Growing up in northern Virginia, I had an abundance of stellar wineries at my fingertips. After moving to Charlotte, I was curious how the wineries in North Carolina would compare. I’m always down for a good glass of wine in a picturesque spot. Luckily, there are several wineries within a two-hour drive of the Queen City. Recently, I’d heard people raving about Davesté Vineyards. Located in the Lake Norman area, less than an hour from the city center, the winery is the perfect spot for a Saturday day trip.
A Chocolate and Wine Affair
I drove up to the vineyard with my fiancé on a chilly February morning. After passing hundreds of rows of hibernating grape vines, we pulled up to the rustic log cabin (we’d later find out this was the tasting room). At nearly sixty acres, the property was massive, so it took a bit of exploring to make our way to the events pavilion, where our adventure would begin.
Because it was the weekend after Valentine’s Day, we were able to score tickets to a chocolate and wine pairing – one of the many monthly events the property hosts throughout the year. We sat at a long table with fellow wine and chocolate lovers, eagerly awaiting what would come. In front of each place setting was a small box of truffles from Carolina Chocolate Company, a family-owned business in nearby Clover that the winery had partnered with for the event. It was a brilliant choice – the chocolate was amazing!
The goal of the pairing was to show us how the tannins in different varietals of wine would complement the richness of different types of chocolate for a harmonious balance. While we were given specific varietals to sample with each truffle, like the Chambourcin with the sea salt caramel truffle and the Cabernet Franc with the butter pecan truffle, Sue (manager at Davesté Vineyards and our awesome event guide) made sure to let us know that there is no wrong pairing. Half the fun is figuring out which pairings taste best to you.
Davesté Vineyards: A Tapestry of Art and Wine
While I enjoy a good Sauvignon Blanc as much as the next girl, I’ve never claimed to be a wine connoisseur by any stretch of the imagination. So, trying a handful of varietals and learning more about what to look for when pairing different treats with your wine was educational and a lot of fun. After the event, we continued exploring the grounds to take it all in. Everything about Davesté Vineyards was clearly a labor of love, from the manmade pond with a small bridge and waterfall to the stunning wall of handmade art curated by co-owner/artist Estér DeFehr and her talented friends.
Next, my fiancé and I went to the tasting room (remember that rustic cabin?) to indulge in more wine. Impossible to miss was the impressive row of awards hanging from wine bottles, stretching from one end of the room to the other. I opted for a fruity sangria, while my fiancé decided to stick with the Cabernet Franc he had fallen in love with during the wine and chocolate pairing.
We admired the locally made artwork on the walls, a major theme at Davesté Vineyards and one of the things that made it so special. In fact, the label on every wine bottle is artwork designed by Estér or one of her cohorts. For years, Estér and her local band of artists have been getting together each week to paint. The proof is in the grapes – or, in this case, – tastefully strewn across the winery walls and on the label of every wine bottle the property sells.
Uncovering the Magic Behind the Scenes
During my visit, I had the chance to sit down with Estér, where I learned that the winery started as her husband Dave’s brainchild. The couple had retired and sought something new to devote their time to. In 2005, after some convincing from Dave, the two purchased a large plot of land in Troutman, North Carolina, and embarked on a journey to create Iredell County’s first winery. Over the next few years, the pair brought their vision to life with the help of hard-working friends and volunteers. Dave got his dream of owning a winery, and Estér incorporated her passion for art into the mix, culminating in an entirely new concept for North Carolina’s viticulture.
Just as the winery is a blend of Dave and Estér’s two loves, the name itself does the same: Davesté Vineyards combines the couple’s first names. Today, the property is home to over two thousand vines, a tasting room, a winery, an events pavilion, and a 600-foot well where the team brews its own craft beer.
A Symphony of Flavors: Food, Wine, and Music
After enjoying a long conversation with Estér, my fiancé and I headed out back to order some food. The on-site food truck serves up traditional American fare like burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches nearly every weekend. I ordered a cheeseburger, my fiancé opted for a hot dog, and we split a crispy side of fries. We grabbed a table in the events pavilion and chowed down while listening to the mesmerizing sounds of Rose & Thorn, the live music group that was playing that day.
Between the delicious food, velvety wine, engaging events, serene yet lively atmosphere, and friendly staff, I can guarantee I’ll be returning to Davesté Vineyards for another visit. As much as I love the city I live in, it’s amazing to know that unique destinations like this exist within easy driving distance.
