365 Things to Do in Raleigh | Tour a Winery
Silk Hope Winery - Over 15 Wines to Sample
You may be surprised to learn that North Carolina is one of the most active wine-producing areas of the United States. For example, the annual "Great Grapes" fair in Cary draws dozens of wineries and thousands of attendees wanting to experience what NC wineries have to offer.
Last weekend we visited an up-and-coming winery that first planted in 1997 and had its first vintage of wine in 2000 - the Silk Hope Winery. The trip was on a whim, but we ended up pleasantly surprised by both the winery and the wines themselves.
You first drive up a long gravel entry road to the Silk Hope Winery itself, 2.5 acres located on top of one of the largest hills in the area - great climate for producing high-quality wines.
You are invited into a metal building that serves as a processing center, warehouse, and showroom for the Silk Hope Winery. You can tour through boxes of wine ready to purchase, fermentation equipment, or head straight to the back, where they have tables, chairs, and a bar prepared to welcome visitors.
With over 15 wines to sample, I recommend at least two trips to the Silk Hope Winery, or else you might not remember the second half of the wines as much as the first.
The Silk Hope Winery sampling menu is helpfully divided into red and white wines, and you can choose to mix and match how you like. Bonus: you get to keep your glass, labelled with the logo and name of Silk Hope Winery!
Grapes being grown at the Silk Hope Winery include, but aren't limited to: Chambourcin, Cabernet Franc, Norton, Vidal Blanc, and Traminette.
Silk Hope Winery is planning on opening more outdoor drinking and relaxation areas, including a gazebo and picnic facilities out in the middle of the vineyard.
Directions to Silk Hope Winery
From Raleigh: Take Highway 64 East just past Pittsboro. Exit onto Highway 87 North (to the right), and then left onto Silk Hope-Gum Springs road. There is a large white sign on your left at the entrance to Silk Hope Winery.
You can visit Silk Hope Winery's website for more information on their wines, as well as additional links and contact information.
More about the Silk Hope Area
What is Silk Hope, NC? Find Out More About This Beautiful Chatham County Community
Cattail Creek - New Homes on Acreage in Silk Hope
Horizon - New Homes on Acreage
Wine Tours | More 365 Things to Do in Raleigh
Join Stanton Homes for more adventures in the "365 Things to Do in Raleigh" Series!
Local NC Wineries | Wine Tours Near Raleigh | Dennis Vineyards
Fresh Local Menu - Market Restaurant - Some Place "Different" to Eat in Raleigh
Falls River Books | Rare and Used Books | 365 Things to Do in Raleigh
ReTails Thrift Shop in Raleigh | 365 Things to Do in Raleigh
Escazu Artisan Chocolates | Unique Gifts and Tours | 365 Things to Do in Raleigh
Tasca Brava Café | Best Place for Tapas in Raleigh | 365 Things to Do in Raleigh
Harrys Guitar Shop | Best Place to Find Guitars in Raleigh | Guitar Lessons
365 Things to Do in Raleigh - Horseback Riding - Dead Broke Horse Farm
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
Stanton Homes makes it easy! We'll guide you through the entire process - select from thousands of different floor plans, and hundreds of different locations, with a focus on new custom homes in the upper $100s to the $500s. Custom design build options available too!
Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new homes in the Raleigh area today.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Articles copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2011. Unauthorized use is not permitted. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change. Stanton Homes does not make claims to ownership of any lot listings, but can work with homebuyers to purchase available lots and build. Home plans to be approved on an individual basis, subject to neighborhood restrictive covenants and lot restrictions. Ask for further information regarding any community, lot or floor plan. Photos represent typical homes and details of each neighborhood, to help highlight different options available in the Raleigh/Triangle area. No claim of ownership is made to homes or land pictured.
Thanks Penny for sharing the post about things to do in your neck of the woods. Have a great Fall!
Penny, you're giving me 365 reasons to consider a visit to the Raleigh area. Looks like there is plenty to see and do there.
Thanks for this post! I am not familiar with a number of the wines...Chambourcin, Cabernet Franc, and Traminette and will have to stop by the vineyard the next time I'm in your area.
PS...Great Localism post. Hope it gets featured =)
Melissa - wine tasting is one of many wonderful Fall things to do in the Raleigh area...it's so much fun to get out and experience this time of year.
Barbara - let me know when you're coming, I'll hook you up!
Penny,
Great local information for us 'winey' folks! I'm keeping this post so I can remember to travel up you way and take a tour of this winery. Thank you!
Denise - there are wineries in surprising places here! Definitely put this one on the list.