Y V Wines @Brandon Hills with Jim Collins

Yadkin Valley Wines

Brandon Hills Vineyard

Brandon Hills Vineyard is a quaint boutique vineyard located in the rolling countryside about 7 miles Southwest of Yadkinville, NC. Right in the heart of beautiful pastures, farm land and old country homes. (There are a few newer homes, also.) As Cheryl and I drove around looking for the vineyard we were amazed at how peaceful and beautiful it was. As we pulled into the parking lot we saw this rustic, well manicured building that was the tasting room for Brandon Hills Vineyard.

As we entered the tasting room we were met by Larry Muller, the owner. Larry is originally from South Africa, but has lived in the United States for the past 23 years. Did I say he has a wonderful accent? No! But my wife does think so. He is involved in the manufacture of steel crusher parts just outside of Charlotte in Mooresville. Larry bought the existing vineyard in 2017 for a hobby because he loves wine. Since he bought the vineyard it has become more of a passion than a hobby.

Also, inside the tasting room we were greeted by Justin. He is the Man behind the bar. I believe his main purpose is to greet every person with a fantastic smile, make them feel at home and to have a wonderful experience enjoying the wines.

Brandon Hills Vineyard property is a total of 40 acres, but only four acres are planted in grapes. Larry is planning to plant more grapes in the near future. Right now the vineyard is planted with Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Vermentino grapes. They try to make the best wines possible with the grapes from the vineyard and to the use the least amount of pesticides as possible. In the vineyard, Larry uses the Open Lyre Trellis System for his vines to grow on. This is a dual-canopied trellis system that allows a balance between vine growth and grape production.

Larry says all of his wines are made with passion and heart. They must be, because they are wonderful. Cheryl tasted several white wines and I tasted several red wines. We even switched around some, because we were enjoying them so much. She tasted the Dry Riesling, Viognier and Rosé and I tried the Barbera, Bruno’s Blend and the Raptor Red Reserve. Let me tell you that they were awesome. We enjoyed every sip and kept asking for more.

Brandon Hills Vineyard is very involved in the community and the environment. For every bottle of Bruno’s Blend sold, $1.00 is donated to a local animal shelter and for every bottle of Raptor Red that is sold, $1.00 is donated to the Carolina Raptor Center in Huntersville.

As we were about to leave, Larry left us with these parting words, “Please do come back. You are always welcome and remember that Brandon Hills Vineyard is a boutique vineyard where everybody knows your name!”

If you are looking for somewhere to go on a day trip, have a good time and enjoy some fine wines, I suggest that you visit Brandon Hills Vineyard.

WRITER/ Jim Collins

Retired Wine Superintendent MidAtlantic Southeastern Wine Competition

Brandon Hills Vineyard 1927 Brandon Hills Road Yadkinville, NC 27055 336-463-9463 www.brandonhillsvineyard.com