Childress Vineyards facts for kids
Childress Vineyards is a special place in Lexington, North Carolina, where delicious wines are made. It's owned by Richard Childress, who is a very famous team owner in NASCAR racing. You might even see a checkered flag design on some of their wine bottles, which is a fun nod to the racing world!
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North Carolina's Wine History
Did you know that North Carolina used to be a huge wine producer? Back in the mid-1800s, there were about 25 wineries in the state. North Carolina was a leader in the American wine market! The main grape used was called Scuppernong. This grape had been important for winemaking in the state for about 200 years.
However, the American Civil War really hurt the wine business. Many workers left, and there wasn't much money to keep things going. Later, a time called Prohibition began in the early 1900s. This made it illegal to make or sell alcohol, which completely stopped winemaking in North Carolina.
After Prohibition ended in 1933, winemaking slowly started to come back. It took many years, even after World War II, for North Carolina's wine industry to really grow again. But now, it's doing very well!
How Childress Vineyards Started
Richard Childress, the NASCAR owner, loved visiting small wineries when he was racing in California in the 1970s. He also explored vineyards in New York. As he met vineyard owners and winemakers, he started thinking about having his own vineyard.
By the 1990s, Richard Childress bought land and planted grapevines. He even started making wine for his friends! Childress Vineyards officially opened its doors in 2004. It's located in a special wine-growing area called the Yadkin Valley AVA. The main winemaker there is Mark Friszolowski.
Childress Vineyards is part of a bigger growth in North Carolina's wine industry. Many new vineyards have opened in the 21st century.
What Kinds of Wine Are Made?
The grapes used at Childress Vineyards are grown right on their land. They also buy grapes from other local farmers. They make many different kinds of wines, including:
- White Wines: Like Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon Blanc.
- Red Wines: Such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.
- They also make sparkling wines and dessert wines.
In a special tribute to North Carolina's history, Childress Vineyards also makes wines from a native grape called Muscadine. This includes a Scuppernong wine, which connects back to the very first winemaking in North Carolina in the 1600s! By 2005, the winery was making 30,000 cases of wine each year. This made it one of the biggest wineries in North Carolina.
Visiting Childress Vineyards
Childress Vineyards is easy to find in Lexington, North Carolina. It's located near the intersection of U.S. Route 52 and U.S. Route 64. You can visit their tasting room every day to try different wines. There's also an Italian-style restaurant called a Bistro where you can have lunch.
The vineyard also hosts fun events like weddings and company parties. They even have free entertainment during the spring and fall seasons!
