Like most
women, I like my wine. I also like to
travel to new places, take photographs, and meet new people. I’ve combined all my passions and talents in a
series of NC Wine-Down Weekend columns. From
my encounters with wineries in the past I’ve noticed each has their own unique
charm and story. Each week I’ll be
visiting a different winery here in NC and give you a little insight on what
each of these places have to offer. The
first spot on my journey was Waldensian Heritage Winery in Valdese, NC.
There we
were, three women on a mission to try some new wine. The event started off on the wrong foot
because Waldesian Heritage Winery is not an easy place to find. Even the winery’s directions online guide you
to a town kiosk to locate for instructions instead of taking you straight to
the building. “Go left on Main Street until you reach the Town of
Valdese parking lot adjacent to Wachovia Bank. A kiosk with local information
and a town map is in the north-western corner of the parking lot.” You can see why we were a little concerned.
When we
thought we were lost that’s when we found it.
I flopped in my seat as we took a sharp turn down a suspicious looking
road and I was shocked that we had arrived. The outside of the winery literally looks like
a countryside barn but without the red paint.
My mind went to a scene from “Deliverance” with the banjos playing. Looking around my new surroundings I was able
to see a view of a miniature vineyard which made me feel more at peace. There was also a covered “Boccia” court (lawn
bowling) with outdoor seating. It was
interesting to find such a rural area within minutes of the downtown area of
Valdese, NC.
Thinking “we
made it this far” we decided to take our intrepid troop indoors. Unanticipated the inside had a calm and
leisurely ambiance. There are no windows
so it felt like we stepped into the night.
The décor is the memoirs of past times.
The history of the Waldesian wine-making journey can be seen through the
photos they’ve collected throughout the years.
There are a handful of barrel base tables with chairs scattered through
the small sitting area, nothing fancy but practical.
The tasting
counter is located exactly when you walk in.
Right away we were warmly greeted by a lady who faintly reminded me of
my grandmother. So I felt a little
awkward getting our wine samples from her, since my granny really isn’t a
boozer. Needless to say my discomfort
departed because we sampled them all (hey, we were on a mission) from the
Villar Rouge Sweet (their sweetest wine) to the Heritage Burgundy Valdese
(their driest wine).
I found that
the Burgundy Valdese, not to be confused with the Heritage Burgundy Valdese (two
different wines), fit my taste buds the best (but I rarely find a wine I don’t
enjoy). I was also pleased to find out
that it was also their biggest seller! The
Hertiage Burgundy Valdese had a slight bite at the end but because of the
Burgundy Valdese’s residual sugar it left me with a delighted palate. As with most burgundy wines it’s served at
room temperature.
After a small
chat with our familiar looking bartender we found out that this winery was constructed
by Italian immigrant descendants in 1930.
Prohibition didn’t end until 1933 but they were only making small
batches for “personal consumption”, is what we were told. The original Waldensian settlers arrived in
the small town of Valdese in 1893 after famine struck their homes in the Alps.
Today they
use the same wine making skills they learned in their country over a hundred
years ago. So here in the small town of
Valdese you’ll get authentic Italian wine!
The winery production, distribution, marketing, and tours are performed
by volunteers only (absolutely no paid workers). So maybe it was my nana who was serving us our
tasty beverages. Their series of wines
are made from concord grapes that they bring in (that petite vineyard outside
doesn’t supply enough for their production).
This is what gives each of their wines an attractive fruity aroma and
taste.
We each purchased
a glass of the wine we enjoyed the most and found a seat to sit and survey our pastoral
surroundings. A group came through the
door within minutes. It appeared as
though they just left work and were coming here to drink and hangout. There were also a few “good ole boys” that
came in to just buy a bottle of wine. You
know you’ve found a good place when it’s one of the local’s favs.
We stayed for
a few hours, chatted a little with some of the bar patrons, and finished our
delicious beverage. We thanked the
bartender again for the spirits and headed out the door for our short trip back
home. The bright sunshine was an alarm our
eyes. It took a few minutes to get
readjusted and then we were on our way.
If you can
get to Waldesian Heritage Winery make it soon!
They are planning to make renovations that will change it forever. Don’t let the location fool you, here you’ll
find a one-of-a-kind place with the history and all. Inside that rustic barn you can have a
relaxing good time and some yummy wine! WaldesianHeritage Winery is open Thursday through Sunday 1-6pm (other times by
appointment only).
Visit
Waldesian Heritage Winery online at: www.waldensianheritagewines.com
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