Raleigh Wine Enthusiasts - Take Note: Two upcoming wine tastings you don't want to miss!!

For all of you wine officianados out there I've got two great events that will be held in the Triangle in the next few weeks. 

The first has now become an annual event  called Celebrate NC Wines  at JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh, NC. 

When:  October 7, 2007 from 3pm until 7pm. 

Participants will enjoy wines from award-winning North Carolina wineries, as well as choice hors d'oeuvres, live music, and the beauties of the garden in fall. The event will also feature research exhibits and demonstrations by CALS faculty, highlighting their work with this burgeoning industry.

Here is a sampling of some of the North Carolina Vineyards participating:

Biltmore Estate - http://www.biltmore.com/
Chatham Hill Winery- http://www.chathamhillwine.com/
Childress Vineyards - http://www.childressvineyards.com/
Cypress Bend Vineyards - http://www.cypressbendvineyards.com/
Duplin Wine Cellars - http://www.duplinwinery.com/
Hinnant Family Vineyards - http://www.hinnantvineyards.com/
Old North State Winery - http://www.38vines.com/
RagApple Lassie Vineyards - http://www.ragapplelassie.com/
Round Peak Vineyards - http://www.roundpeak.com/
Shelton Vineyards - http://www.sheltonvineyards.com/
The Winery at Iron Gate Farm - http://www.irongatevineyards.com/

Triangle Uncorked-at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, NC

When: September 29, 2007 from Noon until 4pm

OVER 500 of the hottest,  newest and most up-and-coming wines from around the world will be poured. Great wines from Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Chile, Argentina, California, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington State and more!  

One way to keep up with all of the great events in your area is to visit the website http://www.localwineevents.com/.  They have tons of details for events not only in my area but in your area too!!

Another great reference regarding NC Wines can be found at NCWine.org.   Here is a sampling of some details on North Carolina vineyards that I bet you didn't know...

North Carolina? Home to over 60 wineries.  Are you serious?  I sure am.  Here are some fast facts for wine enthusiasts:

• North Carolina ranks 10th for wine production and for grape production among the United States.
• North Carolina now has 61 wineries in 34 counties. Ten new wineries are expected to open by December 2007. The number of NC wineries has doubled since 2002.
• There are more than 350 individually owned grape vineyards across the state covering 1,350 acres.
• Vineyards and wineries create jobs and attract tourist dollars to rural communities, while generating revenue for the state. They offer an opportunity for farm diversification and farmland preservation.
• In 2005, state-produced grapes were valued at nearly $3.7 million and the value of state-produced wine was estimated at $37 million.
• Based on a recent economic impact study, the economic impact of vineyards and wineries in North Carolina is $800 million with 5600 jobs created.
• Vineyards in 2005 produced an average of 3 tons per acre, valued at $937 per ton. That's an average gross income of $2811 per acre. The average price per ton is among the highest in the country.
• North Carolina's first commercial vineyard, Medoc Vineyard, was founded in 1835 in Halifax County.
• At the turn of the century, 25 wineries operated in NC, making it one of the most productive wine states in the U.S. The industry closed with the onset of Prohibition.
• The Biltmore Estate Wine Company is the most visited winery in the United States receiving nearly one million visitors annually.
• Scuppernong, the first grape cultivated in the United States, is the official fruit of the state of North Carolina. North Carolina's mother vine, a 400-year old scuppernong vine, is the oldest known grapevine in the nation.
• Muscadine grapes, which include scuppernongs, are native to Eastern North Carolina. They have seeds and thick skins and taste delicious fresh from the vine. Muscadines contain high levels of antioxidants and are sold fresh and made into wine and neutraceutical products.
• Bunch grapes, like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, grow in clusters in Western North Carolina.

I hope I have a chance to drop by the tastings coming up!! It's sure to be two great events.