In this episode we feature Johnathan Fussel of Duplin Winery in Rose Hill, NC! As Duplin Winery prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, Jonathan joins us to share the story of how his family helped establish North Carolina’s first modern winery and build one of the most recognizable brands in the Southeast. During our conversation,Continue reading →
This episode of Cork Talk takes listeners inside the NC Wine Competition with special guest Nicole Chesney, Executive Director of the North Carolina Wine & Grape Council. Nicole joins us to discuss the history and purpose of the competition, how wines are judged, and why the event plays such an important role in highlighting the quality and diversityContinue reading →
In this episode, we visit with Christian and Andrew owners of Christian Paul Vineyards in Elkin, NC! In this conversation, talk about their journey into the world of wine, what inspired them to plant a vineyard, and how they’re building an experience that’s both approachable and welcoming for guests of all backgrounds. Christian Paul VineyardsContinue reading →
This episode is another Best of Cork Talk episode featuring Grassy Creek Vineyard and Winery in State Road, NC! When we first sat down with Jim and Cynthia Douthit (episode: Growing for Future Generations), it was during the height of COVID and the conversation was recorded remotely. Even then, their dedication to farming, commitment toContinue reading →
This episode is another Best of Cork Talk conversation featuring Haze Gray Vineyards in Dobson, NC! When we first sat down with Becky and Deane, it was during the height of COVID and just as their tasting room was opening. Even then, their passion for winemaking, dedication to veterans, and clear long-term vision stood out as they beganContinue reading →
In this episode, we’re revisiting Raffaldini Vineyards in Ronda, NC! This year marks the 25th anniversary of Raffaldini’s founding. We sit down with Jay Raffaldini to reflect on how the winery has evolved from its earliest days and what lies ahead for the next quarter century. We first interviewed Jay back in season 1, andContinue reading →
This episode is another Best of Cork Talk episode featuring Golden Road Vineyards in State Road, NC! When we first spoke with them, they walked us through their unexpected journey into wine, how they landed in North Carolina, and the vision behind what they were building. Their story kicked off Season 4, and even thenContinue reading →
Welcome to our first episode of Season 8 of Cork Talk! This episode features Scott and Elizabeth Barone from Castello Barone Vineyards in Ronda, NC! Located in the heart of the Swan Creek AVA, Castello Barone Vineyards is a boutique vineyard and winery that is grounded in Old World wine traditions, service to others, andContinue reading →
We’re closing out our 2025 season with a Year End Review! As part of this tradition, we’ve brought together other digital influencers in the North Carolina wine scene to reflect on the highlights of 2025. You’ll hear from Delayne and Charles from Winey Friends, Jesse and Jessica from The Wine Mouths, Natalie from Tarheel TapsContinue reading →
In this episode, we sit down with Neil Shore and his daughter Jennifer Hiatt from Sanders Ridge Vineyard & Winery in Boonville, NC! Neil and Jennifer share the story of transforming a 180-year old family farm into a modern vineyard and winery. Family and heritage are at the heart of everything they do at SandersContinue reading →
We’re featuring another Best of Cork Talk episode, this time we’re revisiting our conversation with the team at Linville Falls Winery in Newland, NC! Back in 2021, we chatted with Linda, Jessica, and Lindsay during a snowy winter storm. In this special update, we catch up with Linda and Lindsay while Jessica is off welcomingContinue reading →
In this episode of Cork Talk, we feature JW Ray, owner of JOLO Winery & Vineyards in Pilot Mountain, NC and Rayson Winery & Vineyards in Mocksville, NC! JW discusses his journey from being brought up in a hospitality family to becoming an entrepreneur and winemaker here in North Carolina. We explore the philosophy behindContinue reading →
It’s another Best of Cork Talk episode, this time we revisit our conversation with Amy Michael, the Entomological Programs Manager with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is spreading here in North Carolina and across the Southeast. Stick around for the end of the episode where Amy givesContinue reading →
This episode features Craig Little and Heath Little from Stone Ashe Vineyards in Hendersonville, NC! Stone Ashe is situated on a dramatic landscape of steep rolling hills with stunning views. As a small family-run vineyard and winery, they are able to concentrate on their deep commitment to viticulture and winemaking. In this episode, we satContinue reading →
We’re featuring another Best of Cork Talk episode, this time we look back at our conversation with Sofia Lily at Overmountain Vineyards in Tryon, NC! We catch up on how the tasting room has evolved over the past 5 years to enhance your experience when you visit. Wine quality continues to be a focus andContinue reading →
This episode features Ken Parker from Souther Williams Vineyard in Fletcher, NC! We recorded this episode sitting outside their open air tasting room on a perfect spring afternoon. Ken talked to us about what it’s like growing grapes on his family’s multi-generational farm and what the future of wine looks like in the Crest ofContinue reading →
We’re featuring another Best of Cork Talk episode, this time we revisit our conversation with Lance Hiatt and Tim Parks from Marked Tree Vineyard in Flat Rock, NC! We catch up about how things have changed over the past 5 years including a brand new production facility and other changes that help to elevate NorthContinue reading →
In this episode of Cork Talk, we explore the impact of Hurricane Helene on North Carolina’s wine industry. Hear firsthand stories of resilience and recovery from local wineries and vineyards. Discover how the community has faced challenges and adapted in the aftermath of the storm. Join us for an inspiring look at the strength andContinue reading →
We’re featuring another Best of Cork Talk episode, this time it’s our discussion with Elizabeth Anne Dover Bishop from The Farm at Dover Vineyards in Concord, NC! Our original interview was back in 2020 and was our first one that we did in a remote setup and we look back on this as one toContinue reading →
Our first episode of our 7th season features Erik Martella from Erik Martella Wines! Erik has a formal education in chemistry and an extensive background in winemaking in California. When he moved to the Southeast, he became fascinated by the concept of creating uniquely American Fine Wine. This quest aims to break away from EuropeanContinue reading →
In this episode, we gathered four special guests to help us have an engaging discussion as we remember 2024. You’ll hear from Dave Nirshi author of Vino-Sphere, Arthur Barham creator of Merlot2Muscadine, Natalie Hampton author of Tarheel Taps and Corks, and Hailey Klepcyk President of the North Carolina Winegrowers Association. As we wrap up 2024,Continue reading →
This episode we go back to the beginning and revisit Jones von Drehle Vineyards in Thurmond, NC! Jones von Drehle was our first episode that we ever recorded. This time, we visited the vineyard when they had a special Sip and Savor wine and food event event to celebrate their own 10 year anniversary. WeContinue reading →
This month we have another Best of Cork Talk episode, featuring Michael Zimmerman of Junius Lindsay Vineyard in Welcome, NC! In this episode, we pay tribute to Michael who passed away on September 12, 2024. Over the years, we grew to appreciate our friendship with Michael as each visit brought something new. Junius Lindsay isContinue reading →
This episode features Dylan and Nicole Tatum from Grandfather Vineyard & Winery in Banner Elk, NC! Dylan and Nicole tell us about how Grandfather Vineyard got started back in 2003. Over time, they found that hybrid grape varieties thrive in the cooler climate of the Appalachian High Country AVA, producing wines with high acidity andContinue reading →
This month it’s another Best of Cork Talk episode featuring Kim and Benny Myers from Laurel Gray Vineyards in Hamptonville, NC! We interviewed Kim and Benny back in 2019 and featured the episode Dreams Don’t Work Unless You Do in July of that year. Fast forward 5 years and a lot has changed! There haveContinue reading →
