4 minute read
Nurturing a Dream into a Realty
BY JENNIFER PRIMROSE
Zimmerman Vineyards is a family-owned vineyard in Trinity, North Carolina, amidst the scenic rolling hills. It is situated just off I-85 in Randolph County, offering a serene escape approximately an hour and a half from Raleigh and slightly over an hour from Charlotte.
As visitors traverse a gravel road flanked by sprawling vineyards, a rustic tasting room greets wine lovers that exudes warmth and hospitality. The five acres of vines sit on 140-acres of land, offering breathtaking views of the Uwharrie Mountains and providing a tranquil backdrop for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The journey of Zimmerman Vineyards traces back to
the 1980s when the Zimmerman family embarked on a new chapter in their lives, venturing into a realm of possibilities by purchasing a plot of land.
“It started back in 1987 when my parents began the whole thing. It wasn’t a winery then. It was just land and a new opportunity, a new start, from where they had been before,” says Lauren Zimmerman, who you’ll usually see running the tasting room at the winery.
For 25 years, the family poured their passion into the vineyard, transforming it into a thriving enterprise.
What began as a labor of love evolved into Randolph County’s first commercial vineyard, a beacon of hope and perseverance.
In 2007, Zimmerman Vineyards officially opened its doors to the public, with the parents at the helm, navigating the nuances of viticulture while their children, still young at the time, lent a helping hand in various capacities. However, as life unfolded, challenges arose, prompting a transition to the next generation.
Last year, Lauren and Shane Zimmerman, the son and daughter of the original proprietors, assumed leadership roles within the business. While Lauren oversees the day-to-day operations, meticulously managing the property, Shane spearheads the business aspects from Charlotte, infusing fresh perspectives and strategies into the family legacy.
Reflecting on the vineyard’s journey, Lauren acknowledges the challenges, from battling diseases to weathering frosty setbacks amongst the vines. Yet, amidst the trials and tribulations, an unwavering passion exists to uphold the family’s tradition and elevate the vineyard to new heights.
For Shane, delving into the intricacies of business administration in the winery and vineyard realm and social media has been a journey marked by growth, learning and adaptation.
“It’s been a huge learning curve, for sure—for me, at least,” says Shane Zimmerman, who spends a majority of her time in Charlotte. “I know Lauren has been a huge part of the vineyard for longer than I have just because he’s lived close by and has been managing the property for the past ten years, for the most part.”
Despite facing challenges, Zimmerman is thriving and producing diverse wines that perfectly capture the region’s essence. All grapes are grown on-site, but the wine-making process is produced off-site at Childress Vineyards in Lexington, where Mark Friszolowski and his team produce the wine.
Looking towards the future, Zimmerman aims to expand its offerings and elevate the guest experience through events and venue enhancements. With plans to augment event spaces and accommodate larger gatherings and weddings, the winery aspires to foster a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
Throughout the tasting room and on the wine labels, you will see a theme inspired by Greek mythology, particularly the story of the King of Corinth. In this myth, the king was doomed to push a boulder uphill forever, only to have it roll back down again.
They also draw inspiration from other mythological figures, such as Persephone, the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, queen of the underworld. By embracing this theme, the winery draws parallels between the enduring challenges of Sisyphus and Persephone and their uphill battle to establish a flourishing vineyard amidst adversity.
The journey is far from over as Zimmerman Vineyards continues to carve its legacy in the heart of North Carolina’s wine country. With each passing day, the family remains steadfast in crafting exceptional wines, cultivating community, and nurturing their dream into a lasting reality.
