Cork Talk Season 1

Dec

2019

A Special Place Where Dreams Come True

This episode features the team from Elkin Creek Vineyard in Elkin, North Carolina! We met up with Louis and Carrie Jeroslow and Jennifer and Nick White one evening. In our discussion we listened as the two couples told us how they first discovered Elkin Creek Vineyard.

It started at Jennifer and Nick’s wedding and a dream was soon formed. It wasn’t long after that the stars aligned and that dream became reality. The two couples left their day jobs in Las Vegas to pursue a shared dream. Together they’ve shaped the vineyard into a retreat that is secluded but not isolated, a place where you can spend time reconnecting with what really matters.

We hope you enjoy this episode. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review and share with a friend. If you’re looking for other ways to contribute, you should check out our Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/corktalk

In our next season we’ll be adding exclusive content to Patreon with several levels of perks. Please take a look and if you can help support our mission we greatly appreciate your contributions.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Nov

2019

Mead Making Starrs

This episode features Ben and Becky Starr of Starrlight Mead in Pittsboro, NC! Ben and Becky caught the mead making bug after falling in love with it at a Renaissance faire. For the past 8 years, Ben and Becky have been building up their business and refining their mead making skills.

They like meads with big bold flavors and surprising flavor combinations. Visit the brand new Mead Hall and you’ll find the expected off-dry traditional and semi-sweet to flavors more exotic like a Kickin’ Cranberry Orange (perfect for the holiday table and Ben’s favorite) and other fruit and herb infused meads.

If you liked this episode, please leave us a rating and review. If you really liked this episode, please share it with a friend. You can find all episodes of Cork Talk on our show page: NC Wine Guys Present: Cork Talk!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Oct

2019

Wright Wine Sanctuary

In this episode we sit down with John Wright of Sanctuary Vineyards in Jarvisburg, NC. Growing grapes on the coast may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Currituck and the Outer Banks, but Sanctuary Vineyards is proving that you can grow European style grapes and make some top quality wine.

John talks about how this really is a labor of love. He is constantly pouring time and energy back into the vines. He treats each vine with careful attention and it clearly shows in the final product. John really enjoys experimenting and is enjoys listening to the environment to learn what really grows well and produces the best wine possible.

We hope you enjoy this episode. If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to leave us a rating and review!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Sep

2019

All You Mead is Love

In this episode, we sit down with Diane Currier of Honeygirl Meadery in Durham, NC! Diane was turned on to mead making in her early days as a home brewer. She talks about her surreal experience of walking through a fireweed meadow and then hours later tasting a mead made from that specific type of honey.

Listen to her tell her story about how she got started, where she finds inspiration, and how she continually makes a connection back to the ever essential honey bee. Enjoy!

If you liked this episode, please leave us a rating or a review. Every bit helps spread the podcast to new listeners.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Sep

2019

NC Wine Goes Urban

This conversation takes us to plēb Urban Winery in Asheville, NC to celebrate their 1st anniversary party! Learn about what it means to truly be an urban winery and make wine more accessible to the masses. From featuring grapes that grow well, to being more sustainable, plēb is certainly breaking into the Asheville scene and embracing #NCWine.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Aug

2019

From the Board Room & Classroom to the Farm

This episode features Chuck and Jamey Johnson of Shadow Springs Vineyard and Windsor Run Cellars. We discuss how the they traded in the 8 to 5 corporate job for something they’re more passionate about. Having two wineries that are just over a half mile apart provides many conveniences but also several challenges. They view the wineries as being alter egos of each other. Windsor Run Cellars is a bit more adventurous and likes to experiment with fun flavors and innovative beverages. Shadow Springs Vineyard walks on the more serious side but they still know how to have fun as well.

One thing that comes across in this conversation is how passionate Chuck and Jamey are about the wine industry here in North Carolina. When they were first getting started, the industry helped them to get their winery up and running. Now that they’ve been in the business for almost 15 years, they’re looking for ways to “give back” to the industry to help others along the same path. In many ways they’re still pioneers in the industry, but they’ve definitely left their mark and are looking for ways to contribute more.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Jul

2019

Wine, Sangria, and S’mores!

Bonus Episode! Banner Elk Winery & Villa is a mainstay of the High Country of North Carolina. No matter the season, this winery is always a popular destination. The wines are delicious, the sangrias are a hit in the summer, and who doesn’t love s’mores. Escape the heat and head to the mountains for a visit!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Jul

2019

Dreams Don’t Work Unless You Do

Laurel Gray Vineyards is located in the Swan Creek AVA, part of the Yadkin Vally in North Carolina. Listen to the story of Kim and Benny Myers about how they transform Benny’s family farm into a vineyard. Years of hard work have gone into building the vineyard and winery, and they certainly have a loyal following.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Jun

2019

From Shine, to Milk, to Wine

We sit with Charles and Ann Edwards of Baker Buffalo Creek Vineyards on a warm spring evening. Listen as they tell us how a family farm transitioned from moonshine to dairy, and is now producing excellent wines. We recorded this episode outside because there’s nothing better than relaxing under the shade trees when you visit.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

May

2019

Cork Talk with Raffaldini Vineyards

This episode we chat with Jay Raffaldini from Raffaldini Vineyards. We discuss how Jay discovered his property and has put a lot of effort into bringing a bit of Chianti to North Carolina. Jay wants his visitors to relax and enjoy what he calls the exhale moment because as he says, “Life is meant to be slow.”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

May

2019

Cork Talk at the 2019 #NCWine Blogger Summit

As a special treat, we bring you the panel discussion from the 2019 #NCWine Blogger Summit held on March 25th, 2019. On the panel we interviewed four winemakers about some of the challenges of making wine in North Carolina. We hope you enjoy this special bonus episode!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Apr

2019

Cork Talk with Silver Fork Vineyard & Winery

Episode 4 takes us to Silver Fork Winery & Vineyards. We sit with owners Jennifer and Ed talking about their love of wine and how they are making Silver Fork part of their authentic lifestyle. They traded in the corporate life for one that’s at the pace of wine.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Mar

2019

Cork Talk with Piccione Vineyards

Our third episode of Cork Talk brings us to Piccione Vineyards. We chat with Bill and Hailey about why Bill decided to start a vineyard here in North Carolina, how he caught the wine bug, and how Hailey has made her way through the industry and joined the Piccione team.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Feb

2019

Hanover Park Vineyard

Episode two finds us sitting down with Michael and Amy Helton of Hanover Park Vineyard. Michael and Amy truly are pioneers in the North Carolina wine industry having planted the first vineyard in Yadkin County. We talk about things they’ve learned over the years and how it influences their wines.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Jan

2019

Jones von Drehle

Join us for our first episode! We sit down with Diana & Chuck from Jones von Drehle Vineyards. Diana and Chuck discuss how they discovered a prime vineyard location in Thurmond, North Carolina. Learn how they work hard to socialize their brand and expand into restaurants and wine stores across the state. We talk about wine club events, driving more than 1 million miles in the pursuit of wine, and the future holds for Jones von Drehle and North Carolina Wine.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Dec

2018

Cork Talk Kicks Off

We’re excited to announce that we’re starting a podcast! We’re calling it Cork Talk. We’ll be meeting with important people in the wine industry starting with our home state of North Carolina.

We’ll be meeting with vineyard owners, wine makers, fellow bloggers, and other important people in the industry. This is our introductory episode where we kick off our idea and get you ready for what’s to come.

Sound interesting? Here are a few things you can do to help:

Subscribe – Go to your favorite podcast app and click the subscribe button. You’ll get instant notifications when we post a new episode.
Give us your Feedback – Go to our show page and leave us a comment or let us know who you want to hear.
Rate and Review – Wherever you listen to podcasts, leave us a rating and review. Leaving a review goes a long way for helping others discover Cork Talk.
Share – If you like what you hear, please share with a friend and help them subscribe.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

One of our favorite North Carolina Wine regions to visit is the area just south of Asheville surrounding Hendersonville, NC. There you’ll find 7 unique wineries and vineyards each with a distinctive setting. This region also hosts an American Viticulture Area known as the Crest of the Blue Ridge, Henderson County. We recently had the opportunity to make a quick visit to Hendersonville back in February 2024. The team at Visit Hendersonville arranged our visit. Our recent trip had us visiting four of the seven vineyards, staying in a cozy farmhouse rental, and enjoying dinner in downtown Hendersonville.

Downtown Hendersonville, Credit Sam Dean

Hendersonville is an easy drive from most cities within North Carolina. With the exception of the coast, you’re looking at about 2 hours for Charlotte or Winston-Salem and Greensboro, and up to 4 hours from the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. It’s also an easy trip for out of state visitors, starting at just 1 hour from Greenville, South Carolina, 2 hours from Knoxville, Tennessee, and about 4 hours from Roanoke, Virginia.

When we arrived in Hendersonville, we had ample time before our check in, so we decided to stop in at Sawyer Springs Vineyard. This was our first time at Sawyer Springs and it was a great stop. At the time of this post, they offer a table side wine tasting or a wine flight to explore on your own. We decided on the wine tasting. They specialize in small batch wines that are crafted from fun or unusual grape varietals that you don’t find very easily.

Check in time was approaching so we made our way to the farmhouse rental where we stayed for the night. The Wallace House was originally built in the 1800s and completely renovated in 2019. This five bedroom and two bath house sleeps 12 people and is an excellent location for your next visit. The Wallace house is on the vineyard and orchard property of Saint Paul Farms which produces wines for Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards and ciders for Appalachian Ridge Artisan Ciders.

After checking in to the Wallace House, we met with Alan Ward of Saint Paul Farms to interview him for our March 2024 episode of Cork Talk! Alan talked to us about his family’s history in the area, why he got interested in growing grapes and apples, and all that he’s doing to try and improve the quality of North Carolina Wine and North Carolina Cider. After wrapping up the interview, we walked over to the tasting room for a quick wine tasting before dinner. We didn’t get a chance to visit the cider tasting room, but we’ve been in the past. It’s always fun and worth a trip!

Welcome to Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards

We wrapped up our tasting and made the quick drive into downtown to enjoy dinner at Postero Restaurant on North Main Street. Postero specializes in well crafted New American Cuisine fusing different cultures, local ingredients, and a love for food that makes this restaurant a must. While you’re in their dining room, take a look around in the corners and be sure to look up. You might just find one of the 20+ dinosaur figurines that are hidden throughout the building. This tradition started out as a small prank with and quickly ballooned into a feature of the restaurant.

After dinner we made our way back to the Wallace House (stopping for a quick ice cream at the Celtic Creamery). When we got back, we enjoyed the peace and quiet and tucked in for the evening.

Saturday brought with it another fun day of wine tastings. We started at Burntshirt Vineyards, only 4 minutes from our farmhouse at Saint Paul Farms. There we started with an interview for our May 2024 episode of Cork Talk with VP of Operations, Jeff Plack. Jeff talked us through the history and property at Burntshirt Vineyards and explained how he got into the wine business. Right after that, we enjoyed lunch at the on-site restaurant and wine bar, the Vintners Table. They offer thoughtful menu of food selections from small plates to larger sandwiches and entrees. If you’re not interested in food, you can still enjoy a tasting flight or wine by the glass or bottle. It’s a great setting to enjoy some wine and food and just relax.

Inside the Vintners Table at Burntshirt Vineyards

After finishing up our official tour, we had a little time before we needed to head back home, so we stopped in for a tasting at Marked Tree Vineyards. Marked Tree is only 7 minutes from Burntshirt Vineyards so we figured since we were in the neighborhood we needed to stop by. There we enjoyed an excellent tasting with lovely mountain views.

We wish we could have stayed longer and visited the other vineyards in the area, but we had to make it back home to check in on our cat Sami. Plus this way we have another excuse to make it back to Hendersonville very soon.

Below are some wine highlights from the vineyards we visited:

Wellington from Sawyer Springs – This Malvasia Bianca was light and delicate with floral notes and a grassy undertone all supported by bright and clean acids.

Centennial Farm Heritage from Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards – This Riesling has pear and lemon zest with that classic delicate petrol note. It was nicely balanced between citrus and mineral rich notes.

Vidal Blanc from Burntshirt Vineyards – This is a great wine that sits nicely between a Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. It is grassy with lemon and lime zest with ample acids.

Reserve Chardonnel from Marked Tree Vineyards – This is a great alternative to a chardonnay. It is deep and golden with juicy acids and a toasty oak profile. It is super smooth with an overall note of vanilla and apples.

Special thanks to:

Alan Ward at Saint Paul Farms
Jeff Plack at Burntshirt Vineyards
Hailey at Marked Tree Vineyards
Becca at Postero
Leah Hughes King, Craig Distl, and Michelle Owens at Visit Hendersonville

Sponsored by Visit Hendersonville, https://visithendersonvillenc.org

Origins

According to the Cab Franc Day website, Cabernet Franc is believed to have been established in the Libournais region of southwest France sometime in the 17^th century, when Cardinal Richelieu transported cuttings of the vine to the Loire Valley. December 4th is the anniversary of Cardinal Richelieu’s death which is why we celebrate Cab Franc Day on that date.

Plantings Around the World

In addition to its native Basque region in France, Cab Franc is planted elsewhere in France in Bordeaux and most famously in the Loire Valley. There are also significant plantings in the Italy, Spain, Chile, and the US.

Cabernet Franc has gained a large footing on the East Coast of the US. It’s popular in the Finger Lakes and on Long Island in New York as well as Virginia. Cab Franc continues to gain footing in North Carolina as well. It’s one of our favorite varieties and pairs wonderful with North Carolina BBQ, either Lexington-Style or Eastern-Style.

In North Carolina

One of the largest planting of Cabernet Franc in North Carolina is the six acres at RayLen Vineyards in Mocksville. We reached out to winemaker Steve Shepard for some thoughts on growing Cab Franc in the Yadkin Valley of North Carolina. Steve tell us, “Cab Franc has been a work horse for us in that we utilize it in many ways.”

Steve goes on to tell us that RayLen’s vineyard is planted with 3 of the highest rated French clones, 214, 327, and 312. He gave us more detailed information on each clone:

Clone 214 is known to express raspberry and violet flavors and recommended not to exceed more than 50% of the planting.

Clone 327 recommended not to exceed 30% of the planting as it produces structured and powerful wines. Our block is 52% clone 214 and 48% clone 327. The fruit from these clones are used to produce Cab Franc varietal, and in blends Carolinius, Category 5, Eagle Select.

Clone 312 is known as a higher yielding than average so it sets the stage for a Rose. Our Cab Franc Rose is produced from this block, clone 312.

RayLen 2018 Cabernet Franc

Steve mentions that “Generally, Cab Franc in the vineyard preforms better than most other vinifera reds.” It is more tolerant of heat, wet and disease. In the winery, on bountiful years, Steve is able to separate the clones throughout the aging process before he establishes the final blend. He says, “It’s interesting to note the unique characteristics of each and how they knit together.”

In addition to RayLen’s Cabernet Franc varietal, Cab Franc based blends, and Cab Franc rosé, there are many other delightful Cabernet Francs in the state. Just a few of our favorites include (but not limited to) Cab Francs from Jones von Drehle Vineyards and Winery, Laurel Gray Vineyards, South Creek Vineyards and Winery, Hanover Park Vineyard, Burntshirt Vineyards, and Childress Vineyards.

Do you have a favorite Cabernet Franc? How are you celebrating?

#CabFrancDay #CabernetFrancDay #InTheWineLight

The Latest Episode of Cork Talk:

Closing Content

Closing Content

Closing content

Closing Content

Closing Content

Closing Content

Closing Content

Closing Content

Closing Content

Closing Content

Closing Content

Quick Facts

Name: Appalachian High Country

Name

Shared with Georgia

Quick Facts

Name: Upper Hiwassee Highlands

Quick Facts

Name: Haw River Valley

Quick Facts

Name: Swan Creek

Closing Content

Quick Facts

Name: Yadkin Valley

Closing Content

Closing Content

Origins

Parent Grape

Plantings Around the World

In North Carolina

Browse All Posts by Category

Other Sections