and home décor stores with many original pieces not found elsewhere. After shopping, the trip continues with a lunch at the world famous BBQ Center – featuring the town’s famous Eastern barbecue – followed up by an afternoon wine tasting and tour at Childress Vineyards (started by NASCAR team owner and former driver Richard Childress). Participants also receive a take-home keepsake wine glass.

Tickets are $69 per person and go on sale Aug. 1. For more information or to register for the trip, visit 919 Magazine’s Facebook page @919magazine or request tickets via email at info@919magazine.com (with subject line: Lexington Wine and BBQ).