Cork Talk

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 Vineyards carries forward a family legacy rooted in Italian wine...

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 to quality winemaking, and deep connection to the Yadkin Valley...

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 began building something truly meaningful in North Carolina wine...

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 , and a lot of things have changed over time so listen in for detail...

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 then it was clear they were on a path shaped by passion, persistence, and community....

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, and a deep respect for craftsmanship. Their winemaking journey started as home br...

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 Taps and Corks , Nicole from the NC Wine and Grape Council, Dave from...

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 Sanders Ridge (the name itself comes from Neil’s great great grandfather). While the...

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 welcoming a brand-new member to the family! We dive into how Linville F...

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 behind the award winning wines at JOLO and Rayson and how JW is pushing to e...

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 gives us a quick update about new tools, partn...

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 sat down with Heath and Craig in their brand-new winery prod...

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 and Sofia talks to us about how they continue to push boundaries. During our recap conversatio...

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 of the Blue Ridge AVA in Western North Carolina. Nestled in Ho...

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 North Carolina Wine. Marked Tree Vineyard is situated on the Eastern Continental Divi...

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 and determination of North Carolina’s wine industry. For th...

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 to remember. We caught up with Elizabeth Anne during the 2025 North Carolina Winegrowers annual confe...

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 European grape standards and embrace native North American grape varieti...

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, it’s time to reflect on a year tha...

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. We talked with Chuck and Diana Jones about how things have changed over time and what’s comi...

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 is still open and the staff are just as friendly as ever. In this episode,...

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 and bold fruit flavors. Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back a...

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 have been major additions to the tasting room with expanded seating under their veranda, update...

We’re celebrating our 10th anniversary as the North Carolina Wine Guys with a special anniversary episode! This episode features a discussion with our friends Jessica Adams and Jesse Byrd, you may know them as the Wine Mouths ! They’re also celebrating 10 years so we thought it would be great for us to reflect on our times together. (Pictures below show some highlights.) This was a fun...

This month it’s another Best of Cork Talk episode featuring Ben and Becky Starr from Starrlight Mead & Cider in Pittsboro, NC! We interviewed Ben and Becky back in 2019 and featured the episode Mead Making Starrs in November of that year. Fast forward 5 years and a lot has changed! They have not only refined their mead making style, but have expanded into carbonated session meads and most rece...