A Hidden Gem in Trinity: Zimmerman Vineyards

ROAD TO 100 NORTH CAROLINA WINERIES ... 

#77

Zimmerman Vineyards is located in Trinity, North Carolina, approximately an hour and a half west of Raleigh off I-85 in Randolph County. This winery was literally our hidden gem the day we visited. After a slight GPS glitch, we found our way, turning down a gravel road amongst rolling hills, past the vineyards until we came up on a rustic tasting room. 

Located on 140-acres, Zimmerman Vineyards overlooks the Uwharrie Mountains. This family-owned vineyard opened its doors on June 1, 2007, as Randolph County's first commercial vineyard. This county used to be a dry county and the theme surrounding Zimmerman is the uphill battle it took to make this dream become a reality.

You will see this theme throughout the tasting room and displayed on their wine labels of the Greek mythological King of Corinth. It was interesting talking to our host that day taking us back to the days we studied mythology. King of Cornith was forever condemned to push a great boulder uphill, only to have it fall back down again. The Zimmerman's correlate this mythological character to their own battle in the efforts to become a vineyard. The winery also displays this mythology in other wines such as Persephone. Persephone was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter and queen of the underworld. 

While the grapes are all grown on-site, the wine is made off-premises at Childress Vineyards in Lexington. The tasting room has a rustic feel to it, as does the entire area. 

We did the classic wine tasting for $7.50, which included the following: 

2016 White Merlot, 2015 Chardonnay, 2014 Merlot, Persephone (blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot), White Persephone (Viognier/Chardonnay blend).

We ended up buying a bottle of the Persephone to enjoy out on the terrace overlooking the mountains. This wine was little on the sweet side, at least for our tastes, but enjoyable nonetheless.

In addition to wines, Zimmerman also sells local chocolates by Mama Laura's, cheese products by Goat Lady Dairy and other items by local artisans. If you're looking for a nice Saturday or Sunday afternoon getaway, Zimmerman may just be the answer you are looking for.

Triangle Around Town's top 🍷choice: We found the 2016 White Merlot interesting, new and a refreshing twist on a Rosé wine. This wine is a Provence-style Rosé and is considered a dry wine and perfect on a hot summer day in NC.

Wine tastings include 5 wines for $7.50, includes souvenir glass.

Premium wine tastings take place the last Saturday of the month.

Hours are Saturday 12-6 pm or Sunday 1-6 pm | March through December.

Visit their web page at http://www.zimmermanvineyards.net/ or Facebook for upcoming events

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By Jennifer Primrose & Dathan Kazsuk
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