Thanks to Morganton's New Herald for the great coverage of the day. Over 200 guests, abundant springtime sunshine, plenty of our wine. We're off and running. Come by and see us. Here's the story about the opening day:
New winery opens in Burke
By BRIAN GRAVES | Posted: Sunday, April 7, 2013 7:14 am
MORGANTON — There is a place on Patton Road in Burke County that reminds one of a mountain chalet.
However, the slopes at this chalet are filled not with snow but with grapes.
Silver Fork Winery hosted the grand opening of its new shop Saturday and by the number who lined up for the Burke County wine, the day was a roaring success.
“It been phenomenal,” said co-owner Jennifer Foulides. “I haven’t even been able to step outside we have been so busy at the tasting bar.
Foulides said the style of the new place comes from her and co-owner Ed Wisnieski’s love of the craftsman style of architecture.
She added that all of the work was done by local craftsmen and builders making it a truly unique Burke County attraction.
“Inside, we wanted to incorporate a lot of things that were on the property,” Foulides said.
The wood behind the tasting bar comes from when the building was a barn.
“We call it the bar of second chances,” she says with a life.
Silver Fork currently grows its crop on five acres of land which can yield up to 600 to 700 bottles.
“Last year, we had that late frost and only had 50 percent of what we usually do,” Foulides said.
She said the most popular white wine they currently sell is the Chardonnay Reserve.
“This is a unique micro-climate facing the South Mountains,” she said. “The altitude and the minerality really impart something nice from a fruit perspective.”
Between the reds, the Chambourcin and the Cabernet Sauvignon top the customers’ favorite lists.
People don’t usually associate North Carolina with wine, but Foulides says she believe that can change.
“When you see North Carolina, there are a lot of great varieties. Muscadine is the native grape. The fruit is what really speaks for itself,” she said.
Foulides said there are no plans to get any bigger, but she wants to begin hosting specials events such as concerts and weddings.
Ed Phillips, Burke County tourism director, says the winery can be one of the premier destinations for the county.
“What they have done here is first-class,” Phillips said. “Just wait until we found out how many different counties were represented here today. And once people start seeing the billboards on the interstate, it will definitely be a premier attraction for Burke County.”
