🦙 Stop 2: Divine Llama Vineyards – Where Traminette Sparkles and Tacos Rule

Driving deeper into East Bend, NC, we rolled up to Divine Llama Vineyards—equal parts tasting room, gift shop, llama farm, and vibe. Home to the largest llama farm in the Southeast, this spot doubles down on its theme in all the right ways: llama dolls, shirts, wine names, and a playful tone that turns your tasting into a miniature field trip.

Inside the small, air-conditioned shop, swag reigned supreme. Guests lined up for bottles, glasses, or flights, but the real challenge was the wait—only two staffers holding down the fort on a busy afternoon. No indoor seating, but a food truck parked outside saved the mood (tacos so good, your palate forgot the line). You snagged a pollo taco that sang with spice and perfection. 🌮

Most guests relaxed beneath the trees or strolled the grounds, while we claimed a shady spot and let the tasting begin.

🍇 Tasting Flight Notes

Chardonel Gold – $24

Color: Rich golden
Nose: Grassy
Aging: Barrel-aged in French oak for ~6 months
Palate: Creamy vanilla, butter, orange peel
Finish: Lingering and smooth
Rating: 90

Mustang Sally – $24

Color: Light gold
Blend: 60% Seyval Blanc, 40% Traminette
Nose: Honeysuckle
Palate: Pear, melon, off-dry
Finish: Long-lasting with bright acidity
Rating: 91

Traminette Reserve (Sparkling) – $24

Nose: Lemon zest
Palate: Crisp citrus, tart melon, with gentle bubbles
Finish: Complex and clean
Rating: 92

Chambourcin – $24

Color: Deep purple
Nose: Plumb/prune
Palate: Blueberry, blackberry, clove, mango
Finish: Silky smooth
Rating: 91

Red Rita Rosé – $24

Color: Bright pink
Nose: Strawberry
Palate: Crisp acidity, slight sweetness, ripe blueberry
Rating: 91

🏞️ Atmosphere Snapshots

A wall of medals. Richly deserved!
Pollo taco bliss. -- An unexpected pairing perfection.
Yes, they have llamas. And wine.

Despite the crowd, Divine Llama had an undeniable charm:

Food truck magic that paired tacos with Traminette bubbles
Playful merch with llama-everything, ideal for lighthearted souvenirs
Outdoor seating under shade trees, llamas grazing just beyond view
Inside: a cool breath of air, colorful shelves of wine and gear

To The Cellar →

Traveler

The Traveler roams the East Coast with a camera in one hand, a tasting journal in the other, and a knack for finding the soul of a place between bites, sips, and local lore. From velvet-seated flights in the shadow of Pilot Mountain to late-night garbage plates under fluorescent lights, every stop is more than a location—it's a story, waiting to be uncorked.

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