Cork Talk Season 5

Dec

2023

Our Favorite Things 2023

It’s a special Holiday Episode of Cork Talk! We invited a few of our fellow blogger and influencer friends to join us as we reflect on 2023 and talk about a few of our favorite things. In this episode you’ll hear from DeLauren Everitt of Blends & Blubbly, Jesse and Jessica of the Wine Mouths, Natalie Hampton of Tarheel Taps & Corks, Delayne and Andrew from Winey Friends, and Brianna Burns from the NC Wine & Grape Council! Our friend Arthur Barham of Merlot2Muscadine couldn’t join us in person, so we connected with him virtually.

Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back. Join us as they take us through the final chapter in the history of wine. For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at twitter.com/joshtimejosh.

If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk.

This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org/

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Nov

2023

Featuring the North Carolina Winegrowers Association

This episode features Hailey Klepcyk, the current President of the North Carolina Winegrowers Association! Hailey gives us a brief history of the association. When then move into discussing the upcoming annual Winegrowers Conference taking place in February 2024. After the break, we talk about the ongoing events that are hosted around the state including the Taste of NC wine pairing events as well as industry workshops.

Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back. Jesse and Jessica continue the history of wine in the 1900s. For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at twitter.com/joshtimejosh.

If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk.

This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

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Oct

2023

Good Stewards of the Environment

This episode features Jan Olsen from FernCrest Winery in Andrews, NC! Jan tells us about how she got her start planting a vineyard. Everything they do at FernCrest Winery, both at the vineyard site and the tasting room show how much they are trying to protect the environment. Jan also tells us about the inspiration for the name FernCrest and how that has made an impact in more ways than one.

If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk.

This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

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Sep

2023

We do wine, and wine, and wine – Nottely River Valley Vineyards

This episode features Steve Thompson from Nottely River Valley Vineyards in Murphy, NC! Steve talks to us about growing grapes in South Western North Carolina and how that is different than other parts of the state. He planted his vineyard in 2008 with a mix of vinifera and hybrid grapes with many of his plantings still existing today. Since then, he’s been working to figure out what grows well and makes a great wine that far out west.

If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk.

This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

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Aug

2023

Fire Clay Cellars

This episode features Erik Mitran and Erick Hurtado from Fire Clay Cellars in Siler City, NC! Erik and Erick tell us what it’s like making wine in the lower Haw River AVA. They’re constantly exploring different techniques to make the most of their climate all with the goal of making really good wine. As a family run small business, you really feel the care and passion everyone puts into it.

Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back. Jesse and Jessica take us into the first part of the history of wine in the 1900s. For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at twitter.com/joshtimejosh.

If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk.

This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

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Jul

2023

Demystifying Wine – Mountain Brook Vineyards

This episode features Dave Coventry and Andrew Gorczyca from Mountain Brook Vineyards in Tryon, NC! Dave and Andrew tell us how they’re working hard to demystify wine without robbing it of its magic. Over the past few years since Andrew’s family purchased the vineyard, they have been investing in the property and transforming the experience for customers.

Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back. Jesse and Jessica talk to us about wine in the second half of the 1800s. For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at twitter.com/joshtimejosh.

If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk.

This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

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Jun

2023

Great Wine, Fun Times, Better People Part Two!

Welcome back for part two! This episode features Bob Binns, Cory Lillberg, Justin Taylor and special guest Karen Parker from Parker-Binns Vineyards in Mill Spring, NC! The team at Parker-Binns Vineyard are doing some great things. They are making the most of their terroir and producing some outstanding wines, while also creating an environment that is family friendly where you can come relax, have fun, and enjoy some great North Carolina Wine.

Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back. Jesse and Jessica talk to us about wine in the 1800s. For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at twitter.com/joshtimejosh.

If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk.

This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org/

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May

2023

Great Wine, Fun Times, Better People

This episode features Bob Binns, Cory Lillberg, and Justin Taylor from Parker-Binns Vineyards in Mill Spring, NC! The team at Parker-Binns Vineyard are doing some great things. They are making the most of their terroir and producing some outstanding wines, while also creating an environment that is family friendly where you can come relax, have fun, and enjoy some great North Carolina Wine.

Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back. Jesse and Jessica talk to us about wine in the 1700s. For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at twitter.com/joshtimejosh.

If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk.

This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org/

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Apr

2023

Fine Wines of North Carolina & Healthy Hope

This episode features Cathy and Dan McLaughlin creators of Our Wine Flights, founding members of Fine Wines of North Carolina and documentarians who filmed Healthy Hope! Cathy and Dan are passionate about helping people in the industry. By establishing the Fine Wines of North Carolina they are seeking to elevate the profile of North Carolina Wine and attract new customers. Their documentary Healthy Hope explores the ground breaking research into the health benefits of the Muscadine grape and all the potential it has to help so many people.

Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back. Jesse and Jessica talk to us about wine in the 1600s. For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at twitter.com/joshtimejosh.

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If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk.

This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org/

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Mar

2023

The North Carolina Wine & Grape Council

This episode features Brianna Burns from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services! In her role, she serves as the Executive Director of the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. Her focus is to promote and elevate North Carolina Wine as a brand and to get people to try North Carolina Wine. In the second half, we talk about what North Carolina Wine means and how we can experience it.

Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back. Jesse and Jessica talk to us about wine in the 1500s and just how much is still sticking around today. For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at twitter.com/joshtimejosh.

If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk.

This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org/

Interested in attending one of the public North Carolina Wine and Grape Council meetings? Head to https://www.sosnc.gov/online_services/calendar/Search and search for NC Wine in the name field.

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Feb

2023

Rustic Simplicity

We’re talking Cider! In this episode, we talk with Katie Moore and Dan Fowler of Barn Door Ciderworks in Fairview, NC! The philosophy behind the ciders at Barn Door Ciderworks is that you should embrace the natural flavors of the apples themselves. This rustic simplicity is something that shines through in each of the ciders they make. This also make the ciders incredibly food friendly and more akin to wine rather than a brewed beer (cider is more like wine after all). Listen to our conversation see for yourself all the reasons you should give cider a try.

Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back. Jesse and Jessica talk to us about wine in the the Early Middle Ages and the influence it has on today’s industry. For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at twitter.com/joshtimejosh.

If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk.

This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org/.

Learn more about North Carolina Cider by going to https://www.cidernc.com

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Jan

2023

Elevating Wine – Dynamis Estate Wines

Welcome to Season 5 of Cork Talk! In this episode, we talk with Mat Worrell and Katy Kidd the winemakers at Dynamis Estate Wines in Jonesville, NC! At Dynamis Estate Wines, you’ll find an elevated wine tasting experience in pursuit of defining a premium brand for North Carolina Wine. Mat and Katy talk to us about how this is a winemaker driven experience and how they’re continuing to push their brand even further.

Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back. In this season, Jesse and Jessica will talk to us about the history of wine. Their first segment covers winemaking in the BC era. For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at twitter.com/joshtimejosh.

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If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk.

Did you know we have a Patreon page that offers Patron Only content, early access to episode, blooper reels, and more? Head to patreon.com/CorkTalk to learn more and sign up!

This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org/

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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

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The Latest Episode of Cork Talk:

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Quick Facts

Name: Appalachian High Country

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Shared with Georgia

Quick Facts

Name: Upper Hiwassee Highlands

Quick Facts

Name: Haw River Valley

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Name: Swan Creek

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Quick Facts

Name: Yadkin Valley

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Origins

Parent Grape

Plantings Around the World

In North Carolina

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