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Greetings from Raleigh, North Carolina
Aug
3
A Different Kind of Happy Hour
Written by C. Sherwood and filed under Food and Beverage
Half-filled bars, loosened neck ties and yesterday’s sports highlights are what come to my mind when you mention the words “happy hour.” This isn’t your only local option though. If you’re looking for something different than the typical post-work brews, look no further than one of North Carolina’s up-and-coming wineries.
The words “winery” and “Raleigh”, or North Carolina for that matter, don’t necessarily go hand-in-hand. This is a part of the country and world that has never historically been known for producing much more than mountain moonshine. That trend may be changing though–right here in our backyard.
I recently had an opportunity to visit and tour the Chatham Hill Winery, which until last Thursday I never knew existed. In winery terms, Chatham Hill is in its infant stages. Opened in 1999, the vineyard has continued to grow and recently received the Standing Ovation Award from Metro Magazine as the Top Winery/Vineyard in North Carolina.
One of the best and most successful programs the winery has started is “Thirsty Third Thursday.” On the 3rd Thursday of every month from 6-9pm, Chatham Hill opens its doors for an alternative happy hour where you can taste wines and enjoy some light snacks. If you are new to the wine tasting/vineyard tour scene, this is a great way to mingle with other first-timers and enjoy some homegrown Central North Carolina wine.
So if the after-work bar scene just doesn’t have the allure that it once did, expand your horizons while supporting our local wineries. I think that you’ll find that North Carolina wines compare quite well to other regions of the country, and that they taste even better once you know the story of the wineries that produce them.
http://www.chathamhillwine.com/
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7 Responses to “A Different Kind of Happy Hour”
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“In winery terms, Chatham Hill is in its infant stages. Opened in 1999, the vineyard has continued to grow…”
Where is the vineyard? I thought Chatham Hill was only a winery.
I believe they import their grapes from area vineyards, mostly, like most other eastern NC wineries. I also believe that there is a reason–several in fact–that NC has not “historically been known” for producing wines. Not least withstanding climate. I appreciate the idea of wanting a wine with a label from our own area, but the truth is we’re not suited for it. There are far too many wineries popping up across the nation only sustained by a temporary interest from the winery tour/wine tasting *fans*. While the resulting interest is good for the industry short-term, I think the end results are as bleak as with any other passing fad. Sorry to take such a cynical view, but I have started growing tired of the many accolades that are being handed out as of recent. (How many wines do NOT have a medal now?)
re: freshsqueze
My mistake. When editing this story for the author, I inserted the word “vineyard,” trying to refer to the establishment as a whole.
re: S McD
I think you make some good points. Generally speaking though, the idea of trying to localize a consumable and take advantage of a growing industry seems to me to be valid reasons for “wineries popping up across the nation.” I’m sure that many will fail, but I also suspect that many will succeed if they take the proper steps to add value to their products, like wine-tastings, tours, ongoing education, etc.
As far as the accolades go - no argument there. I hardly pay any attention to these anymore. A lot of them are purchased, others are issued as favors and most are flat out unearned or given on past performance. I think this goes for all industries, though - certainly not just wine. On the other hand though, they can make for good conversation. (see metro bravo post)
S McD and others,
I certainly appreciate and can relate to your comments. (I pay almost no attention to wine awards; how many are just made up competitions?) Also, the Triangle is NOT a good wine-growing region, however there are some very good grapes coming from the western part of the state and also from parts of western Virginia. And few would argue the quality of grapes coming from Lodi County in California.
These are the places that Chatham Hill sources their grapes. As you may know, certain variatels or vines, such as Viognier even produce a better grape when grown in the East.
Don’t forget it was not that many years ago that wines produced in California were scoffed at by the entire wine-drinking world. The same can probably be said for Australia and New Zealand. Few would argue that they are now considered some of the best wine-growing regions in the world.
Will Yadkin Valley become the next Napa? I certainly doubt it, but that doesn’t mean it’s wines don’t deserve attention. (Not to mention that the more grapes that are grown in NC means less tobacco without losing our farming heritage!).
In closing, I would simply suggest that you stop by the winery and give the winery a fair chance. It belongs to a very small subset of NC wineries that consistently produce very good wines. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!
Mike
Wine enthusiast and collector
Chatham Hill Wine Club Member since about 2002
(Not otherwise affiliated with the winery.)
FYI - I called Chatham Hill Winery & their next “happy hour” or as they call it at the winery “Thirsty Third Thursday” is this week 8/17/07 from 6-9PM. I went to the July event and will be there this week too! I brought three friends and have five going this week! Cheers! … and thanks too Chatham Hill Winery for hosting a great time to sip some wine! See y’all there!
ooops! Chatham Hill’s “Thirsty Third Thursday” is this Thursday 8/16/07 NOT 8/17 …. my stake!