Local Wineries: Vintage Romance

By: Jason Huddle

Wine is so romantic because it gives couples an excuse to set aside time for each other. It really doesn’t matter what varietal you have, as long as it’s something you both enjoy.

—Ana Keller, Winemaker

When it comes to a beverage synonymous with romance, wine usually makes the top of the list. There is just something about sipping your favorite variety of wine, with the label of the winery you once visited, that brings back the happy memories of past outings and allows couples to sit back and relax to simply enjoy each other’s company.

In recent years, North Carolina has become a destination for wine enthusiasts across the country, as it was 200 years ago. Unfortunately, the Civil War and, later, prohibition, put an end to the state’s thriving wine industry for the time being. However, in the early 2000’s, wineries began to emerge once again, increasing from 55 wineries and 300 vineyards in 2007 to 100 wineries and 400 vineyards just four years later.

For couples who love wine, there is no shortage of options locally where they can sample the latest vintage. In last month’s issue, we featured Cabo Winery, winner of the Cabarrus Magazine Reader Award for Best Customer Service, as one such place. Here are some other local options for wine connoisseurs sure to get sparks flying.

Cougar Run Winery

Deb Filkins owns Cougar Run Winery along with her husband, Tom. In fact, their business was born out of their mutual love for wine. “We fell in love with Thistle Meadow Winery in Laurel Springs and were encouraged by the owner to make wine ourselves,” Deb explained. “And so we did. Pretty soon we had a LOT of wine in the basement. After a lot of mentoring by Tom Burgess (owner of Thistle Meadow), years of wine making experience, and a leap of faith, we created Cougar Run Winery.”

Located on Church Street, in Concord, inside the Old Creamery Building, the Filkins’ have strived to create a place the wine novices and experts alike can come and enjoy, not only the end product, but the process of making it, as well as a respite from daily life. “We are very laid back for a winery and encourage

Cougar Run Winery offers a private space for parties and events available for booking..

Photo Courtesy: Micahel A. Anderson Photography

our guests to just take a moment to relax and enjoy themselves and our wine,” Deb said proudly. “We have cards, games, coloring books, and a large jigsaw puzzle for them to work on for as long as they choose to stay. We believe in the adage that you don’t stop playing because you get old, but that you get old because you stop playing.”

As with any winery, Cougar Run has its loyal customer base and everyone has their favorite wines. Spring Break and Telling Secrets (coconut yuzu and peach chardonnay, respectively), rank among the top in the sweet category, according to Deb, while Eclipse, MichaelRose, and Epiphany (Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Meritage) are favorites in the red line. Finally, Cool Breeze and Moonlight & Shadows (Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc) are tops in the white line.

We are very laid back for a winery and encourage our guests to just take a moment to relax and enjoy themselves and our wine.

—Deb Filkins, Owner

One unique offering from Cougar Run, not seen everywhere, are their ciders. “Our pear and cherry ciders are very popular,” said Deb. “We make a lot of different wines and ciders, and pretty much have something for every taste. It all comes down to personal choice.”

Cougar Run is a constant haven for hopeless romantics. Aside from hosting several weddings or engagement parties throughout the year, they also host a “Pairings Night at the Winery”. “It is our annual pre-release dessert wine party. It is a great couple’s night,” Deb elaborated. In addition, the Filkins also said the have, “incredible wine/ chocolate pairings by appointment”. New this year, for Valentine’s is a special gift box that includes six different wines that were specially paired with six French Broad Chocolates (one of the top 10 chocolatiers in the US) and another dessert party of sorts. “Details are currently still in the works, but will be published on our website ASAP,” Deb added.

As to what makes the perfect wine for any date, Deb said that answer is simple. “It is the one that you and your date love, and isn’t that what Valentine’s day is all about?”

Douglas Vineyards

On the outskirts of Kannapolis sits Douglas Vineyards. Doug and Denise Fink opened the winery in April of 2015 and haven’t looked back since. Doug had worked in retail management for nearly 30 years and was looking for a change. Much like the Filkins, the couple had enjoyed wine tastings at other wineries, and the thought occurred to Doug, “why not?” And, just like the Filkins, Doug began to make wine in the basement of their home and would gift it to friends. It wasn’t long before people were asking to purchase it. For a year after opening the winery, Doug continued in retail management, and was then able to devote all of his focus toward Douglas Vineyards.

Douglas Vineyards boasts muscadine vines, and a covered pavilion for special events. The tasting room has a bar and indoor seating, and a front porch for visitors to relax and mingle, as well.

Douglas Vineyards is an awards-winning winery, with space available for events, located in Kannapolis.

Photo Courtesy: Douglas Vineyards

As with most wineries, the wine tastings at Douglas Vineyards are very popular. The owners make themselves available to talk with the tasting room guests. The property is well manicured, and the vines are visible from the pavilion and tasting room porch. There are also live music and food trucks during the warmer months that couples, and families, can enjoy.

It is also becoming an increasingly popular location for nuptials, hosting about 10 weddings, per year. “These events range from small, intimate affairs to large gatherings,” explained Denise Fink, a spokesperson for the vineyard. “The winery has been a part of marriage proposals, as well. While several have been during regular business hours, we have also opened the property for surprise proposals.”

Bitchin’ Blackberry, Summer Sangria, Fall Harvest and seasonal portstyle wines rank among the favorite varieties for regular visitors. However, Fink said you can’t go wrong with Bitchin’ Blackberry, no matter what the occasion.

Visitors to Douglas Vineyards can expect a warm welcome from both the two-legged and four-legged hosts.

Photo Courtesy: Douglas Vineyards

Treehouse Vineyeards

Papa’s Dream is available for overnight bookings at Treehouse Vineyards.

Photo Courtesy: Treehouse Vineyards

Just down Highway 601 in Monroe is a vineyard you can not only visit, but spend the night as well. Treehouse Vineyards boasts two treehouses visitors can book for overnight stays, along with the original treehouse, called “Date Nite”, which is not equipped for overnight enjoyment, but does offer a ceiling fan, couch, rocking chairs and a porch that allows a “breathtaking view” of the vineyard, pond and horses grazing in the nearby pasture.

When Phil and Dianne Nordan first planted the vineyard in 2005, Phil already had a love for building treehouses. He had built and lower level treehouse for his daughter, when she was young and then decided a treehouse for adults was in order. So, he built “Date Nite”. Once the local media picked up on the unique feature of the vineyards, the Nordan’s knew treehouses equipped for overnight stays would be needed. Before opening in 2010, two more treehouses were added to the property, “Papa’s Dream” and “Horsefeather’s Hideaway,” which sleeps 6 people comfortably. Both overnight treehouses are fully plumbed with a bathroom, shower and kitchenette.

The vineyard, which now features eight varieties of muscadine grapes, all native to this area, now provides eleven wines available to the public, nine of which are award-winning, ranging from dry to semi-dry, semi sweet to

Horsefeather’s Hideaway is also available for overnight bookings at Treehouse Vineyards.

Photo Courtesy: Treehouse Vineyards

dessert wines. And, visitors don’t have to stay overnight to enjoy the Treehouse Vineyards. There are various activities on most Friday and Saturday nights, depending on whether a private event has been booked. Activities include anything from Live Music, Murder Mysteries and Trivia Nights to name a few.

Of course, wine tastings and winemaker tours are available every day of the week. The hours for the tastings and tours depend on the day of the week. For romantics, there are several events throughout the year, including the annual Valentine’s Dinner. More events are always listed on the event calendar on their website, at www. treehousevineyards.com.

As to what their customers like best, the Nordans say their sweet red Sunset Hills is their best seller, as well as their semi-dry Liquid Sunshine and dry Her Way Cabernet. The Date Night sweet white muscadine is also a favorite!

However, as to what makes the perfect date wine, their answer is simple. “The best wine for any date is the one that a couple likes the best!”