ROAD TO 100 NORTH CAROLINA WINERIES ...
#79 – Stonefield Cellars Winery
Having just come back from our first visit to Napa Valley, we were settling back into our NC winery routine and on our way to Shelton Vineyards for the annual Running the Vines 5K, and decided to make a stop at another winery new to our adventures.
We decided on Stonefield Cellars Winery located just north of Greensboro, conveniently located in the Piedmont Triad. This family-run winery has actually been around for 12 years, opening March 2006, and offers up award-winning wines. One thing that initially intrigued us about Stonefield and why we chose this day to visit, was learning that the owner, Robert Wurz, is actually a graduate of the University of California – Davis, with a Ph.D. in wine chemistry and hails from Napa Valley.
With an acre-and-a-half of vines on property, Stonefield is currently growing 14 different varietals of American, European and Hybrids. Everything is made from North Carolina grapes either from their own vineyard or elsewhere in the state.
It was another rainy day in NC as we made our way out west. As we pulled up to Stonefield Cellars in rural Guildford County, we grabbed our umbrella and headed up the pathway to the tasting room. We were greeted promptly by the resident tuxedo cat who came over to be petted before we entered the tasting room. The tasting room was warm and inviting with a gift shop offering the typical wine themed gift items as well as local handmade chocolates by Mama Laura’s. We first discovered these chocolates at Zimmerman Winery in Trinity and fell in love with them.
Related Story: A Hidden Gem in Trinity: Zimmerman Vineyards
We were greeted by Kelley, the tasting room manager, who poured our wine selections. All wines are produced on-site and range from dry to sweet. We typically lean towards the dry wines ourselves, but always open to trying everything – you never know when you may find a new appreciation for a varietal you once turned your nose up at.
Related Story: Never Judge a Book by its Cover: Lazy Elm Winery & Vineyard
We first tried the 2015 Pinot Gris (non-oaked, stainless steel) and 2016 Pinot Gris (non-oaked, aged in neutral barrels). We found it interesting to put these two wines side-by-side and compare the variations in color and taste. We went down the list and tried much of what was offered between the two of us. Surprisingly, I found the Chardonnay to be quite pleasant – coming from a non-Chardonnay person.
The dry reds such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and even a Malbec; blended with creative names: Synchronicity, Dread Pirate Robert’s Bloody Red Wine (be sure to ask about the Pirate theme) and Mountain Mama Madness Red.
Surprisingly to us though, our favorite of the day ended up being the Vin De Narle’, a dessert wine with chocolate and cherry notes. We bought a bottle of this one to bring home and looking forward to opening this one up in the near future.
Following our tasting, Kelley was kind enough to take us back to where the magic happens – the barrel and winery room. She was very informative on the winery, events, its wine education program and even the volunteer program they have in place.
Upon leaving the tasting room we walked around a bit between rain showers to look at the landscaped gardens, patio and even the amphitheater for outside concerts at the Friday Flavor Concert series. We are looking forward to visiting again, perhaps on a sunny day to enjoy a glass outside on the patio.
Fun Fact #1: Stonefield Cellars also offers wine-making classes twice a year; in the Spring and Fall taught by winemaker, Robert Wurz. The course is 10-weeks and covers the full winemaking process.
Fun Fact #2: Looking for an in-depth winery experience? Consider volunteering. Stonefield offers a “Will Work For Wine” program.
Triangle Around Town's top 🍷choice: We really enjoyed the Vin De Narle Dessert Wine and ended up taking a bottle home with us.
Hours: Thursday, Friday and Saturday – 12-6 p.m. and Sunday – 1-6 p.m.
Tastings are $7 for 7 wines
Visit the web page at https://stonefieldcellars.com/ for Facebook for upcoming events.
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By Jennifer Primrose
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