State Profiles: North Carolina Wine Country

North Carolina is a very diverse wine state in terms of history, geography, and the range of grape varieties grown. A Mothervine planted in 1584 has been used by Duplin Winery to develop a wine range of Scuppernong grapes and wines; the state was a significant wine producer in the 1830’s; and the early 1970’s marked the start of the modern industry.

The state has six AVA’s—Yadkin Valley, Swan Creek, Haw River, Upper Hiwassee Highlands, Crest of the Blue Ridge, and Appalachian High Country. While historically dependent on the Scuppernong grape varieties, more recently, North Carolina winemakers have diversified with Native American, French-American, and European (vinifera) varieties, providing a wide range of choices for consumers.

The North Carolina Wine and Grape Council supports the industry with education and promotion. Their website has a number of “Industry Resources”, starting unfortunately with “Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief” but also including sections on growing grapes, applying for grants, starting a winery, and promotional toolkits.

Biltmore Estate Winery is a result of the Vanderbilt family recognizing that “Every French chateau has a vineyard” and decided to create their own. The first foray into wine began in the early 1900s with the creation of a wine cellar, but it wasn’t until the early 1970s that William Cecil, George Vanderbilt’s grandson, planted the first French-American vines, followed in the late 1970s with vinifera plantings that now span 150 acres. The winery was officially established in 1983, bottled its first wines in 1984, and opened to the public in 1985. Today, it produces 150,000 cases that go to 19 states via wholesale and 40 through DtC shipping. In addition, as part of the famous Biltmore Estate in Asheville, it welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Duplin Winery, located in Rose Hill, was established in 1975 and is the largest winery in the south, with an annual production of 450,000 cases. In recent years, it has also established outlets in Myrtle Beach, SC, and Panama City Beach, FL. Its production is based on the Scuppernong grape, which Duplin also uses for jams, jellies, sauces, and Nutra Grape Health products like nutritional supplements and skin care. Scuppernong typically has the highest levels of resveratrol, a naturally occurring fungicide on grape skins that has also been shown to have health benefits. Duplin’s owner, Dave Fussell, serves on the WineAmerica Board of Directors, and we thank him.

 

Great Grapes: Scuppernong

The bronze-colored grapes with a musky/grapey flavor are very resistant to Pierces Disease and typically produce high levels of resveratrol to ward off fungus in hot, humid climates. It produces aromatic, sweet wines ideal for sipping ice cold in the shade on a hot day.