Caught It on The River
A Casino Run, A Few Big Wins, and the Perfect Hand in Portsmouth ♠️ The Shuffle Every good poker hand starts with a shuffle — that moment of anticipation before the cards hit the table. Our early‑April road trip felt…
Tag Road Trip
🥂 Western NC Wine Trail Wrap-Up – Reflections, Favorites & Final Sips
After four wineries, one mountain summit, and a gallery of tasting notes, our Western NC wine trail came to a close with a car full of bottles and a head full of memories. Each stop had its own rhythm—from minimalist…
🍷 Stop 4: JOLO Winery & Vineyards – Sparkle, Prestige & Pilot Mountain Views
Nestled at the base of Pilot Mountain, JOLO Winery is more than a tasting room—it’s a legacy in the making. Founded in 2010 by JW and Kristen Ray, the name “JOLO” is a tribute to their sons, Joey and Logan.…
🏔️ Pilot Mountain Detour – A View Worth the Climb
Before our final tasting, we took a scenic detour to Pilot Mountain, one of North Carolina’s most iconic landmarks. Rising 2,421 feet above sea level, this quartzite monadnock has guided travelers for centuries. The Saura tribe called it Jomeokee, meaning…
🍷 Stop 3: Cellar 4201 – Intimate Vibes & Barrel-Aged Brilliance
A short drive brought us to Cellar 4201, tucked along Apperson Road—and yes, that’s where the name comes from: 4201 is their address. This boutique vineyard and tasting room sits just outside East Bend, styled like a cozy wine cellar…
🦙 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…
🍇 Stop 1: Medaloni Cellars – Pour, Sip, Reflect
Our trail began at Medaloni Cellars, tucked into the rolling hills just west of Winston-Salem. The drive set the tone—green fields, winding lanes, and a quiet anticipation. Arriving near noon, we found a sprawling interior with rustic wood beams and…
🍷 Western NC Wine Trail – July 5, 2025
A full-bodied journey through rolling hills, curious varietals, and tasting room tales. Two hours west of Cary, tucked between the Blue Ridge foothills and the Yadkin River, lies one of North Carolina’s best-kept secrets: a wine country bursting with character,…
Two Tastes of Tradition: Winding Road & Philip Carter (May 9, 2015)
A sunny Saturday in early May led us through the rolling hills of Virginia to two charming wineries, each with its own story to tell—and flavors to share. First Stop: Winding Road Cellars With the breeze drifting through the vines,…
A Good Friday Tasting – April 18, 2014
The breeze was crisp, the tulips freshly opened, and everything in Charlottesville whispered of something just beginning. It was our first time in the region—our first time at Michie Tavern, where the gardens spilled over with color and the scent…
