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.
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