St. Paul Mountain – Crest of the Blue Ridge

Yesterday I visited the St. Paul Mountain Winery. Formally it opens at 11 am, I arrived about 11:30. No different guests have been current. The farm environment was undoubtedly within the air – rows and rows of grape vines undulated the hilly terrain. A modest constructing was set off the highway with two entrances right into a gravel parking zone that fashioned a L form across the constructing. Present vehicles parked at an angle. Because it was not crowded, it was simple to maneuver when exiting. I think on crowded days, of which there are lots of I presume since that is North Carolina’s #2 winery, it won’t be simple to show round. There’s a tall supply door on the constructing’s entrance aspect. The bar and buyer lounge are on the constructing’s again half.

The bar entrance entrance was locked, so I went out again. A big patio with about 15 massive spherical tables settled amongst the winery timber was the primary enticement. Later I observed an elevated hearth pit on the patio to allow an extended out of doors ingesting expertise for cool fall nights.

I stepped inside and was impressed by the welcoming environment. An enormous roaring hearth alerted me with a big crackle. An actual hearth, not a phony fuel log – good contact. I used to be anticipating high quality, and earlier than I even tasted the wine I knew this place had it.

I’ve all the time been a Merlot fan. The bartender was a younger girl with a fascination for the wine business. She defined the soil & local weather situations are simply good for Merlot in Henderson county. She poured a small pattern and I used to be instantly enticed by the sturdy aroma. She mentioned the current Merlot is a 2017 classic. She mentioned in 6 months the tanins within the bottle can be softer. The bottle ought to be consumed inside 4 years – make sure the cork stays moist throughout storage.

The younger girl defined to me that Crest of the Blue Ridge may be very younger. Napa Valley is properly established. I perceive the article I learn might have been hype that Henderson County might turn out to be higher than Napa Valley. However to present a baseball analogy, “construct it and they’ll come.” It’s a subject of desires in baseball. For wine “it” is the aroma, the style, and the euphoria that wine supplies. Look out Napa, Blue Ridge is constructing “it”.

I paid $33 for the Merlot bottle. Sometimes I’ve by no means paid greater than $10 for a wine bottle. I’ll wait at the very least 6 months except a special day happens.

Subsequent I plan to go to Burnt Shirt Winery. I’m nonetheless anticipating high quality since this winery is #8 in North Carolina. Taking a look at their web site I count on a extra business enterprise. Selection is the spice of life, and these two vineyards seem to supply selection – let’s examine how my statement will evaluate to current expectations.

I’m simply amazed that such a top quality winery is so shut. Henderson County is rising to a degree of sophistication I’d not have anticipated. I’m proud to name it residence.