On March 1, 2001, a formal petition for the establishment of the Yadkin Valley as an American Viticulture Appellation was filed with the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This document was prepared and submitted by Patricia McRitchie on behalf of Shelton Vineyards in Dobson, North Carolina. The petition is referred to as the Yadkin Valley Appellation Application. There are sufficient differences in soils, rainfall, temperatures and hardiness to justify designation as a unique vinifera grape-growing appellation. The Yadkin Valley Appellation (YVA) consists of 1,924 square miles (1,231,000 acres) that are significantly different from areas to the north, south, east and west. It covers all of Wilkes, Surry, Yadkin and small parts of Stokes, Forsyth, Davie and Davidson counties. There are now 20 wineries in the Yadkin Valley AVA with an additional 5 wineries in the Swan Creek AVA, which overlaps (estimated 80%) into the Yadkin Valley. At least 5 other wineries are planned for the next 3-5 years.

The Elkin-Jonesville area lies very near the geographic center of the Yadkin Valley AVA. The Big Bend Vineyard concept is 3 straight-line miles west southwest of downtown Elkin, NC (which still qualifies as the Heart of the Yadkin Valley) in Wilkes County on the south side of the Yadkin River. The vineyard concept originated from a farm of 154 acres that was purchased in the 1950’s by Theodore P. Mayberry (deceased). For many years, it was part of a cattle operation involving other leased farms. Afterwards, it was leased to various people for tobacco farming and later for the growth of corn for feeding dairy cattle. It is currently leased.

The Big Bend Vineyard concept is located on the inside of a 90 degree bend in the Yadkin River, directly opposite of the mouth of the Big Elkin Creek. See Aerial Photo, Topographic Map and Concept Map. Locally and historically, this part of the river is known as the “Big Bend.” There is about 5,000 feet of river frontage. The farm itself may be best described as “rolling” with about 60 acres of vineyard land and an estimated 20-30 acres more as a result of a planned timbering operation. Elevations range from about 870 to 1050 feet above mean sea level. Around 10 acres are bottom land which can be used for growing organic vegetables and berries for future restaurant use. The winery and tasting room will likely be located near the highest point of the property, near a majestic Beech tree — with the Yadkin River, Blue Ridge Mountains, Brushy Mountains and Pilot Mountain all visible.

The vineyard concept was inspired by the news of Shelton Vineyards’ activities and has been evolving for over 10 years. The current concept is to plant 10-20 acres the first year, with additional plantings over the next 3-5 year period. The winery should be designed for easy expansion. The location of the winery allows for a two-story building with gravity flow down the steep hillside. The objective is to have enough acres in the vineyards to supply at least a 30,000+/- case winery within a 5-7 year period as the market allows.

The Lyons Way (Stephen and Susan Lyons, Vineyard and Marketing Consultants) evaluated the subject property as a Destination Site. This is shown on the Concept and Topographic Maps and Aerial Photo. These were prepared by Stimmel Associates, P.A. Landscape and Development Architects. There is an Optional Vineyard Plan for recommended vines and rootstocks, prepared by Mr. Lyons. It is available to serious buyers with proven financial capability for developing by the concept herein or their own conceptual plan. The buyer will be free to follow their own plan with reasonable review. Terry Garwood, the North Carolina State University Agricultural Extension Agent for Surry County at Dobson, NC, has reviewed the subject property and gives a favorable recommendation. A copy of Mr. Garwood’s letter is posted on the Contact page.