YV Wines with Jim Collins

Yadkin Valley Wines

HANOVER PARK VINEYARD

Quaint, Great Hospitality, Comfortable and Great Wines WRITER/ Jim Collins

Just before Christmas, my wife Cheryl and I visited Hanover Park Vineyard. We sat down with Amy Helton, co-owner of the winery with her husband Michael, for a discussion about the vineyard. Within 5 minutes we felt like we were home visiting with old friends. We talked and talked for great length about the vineyard and getting to know each better. In 199, Amy and Michael got married and went to the south of France for their honeymoon. They were having such a great time there and loving every minute of their stay that they stayed for a whole month. While there, they visited many vineyards and fell in love with old world style wines. When they returned home, they decided that they wanted to start a vineyard with the type of wines that they fell in love with and in a countryside like the beautiful countryside in southern France. Michael searched around the Yadkin Valley area for just the right spot. And there it was. Located just south of Yadkinville with an old farmhouse built in 1897 with some land and the soil that was just right for growing grapes. Now they had a piece of the countryside like southern France and Now all they needed was the wine. They planted their first vineyard in the spring of 1997 and 1998. They had their first harvest in 1999 and produced their first beloved wines. Now that they had the location and their wines, they wanted to share their experiences with everyone. They took the quaint old farmhouse and converted it into a tasting room where people could taste their wines, relax and enjoy the old world atmosphere. Looking around the tasting room I noticed a lot of paintings hanging on the walls, sitting on the floor and even propped up on chairs. Amy told me these were Michael’s paintings. Michael has worked as a painter and printmaker for most of his life. With that background, he treats his winemaking with the same approach. He puts something on canvas and decides what he wants to add to get the end result he will be satisfied with and enjoy with others. For small or large groups, the vineyard can accommodate business meetings, parties, weddings or just a special get together. If you have a large group, they have The Studio, a large building with a vaulted wood beamed ceiling. This rustic old building was built back in the 1930s. During our visit, a lady came in to buy some wine. Amy got up to assist her and in a few moments they were discussing wines like two neighbors across the back fence. Amy can discuss wine with you if you are a wine novice or a sommelier. The lady purchased several bottles and was all smiles as she left. If you want to enjoy some old world style wines and learn about them, you need to visit Hanover Park Vineyard. Also, check out the different events they have scheduled from time to time. Amy & Michael Helton

To learn more visit: Hanover Park Vineyard 1927 Courtney-Huntsville Rd, Yadkinville, NC 27055 (336) 463-2875 • hanoverparkwines.com