The News and Observer from Raleigh, North Carolina • 129

411 411 Travel 'DIE NL11 0 sr' riErtVER SUNDAY NO)'EMSER 20 2005 We bead we-A to the Haw River Along the way she would educate them ----1 'Rlsw-- the places they would visit about North Carolina wines and I 4 She first offered the tour in Oc I 4 L--0- 1 4-4--- tober but didn't have enough tak- I i 1 By November though she ers 'e 1 1 i- ta a --41 tr- r-: 440---r '111111 had booked enough people willing i1-- IL 4 'I 1 ki I I 2 t-t -k --4' -11 A to pay $80 each fora tour tastings i ---1 and lunch I 't 'I -f" -for i -izi -7 ---C 1 I 1-'' '--r- 4: i i 1- z- ci ii John Ashe is one of those along the ride down winding cotm- I I i Ar 1 IL 1 4t4 1 a- '1y 4 5 IL -4 4' )-- v--- -k-- try roads bordered by trees i 5 4 -2 i III t- 3 7 A -i-4 1 i k- of dressed in bright fall colors 1 -e 1 F--- st 1 ws0 4 NE 1 4 t''' s' "I'm interested in the vineyard 1 41- 4F--A e---- ti- -k side of it 0 I he says at the Glen- 4-4 71'--31 7 Marie Winery stop just off I 4k -rc's' "1 A I I zr --f" '-1' 4 N1- 1 1 k' 1-1 1 49 The farmer from Rocidngham 1 41 --t'v i County is considering trading to 1 1 i- --tifi- -tktr I 7 bacco for grapev ines "Fm here I --5---1 to ride and look and just thmk" 0 't I And of course to sample some Art it4 of the wines served up at every or I 1- i -v--c stop on the tour The winery own- o- i- ers are generous with the tast 1 1 I )N a- t'''''''' I kf mgs GlenMarie Winery's Glen- I 4 4 "-P'-' i i dale Dickey jokes with the group: 's "Well be tasting seven wines I f' IL 1 'A i I i i '4 Maybe I'll taste with you" 1 'S As it turns out that's probably 1 i' a i --t- I too much of a good thing Going -N fel' mto the first run Hannah had de- i 5 scribed the six winery tour as I pretty aggressive" A few days af- 1 ----iy a terward she has already radically 1 Debbie Stikeleather introduces the wine tour led by Cheryl Hannah to eight wines at The Winery at Iron Gate Farm altered her tour She'll stick to 'i 1 STAFF PHOTOS BY LESLIE BARBOUR the first Saturday of each month i but now she'll charge $60 a per- I vides a lot of information about tdamance County and one just Gate Vineyards near Mebane took saw that a lot of wineries had tours son and visit only three wineries I I what you're looking for in a wine over the border in Guilford home the best of show prize in coming through" she says "And In other words shell be making and what goes into the wine" County Not an official appella- the fair's professional competition I thought 'Hey I can do this' a slightly drier run i i Closer to home the Haw River tion like Yadkin Valley the area As the trail was being created Her idea was to start in Wake 1 Wine Trail is a fairly new mar- nonetheless attracted attention at Hannah set in motion her own County at the Chatham Hill Win- Travel editor Susan Houston I keting tool launched in Septem- the 2005 NC State Fair The 2004 plans to help others tour it "I was ery in Morrisville have her ens- can be reached at 836-5724 1 her to promote four wineries in Cabernet Sauvignon from Iron visiting my son in Virginia and I tomers board a chartered van and or sboustonnewsobservercom 1 i 1 on the Haw River Wine Trail The five S's to Wine Tasting 1 I 1 SEE Pour about an ounce of wine in a clear stemmed I 1 1 Cree Sie! Iron Gate' BocKs B'id)- 1 Winery winery glass hold the glass by the stem Raise your glass in i Ri 5tonI Cr eek ss '''-4 -4 Yr front of a white background and tip it sightly away from I I c-' 4) i -1 Grove 111 you Check for clarity and brilliance If the wine is dull inery Tr '1- and cloudy something is wrong Next note the color and 6e q-'-' 4' 49 '6-' intensity of its hue These two facto rs ensi ese ors cange as wine Glen Marie I 'AMANCi: I ages and are often clues to its condition and quality As i- 7 io oick 4-' c'-' 61 Winery white wines age shades of light straw with hues of 4 1 87 4 Green 44' 119 yellow change to tones of full straw and gold As red Lev ei ROgef Rd e' wines mature their purple or violet tones first become Nc 4 5 ruby then brownish-orange Travel Debbie Stikeleather introduces the wine tour led by Cheryl Hannah to eight wines at The STAFF PHOTOS BY LESLIE BARBOUR vides a lot of information about what you're looking for in a wine and what goes into the wine" Closer to home the Haw River Wine Trail is a fairly new marketing tool launched in September to promote four wineries in on the Haw River Wine Trail rocks Bridge Rcl 5to 111 Cre Grove I Winery ALAMANCE i 7 8 Alamance County and one just over the border in Guilford County Not an official appellation like Yadkin Valley the area nonetheless attracted attention at the 2005 NC State Fair The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon from Iron G17 Ma ri I Winery 4 '1 Green 1 Level Gate Vineyards near Mebane took home the best of show prize in the fair's professional competition As the trail was being created Hannah set in motion her own plans to help others tour it "I was visiting my son in Virginia and I The SEE Pour about an ounce of wine in a clear stemmed glass hold the glass by the stem Raise your glass in front of a white background and tip it slightly away from you Check for clarity and brilliance If the wine is dull and cloudy something is wrong Next note the color and intensity of its hue These two factors change as wine ages and are often clues to its condition and quality As white wines age shades of light straw with hues of yellow change to tones of full straw and gold As red wines mature their purple or violet tones first become ruby then brownish-orange Winery at Iron Gate Farm saw that a lot of wineries had tours coming through" she says "And I thought 'Hey I can do this'" Her idea was to start in Wake County at the Chatham Hill Winery in Morrisville have her customers board a chartered van and five S's to Wine Tasting THE NEWS OBSErVER SUNDAY NOVEMBER 20 2005 bead west to the Haw River Along the way she would educate them about North Carolina wines and the places they would visit She first offered the tour in October but didn't have enough takers By November though she had booked enough people willing to pay $80 each fora tour tastings and lunch John Ashe is one of those along for the ride down winding country roads bordered by trees dressed in bright fall colors "I'm interested in the vineyard side of it" he says at the Glen-Marie Winery stop just off NC 49 The farmer from Rockingham County is considering trading tobacco for grapevines "I'm here to ride and look and just think" And of course to sample some of the wines served up at every stop on the tour The winery owners are generous with the GlenMarie Winery's Glendale Dickey jokes with the group: "We'll be tasting seven wines Maybe I'll taste with you" As it turns out that's probably too much of a good thing Going into the first run Hannah had described the six winery tour as "pretty aggressive" A few days afterward she has already radically altered her tour She'll stick to the first Saturday of each month but now she'll charge $60 a person and visit only three wineries In other words she'll be making a slightly drier run Travel editor Susan Houston can be reached at 836-5724 or shoustonnewsobservercom I 1 1 I I 1 I 1 I 1 I 1 1 I CONTINUED And as I-Lmr year's quirky fa' in hich the lomia had starri the two buddief road trip Leading the olina is the Yadl tion the state's igrnated grape-located in the no the state The re of the state's 48' a number of win One busines winery tours i Wine Tours sa Byrd of Lewi started the bus ber the twice-m attracted 200 from as far awa and Florida booked 46 peopi The tours wh son include vis ies (which chat tour) all tastirq of course trans Letting someo ving allows the several wines about taldng the Byrd explains some of the wine with highway aren't always ea! But the tour co something "you get just driving yard' he says BENJAMIN VIN1 6516 Whitney Road 1080 wwwbenjami CREEK SIDE WI Creek Church Road wwwcreeksidewin GLENMARIE 1838 Johnson Road 3938 wwwglenmar GROVE WINERY Road Gibsonville (3 wwwgrovewineryc IRON GATE VINI WINERY AT IRON I Lynch Store Road 9463 wwwirongate SAVOR THE VINI Brickstone Drive Ap wwwsavorthevine tourssavorthevine the first Saturday of customized tours 10f THE HAW RIVER Box 519 Burlington1 trailcom The Web all five wineries and CONTINUED And as Hannah year's quirky in which the had starring the two buddies road trip hasn't Leading the is the Yadkin the state's located in the the state The of the state's 48 a number of wine One business winery tours Wine Tours says Byrd of Lewisville started the the attracted 200 from as far away and Florida booked 46 people The tours which include visits (which change tour) all tasting of course Letting someone allows the several wines about taking the Byrd explains some of the wine with highway aren't always easy But the tour something "you're get just driving he says BENJAMIN 6516 Whitney Road 1080 CREEK SIDE Creek Church Road wwwcreeksidewinerycom GLENMARIE 1838 Johnson Road 3938 GROVE WINERY Road Glbsonville wwwgrovewinerycom IRON GATE WINERY AT IRON Lynch Store Road 9463 SAVOR THE VINE Brickstone Drive Apex wwwsavorthevinecom tourssavorthevinecom the first Saturday of customized tours for THE HAW RIVER Box 519 Burlington The Web all five wineries and wwwgrovewinerytom IRON GATE WINERY AT IRON Lynch Store Road 9463 SAVOR THE VINE Brickstone Drive Apex wwwsavorthevinecom tourssavorthevinecom the first Saturday of customized tours for THE HAW RIVER Box 519 Burlington trailcom The Web all five wineries and HMI FROM PAGE 111 mentions last favorite "Sideways" vineyards of California roles alongside on a wine-fueled hurt business way in North Carolina Valley Appellation only federally designated grape-growing region northwestern part of region is home to 15 wineries and to tour businesses that does only is Yadkin Valley co-owner John Since he business in September twice-monthly tours have wine lovers some as Connecticut He has already for his next trip cost $75 a person to four wineries from tour to fees lunch and transportation else do the driving tour takers to taste without worrying wheel afterward And even though trails are marked signs the wineries to find company also offers not going to out to the vineyard' "Our company pro Stops VINEYARDS WINERY Graham (336) 376- wwwbenjaminvineyardscom WINERY 3515 Stoney Elon (336) 584-4117 VINEYARDS WINERY Burlington (336) 578- wwwglenmariewinerycom 7360 Brooks Bridge (336) 584-4060 VINEYARDS THE GATE FARM 2540 Mebane (919) 304- wwwirongatevineyardscom WINE TOURS 701 303-2243 e-mail: Scheduled tours each month or groups WINE TRAIL PO wwwhawriverwinetrailcom site includes links to a wine trail map Make plans to attend these events: NOVEMBER 26 Emerald Isle Holiday Parade DECEMBER 2-4 Core Sound Waterfowl Weekend VINEYARDS THE GATE FARM 2540 Mebane (919) 304- wwwirongatevineyardscom WINE TOURS 701 303-2243 e-mail: Scheduled tours each month or groups WINE TRAIL PO wwwhawriverwine- site includes links to a wine trail map :) 17- I 21 7' r) fr i r- -(i2 tr v-v i''z i I i pti411'5 ii Make plans to attend these events: NOVEMBER 26 Emerald Isle Holiday Parade DECEMBER 2-4 Core Sound Waterfowl Weekend 1 PAGE 11 entions last "Sidewws 'ards of Cali- les alorigside wine-fueled rt business I North Car- dley Appella- edera lly des- ing region stern part of home to 15 ies and to businesses does only dkin Valley owner John Since he in Septem- tours have Dyers some onne eticut as already lis next trip St $75 a per four vviner- 'om tour to lunch and Lion do the dri- kers to taste it worrying I afterward ven though are marked be wineries find also offers )t going to the vine- mpany pro- Stops WINERY (336) 376- (ardscom 3515 Stoney 336) 584-4111 DS WINERY gton (336) 578- 3rooks Bridge 4-4060 1 osonv ipe --S Haw '103-------' di' toot Mebane SWIRL Grasp the glass firmly by the stem with one Robin Lynch swirls and sniffs I 1 rzr: Darlington l' hand Gently swirl the glass so the wine laps up the -T I sides of the glass Observe how the wine trickles back mouth should confirm what your nose already told you '('' a-ra ham down The clear tearlike streams on the side of the SAVOR As you swish the wine through your mouth 4 i '119 i glass are called "legs" The thickness of the legs will your taste buds will note the presence of fruit acidity and 1 1 sV1enSO nVillt Alamance give you a clue as to how full-bodied the wine is For alcohol If tannins are present your cheeks will feel an I VS the next step swirl the wine again to get the most astringent puckering sensation as is often the case with :1 4 ---'5'- concentrated smell of the wine red wine (This is the same way your cheek feel when you SNIFF Now raise the glass to your nose and sniff drink a strong cup of tea) The tip of your tongue will 9 59 4 13 r) -7 yl deeply Your nose will tell you about 15 percent of what detect the wine 's degree of sweetness something your Benjamin 3 you want to know about a wine We actually smell most nose eannot do Check for a balance of all the tastes you FaliGii 1 Vineyards s-- of the things that we think we taste or so the scientists sense Now swallow and savor the taste The longer the ane FJ say Our poor taste buds can discern only four flavors taste stays in your mouth after swallowing the higher the A sweet sour salt and bitter while our noses are capa- quality of the wine Above all enjoy! I vo Chapel Hill 56 ble of distinguishing thousands of subtle variations But to these five S's we would add a sixth: SPIT (or The majority of these smells are everyday scents All it pour) after you taste to be able to taste several wines IRV'''''''''''10 takes is practice without taking in too much alcohol The News Observer SIP Take a good sip The taste of the wine in your ADAPTED FROM NONINEORG (THE NC GRAPE COUNCIL) rs 1 i 1 i l-'1-''FF'' Ir 1 1 a r'4 pi 7 o-o A 0 rsot rpt -r 1 1 '41 4 I sl kt -tp 1 I --y le4 -r-'- 0 t- 4 SPEND --e C-11 41 1 ie' 7 -7I 04'---- 5-: ')4 -A '4t Itzi 1 44 THANKSGIVING -1 Er )- 1'- At 1 1 1 k-- 4 i -y A 4 AT THE BEACH i '1 ra-'-' )1 --1 1411 1 ii 7 4 1 84 RECEIVE A sourservve Duval eiovvvve iiiv i i' FREE NIGHT 8c ill' A 9 A TNTI oPi "i''t) i 1 '1 GIFT BASKET! rA CDn112 Al21214 JAwdiziti 11 fR 0 1 'W-" at tho heath-- STAY 4 NIGHTS FOR i 0- Ir414 pii ii iiiik tu If Our Customers BEAc 04)2 r' "water 888-271-8164 THE PRICE OF ff7ere Not Satisfied ht 71! 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Take advailwge of Our resort's a Packages Southern arm alng the oli ittIOWned kahircs affixdably priced EKENter CKAG i4 I 11 krle 4 shore For rental intormation on an HEATED POOL SPA by Y1 i nviting selection of luxurious beach visith1g Lel ffiline at swwrpfesorLcoll SUMMER 011iclourIndobr Pools (Nov-March 2 homes classic and condos ott p- TWO-NIGHT PACKAGE 32-V7-157-41 incl too (4) Poolside Bar Includes: Room for Fri Sat breakfast dinner for 2 call 800 8493315 ages FAMILY PROGRAMS or book online at ii- eiry (te lounge entertainment late checkout at Sum wwwimaraldislefloally tom BEACH CHAIR I I Ilexchfront tlar(hos (Nov-March 26) SHADE SERVICE 1 PAV I 1 I QIN 1 Includ 1)Ct ks 8i Wal k)vity I SATURDAY-SUNDAY PACKAGE $12748 incl too es: Room for Sat Sun dinner breakfast lunch for 2 RESORT 'l lounge entertainment Sat late checkout Monday at 2pm -1 RESERVATIONS I SPECIAL WINTER RATE $36 SINGLE Sun-Thure It't 1'888-237-2035 1 1 i01 NO i i 0 IA' 44 125 Salter Patti Road Pine Knoll ShorcsZC litifi RI clanidiggerinriconi 1 it A 11Art WVIRAITHEOPEAF416VB MO U11111 wwwrprotiort-coth 1 '111 Pa Box 846 Hwy 58 Salter Path Bead Atlantic Beach NC 28512 )) tr ti ri ON1Y ON'Silli DS Rims IN ADOF LILL Akihr113 i ThiP4 LD ielr lteservations (800) 5333700 04 V'TP Call 252-2474155 1-800-338-1533 4 '''''-'4 1 0 I 4 4 Oceanfront accommodzaions at eamolny rates? 'Me advanwge of our resoics renowned features affordably priced by visiting us online at wwwrpresortcona 4 etyrir PAVILLION RESORT der Path Road Pine Knoll ShoresZC wwwapresort-corn Reservations (800) 5333700 125 Salt bsonvole r-- Gibsonve Elon Alamance rpRD 71 RAI1G t4tIES 1W40 SPEND THANKSGIVING AT THE BEACH RECEIVE A FREE NIGHT GIFT BASKET! 888-271-8164 ntheachtripcom On-Site Restaurant Oceanfront a Pootsidc Accommodations OnidoorIndoot Pouk Poo 'side Bar Beachfront Gaiebos Det ks Walkways Ha Rivet Meben Graham Benjamin Vineyards Whitney Fkl 0 ChaPei Hui The News Observer CW702 Jhaniagiving al Eta STAY 4 NIGHTS FOR THE PRICE OF (oast land iteolty 800-822-2121 SALES RENTALS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Reson I1II Sales 7603 Emereld Drive Emereld Iski NC nym Email: infocoostiondcorn wwwcoostlandcom FORMERLY RA Vacation and Convention Headquarters 2 klAAPP4 TWONIGHT PACKAGE $132417-15741 inct tag Includes: Room for Fri Sat breakfast dinner for 2 lounge entertainment late checkout at 6pm (NovMarch 26) SATURDAY4LINDAY PACKAGE Si 2748 inoi tax Includes: Room for Sat Sun dinner breakfast lunch for 2 lounge entertainment Sat late checkout Monday at 2pm SPECIAL WINTER RATE $36 SINGLE Sun-Thure ifi NI I ne till 1111 clamdiggerinitemn cl 58 or Path Road AtiontIC Beech NC 28512 CBait36 HP-248 784 4 i 55 1-800-3381533 SWIRL Grasp the glass firmly by the stem with one hand Gently swirl the glass so the wine laps up the sides of the glass Observe how the wine trickles back down The clear tearlike streams on the side of the glass are called "legs" The thickness of the legs will give you a clue as to how full-bodied the wine is For the next step swirl the wine again to get the most concentrated smell of the wine SNIFF Now raise the glass to your nose and sniff deeply Your nose will tell you about 15 percent of what you want to know about a wine We actually smell most of the things that we think we taste or so the scientists say Our poor taste buds can discern only four flavors sweet sour salt and bitter while our noses are capable of distinguishing thousands of subtle variations The majority of these smells are everyday scents All it takes is practice SIP Take a good sip The taste of the wine in your '41( NORTH CAPOLINAS SOUTHERN OUTER LINNS4 REALTY WORLD BROKERNETWOkK FUN IN THE SUN wwwntheach-vacationcom VACATION RENTALS FIRST COAST REALTY 1-800-972-8899 Why not spend your holiday on the beach? 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A Prudential Sun-Surf Realty 866-339-9147 WWWSUNSURFREALTYCOM INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED 41t111 ilf404 Limited Packages 1 Available aq(all Ear lx1 Robin Lynch swirls and sniffs mouth should confirm what your nose already told you SAVOR As you swish the wine through your mouth your taste buds will note the presence of fruit acidity and alcohol If tannins are present your cheeks will feel an astringent puckering sensation as is often the case with red wine (This is the same way your cheek feel when you drink a strong cup of tea) The tip of your tongue will detect the wines degree of sweetness something your nose eannot do Check for a balance of all the tastes you sense Now swallow and savor the taste The longer the taste stays in your mouth after swallowing the higher the quality of the wine Above all enjoy But to these five S's we would add a sixth: SPIT (or pour) after you taste to be able to taste several wines without taking in too much alcohol ADAPTED FROM NCININEORG (THE NC GRAPE COUNCIL) FALL SPECIALS Low Fishing Rates I Golf Packages Decoy Festival Special Rate 00 Dec 2 3 Comfort Inn 3100 Arendell Street Morehead City NC 28557 rt tom- itams 252247-3434 Tel: 800-422-5404 For more inionnetion check out our golf section on the Web at: wymmoreheadhotalscom AAatels grtYy 914e4two "Ace? saa moot viefraiort'as Start a new Thanksgiving tradition this year Sample a taste of pure Southern charm along the Carolina shore For rental intormation on an inviting selection of luxurious beach homes classic cottages and condos call 800 8493315 or book online at wwwimeraldistorloallycom NO 1 4 40444 0141Y If Our Customers Were Not Satisfied This Ad Would Be A Lot Bigger ALL OCEAN 1-800-682-6898 LUXURY VILLAS SPA RESORT CONFERENCE CENTER CRYSTAMCOAS 123 BEDROOM VILLAS DAILY MAID SERVICE FREE HI-SPEED INTERNET HEATED POOL SPA SUMMER FAMILY PROGRAMS BEACH CHAIR SHADE SERVICE ON-Silli ILS IN LOOF LILL AMINIT11151 1TX INc II.