I enjoyed my visit to your property on the Yadkin River in Wilkes County. I do feel that this site has very good potential as a vineyard planting site. Several different aspects of the property could easily be adapted to planting wine grapes. There are many sites that are currently open and have adequate slope to provide needed cold air drainage to help avoid potential Spring freeze/frost events that occur in our area. As this site has been under cultivation and maintained with additions of fertilizers and other organic amendments, there should be no difficulty in growing and cropping good wine grapes very quickly.

I also observed several locations on the property where additional land could be brought into cultivation following removal of trees and shrubs. I did read Steve Lyons’ report and agree with his assessment that the site has excellent potential as a vineyard and winery complex.

I was also impressed by the availability of several sites on the property that would be excellent locations for a winery. Beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding area provide some very nice long-range views.

Terry A. Garwood,
Extension Agent,
Agriculture and Natural Resources
NC Cooperative Extension Service