The long days of June offer the perfect time for late afternoon tastings and toasts at wineries set in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains.   We begin this trip with the "more" mentioned in the trip title of Mayberry, Merlot and More when we stop en route in the small town of Star and visit StarWorks which is an arts centered work community and gallery located in a restored sock factory building.  We enjoy lunch and a tour of this economic development success story in rural North Carolina.   Following lunch the journey continues westward to North Carolina's Wine Country.  The region is known for the clay-loam soil, cooler climate and an elevation that lends itself to world class wines.  The trip includes tours and tastings at several wineries.  Tasting experiences include French and Italian Vinifera, French-American Hybrids and even fortified wines.  The wineries that have been selected will suit both the seasoned wine aficionado as well as those that want to learn the basics of wines.  A special treat is the Murder Mystery Dinner at Shadow Springs Vineyard with characters such as Inspector Merlot and Madam Bordeaux leading the cast!

The second day of the trip offers a visit to Mt Airy also known as everybody's favorite small town Mayberry.   Mt Airy may be small but it has a lot to see so we begin the day with a bus tour of Andy Griffith's hometown narrated by a local.  Tour highlights include Floyd's Barber Shop, Wally's Service Station, Andy Griffith's home,  the Snappy Lunch and the world's largest open faced quarry.  

There will also be time on your own for exploring town.   Perhaps a visit to the Andy Griffith Museum, the Historic Earle Theater or browsing unique shops and antique malls?   Care to try Sonker?  Several restaurants and bakeries in town are on the Sonker Trail.  Sonker is a regional dish similar to cobbler.  Finally, if you are interested in tasting more wine, stop in the Olde North State Winery before we head eastward back to Coastal North Carolina.