RALEIGH – In recognition of the state’s growing wine and grape industry, Gov. Pat McCrory has proclaimed September 2014 as North Carolina Wine and Grape Month.
“The state’s wine and grape industry has grown significantly in recent years. It now employs more than 7,600 workers and has an economic impact of nearly $1.3 billion,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We look forward to seeing it grow even more in the coming years.”
One indicator of the industry’s maturity is the federal government’s recent designation of a fourth American Viticultural Area in the state. The Upper Hiawassee Highlands AVA covers 690 square miles within the upper Hiawassee River basin in Western North Carolina. It joins the Haw River, Swan Creek and Yadkin Valley AVAs.
“AVAs help consumers identify the origin of a wine more accurately,” said Whit Winslow, wine marketing specialist for the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “Having four distinct AVAs in North Carolina is a testament to the variety and quality of wines that we are able to produce.”
North Carolina boasts more than 400 commercial grape growers. Muscadines are grown mainly in the East, while European-style vinifera grapes are grown in the West and Piedmont. While many of the grapes are used to make wines and other specialty products, there is also a significant fresh market for the fall fruit. In September and October, shoppers can find fresh, native muscadine grapes at farmers markets and roadside stands.
“The fresh-market crop is looking great thanks to drier weather over the past few weeks,” Winslow said. “Drier weather concentrates the juice inside the grape and the fruit tastes sweeter.”
North Carolina’s grape-growing history dates to the late 1500s, when Sir Walter Raleigh’s explorers first noticed wild scuppernongs on Roanoke Island.
“Whether it’s buying a pint of grapes at the farmers market, trying a new North Carolina wine at a restaurant or planning a trip to a North Carolina vineyard, I would encourage everyone to find a way to support the state’s wine and grape industry in September,” Troxler said.
Special events, retail promotions planned
The following special events are planned across the state to celebrate North Carolina Wine and Grape Month:
- Sept. 5 – Grape Day at the State Farmers Market, Raleigh
- Sept. 13 – 12th Annual Taste Carolina Wine Festival at the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, Colfax
- Sept. 20 – 10th Annual Shine to Wine Festival, North Wilkesboro
- Sept. 26-27 – Muscadine Harvest Festival, Kenansville
- Oct. 4 – Great Grapes Wine & Food Festival, Charlotte
In addition to these events, several retailers will have special displays highlighting North Carolina wines. Select Harris Teeter stores will have specially marked shelf tags to help consumers identify N.C. wines. In addition, Harris Teeter will offer discounts on North Carolina cases in September. Other retailers, such as the Whole Foods in Durham, will offer in-store tastings.
A complete listing of upcoming events is available at www.ncwine.org. The website also offers winery guides, wine-tasting tips and more information on North Carolina’s wine and grape industry.