Waterfront Group Brings Fresh Wine Offerings to the High Country By Karen Rieley
W
ith the opening of Eagles Nest Winery and the acquisition of Watauga Lake Winery and Villa Nove Vineyards, the Waterfront Group is bringing new wines and new experiences to the High Country. In a region gaining a reputation as wine country, these offerings are welcome additions for wine aficionados. Eagles Nest Winery features the finest wines from California, all shipped in firstuse barrels and bottled at its new facility that is set upon a ridgeline at 1965 Old Beech Mountain Road, Elk Park, N.C., just past the North Pavilion and right outside the rear gate at Eagles Nest’s highest elevation. Patrons enjoy a wide range of ever-evolving varietals and blends— French barrel-aged, muscular Cabernet Sauvignon; a tropical Viognier; a luscious barre-fermented Chardonnay; a crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc; a plum and oak-focused Merlot; or an exotic Pinot Noir— in the rustically-elegant, converted barn with custom wood tables and a grand fireplace. Wine tastings, food service, live music and monthly member wine dinners are offered. “We’re getting ready to bottle seven new wines,” said Joe Smith, who is the executive winemaker and operations consultant for the two wineries. “We also have some new events coming, such as a wine blending event, a wine pairing dinner and a special winemaker tasting event.”
Outside, five separate gathering areas feature gas- and wood-burning firepits with sitting areas for savoring wine, visiting with friends and enjoying stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Call Eagles Nest at (828) 898-2027 for daily, weekend or yearly membership options. The winery operates Thursday and Friday, 4-10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 1-7 p.m. “We enjoy creating infrastructure that allows folks to get away and escape to the mountain to get back to basics. Our vision for the wineries is to help others find peace and serenity in a lifestyle that promotes family and nature,” Smith said. Peace and serenity abound at Watauga Lake Winery and Villa Nove Vineyards as well. Watauga Lake Winery is located in the historical Dry Run Schoolhouse, located at 6952 Big Dry Run Rd, Butler, TN. “Rumor has it the schoolhouse is haunted,” said Smith. “Ghost hunters came here and deemed there is paranormal activity. We’re going to be offering a bold red wine named ‘Fred’ after the friendly ghost that inhabits the school.” The first winery in Johnson County, TN, its wines—from light, fruity and crisp whites to robust and well-balanced reds— exhibit the unique terroir characteristics of the Watauga Lake area. The winery has been recognized in regional competitions,
including Wines of the South, Asheville Food and Wine Festival, and the MidAtlantic Southeast Wine Competition. An extensive remodel and makeover for the winery is underway. The patio has been expanded and fun outdoor games like Cornhole have been added. Flatbreads and woodfired pizzas are served, with more food offerings to come. Mixed cases of wine are available at a discount. “For the first time ever, we will be using a mobile bottling truck named “OLD BLUE” from Georgia to increase the quality of the wine and allow us to produce 2,000 bottles per hour,” Smith said. Villa Nove Vineyards is next door to Watauga Lake Winery and just minutes away from beautiful Watauga Lake. Its vineyard-laced hills give way to a breathtaking 360-degree view of the mountain ranges that surround the Tuscan-themed wedding pavilion. The wedding pavilion will accommodate over 200 guests and offers restrooms and a caterer’s staging kitchen. A vineyard cottage is also available, making the property a perfect destination for a wedding. Watauga Lake Winery is open on Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 12-6 p.m. Villa Nove Vineyards is open on Saturdays only from 12-8 p.m.
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