This 3 day/2 night trip is an educational and entertaining journey as we experience the variety of wine, whiskey, spirits, mystery and even an animal rescue ranch in the foothills of North Carolina. Statesville nestled in the foothills of the Bushy Mountains will be our hub for visiting North Carolina’s first AVA (American Viticultural Area). The Valley offers moderate elevations and proximity to the Yadkin River allowing for a variety of grapes to thrive. The trip features four wineries and also offers a visit to Southern Distilling Company for a tour and tasting of handcrafted bourbon and rye. Dinner is included each night and one of the dinners includes a “whodunnit” style mystery dinner at Shadow Springs Vineyard. Finally, a trip to this part of the state wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a very special place, The Rescue Ranch. This ranch has grown to one of the premier animal education centers of its kind and we have the opportunity to meet its animal ambassadors. Read more below about the featured wineries, trip inclusions and itinerary below.....
Rayson Winery & Vineyard - Veteran owned and has recently achieved international wine recognition with 8 gold medals from America's Wine Cup
Raffaldini Vineyards - Brings Tuscan charm to North Carolina with its production of dry Italian style wines. Also offers beautiful mountain views!
Shadow Springs Vineyard - A 15 year family business and one of the leaders in the NC industry with 11 acres producing a variety of white and red wines.
Windsor Run Cellars - The stop at Windsor Run Cellars takes us to the middle of what once was the bootleg capital of the country. Here, we learn about the differences in wines from spirits, what does "proof" mean and all kinds of interesting "spirited" trivia to make you really smart at cocktail parties!
After the final payment has been made, refunds are only possible if the trip organizer can resell the trip or recover some of the out-of-pocket expenses.
Per person price for a room for two guests with king bed
Per person price for two guests sharing a room with two queen beds
One person in a room
March 20:
8am - Departure from the St. James Seaside Gate Overflow parking lot
1pm - Wine tasting at Rayson Winery
5pm - Check in at Hilton Garden Inn in Statesville
6:30pm - Welcome Dinner in Statesville
March 21:
Morning visit to Rescue Ranch followed by a tour, tasting and lunch at Southern Distilling
Afternoon visits to Raffaldini Winery, Windsor Run Cellars and Shadow Springs Vineyard followed by Murder Mystery Dinner at Shadow Springs.
March 22:
9:30am - Departure from Statesville
Travel day with a stop in Raleigh at the Transfer Food Hall for lunch