The Shelton Vineyards and Winery occupies a 330-acre tract
just off Interstate 77 in the scenic foothills of Surry County.


Shelton Vineyards
Brothers Charles and Ed open their latest entrepreneurial endeavor

By Bill Hensley

As you head for the mountains this month for the annual fall color display, be sure to see the state's newest travel attraction, the Shelton Vineyards and Winery, just of Interstate 77 on Twin Oaks Road near Dobson. It's a showcase of textbook farming and wine-making and a welcome addition to the state's many travel delights.

The picturesque vineyard opened in June and occupies a 330-acre tract in the scenic foothills of Surry County. Some 180 acres of grapevines from California and New York have been planted, and the first vintage of wine is being produced this fall. Plans call for more than 200 acres next year, which will make it the largest in the state.

In addition to the countless rows of vines planted in military precision (all run north to south), there is a handsome and serviceable winery that occupies 3,300 square feet built on three levels. It houses the winemaking operation, a visitor center, a spacious retail store and corporate offices.

The vineyards and winery, a $10 million investment, are the latest creation and dream of the industrious Shelton brothers — Charles and Ed — two of North Carolina's most illustrious business executives. Raised in Mount Airy but now residents of Charlotte, they bought the former tobacco and dairy farm in 1994 in hopes of doing something to benefit the county.

“This outstanding facility will be a popular destination for our many travelers,” says Gordon Clapp, executive director of the state Division of Travel, Film and Sports Development. “It has a broad appeal and combines tourism and agriculture.”

The vineyards will employ a permanent staff of around 25, plus a number of seasonal workers during the annual picking season.

Ed Shelton smiles broadly as he shows visitors around the neat, picturesque growing areas. “This is something we have been interested in for awhile,” he says, “and we are proud of the way it has turned out. We believe the wine produced here will be excellent. And with tobacco on the decline, it is a good way to diversify.”

Shelton Vineyard is the state's 15th winery. Two more are set to open by the end of the year and another three are under construction. Currently, there are 128 vineyards in North Carolina that produce more than 1,500 tons of grapes annually.

Sean McRitchie, who came from Oregon to be general manager, says the vines at Shelton will produce red wines such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese and Syrah and white wines that will include Chardonnay, White Reisling, Sauvignon Blanc, Viogner and Gewurztraminer. The vines are planted six feet apart while the rows are nine feet apart. There are an estimated 133,000 plants now growing.

He said he expects to reap two tons of grapes per acre (10,000 to 15,000 cases) during the first season, increasing to 30,000 cases in later years. It takes at least one year for wine to age in 60-gallon oak barrels that will be stored underground.

McRitchie says there is one crop a season, with the grapes picked in the fall. It takes six to eight weeks to harvest the crop. Vines can live a hundred years or more but are high maintenance, requiring constant pruning, fertilizing, spraying, weed control and canopy management.

“Grapes are a good cash crop,” says Ed Shelton, “so we think there is a strong possibility that the Yadkin Valley may one day be a big grape-growing area. The soil and the temperature are most favorable.”

In that regard, the Shelton brothers have funded a grape-growing course at Surry Community College in Dobson so that local farmers may learn more about what could become a major agricultural industry.

And while you are in the beautiful rolling hills of the Northern Piedmont, take a leisurely drive over to Mount Airy and see the small, pretty town that TV viewers throughout the world know as the prototype of “Mayberry,” the fictional town made famous by native son Andy Griffith.

There, do as the locals have done for decades: dine at Snappy's and sample a juicy, down-home pork chop sandwich, the house specialty. Tell `em Ed Shelton sent you. They'll like that.

Guided tours of Shelton Vineyard are offered from 10 until 6 Monday through Saturday and from 1 to 6 on Sunday. Tours cost $5 and include a wine tasting of Shelton products and a souvenir glass. For more information, call 336-366-4724.

Return to magazine index