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As a long time student of history and geography, there are certain travel destinations that hold a great opportunity to experience the best of both. In terms of historical pride and geographical diversity, perhaps no state offers more of both than North Carolina. North Carolina is indeed a study in contrasts, and those contrasts offer travelers some very pleasant surprises.
One look at a map of North Carolina tells part of the story. In the far western part of the state, the Appalachian mountains provide a scenic backdrop. The central Piedmont area is home to growing cities along with a technological hub. Further east is a naturalists paradise - windswept beaches, coastal plains, and picturesque harborside communities.
Amidst it all, the North Carolina wine industry thrives. In vineyards and wineries from the mountains to the coast, North Carolina boasts the 10th largest grape and wine production in the United States. Each distinct North Carolina area offers different varieties of grapes, producing quite possibly one of the widest variety of wine styles in the country.
Here in North Carolina, growers still grow the versatile muscadine grape, a staple in southeastern states. Yet, this is just one small part of grape growing and wine growing here. Vintners in the mountain and Piedmont region of North Carolina have planted traditional European grape varieties and French-American Hybrids, with the result being a surprising and ever evolving selection of wines for travelers and wine lovers.
North Carolina Wine: Tar Heel State Surprises
In the far southeastern corner of North Carolina, four wineries offer travelers a scenic wine trail to explore and enjoy. Each of the four offer wines made with the southern staple, the muscadine grape. But it's not all about muscadine wine here. There is a suprising array of wine styles to sample and enjoy, and something for even the most discriminating of palates.
As you enter the state from South Carolina's Myrtle Beach area, you'll see a sign for Silver Coast Winery, just 15 miles inland from the Atlantic coast. On their 40 acre tranquil winery site, Silver Coast produces wines that have won several international wine competition awards, including an impressive oak chardonnay.
In historic Wilmington, a charming port city and site of numerous tv and movie filmings, you'll find Lumina Winery. Lumina is well known for their adventurous fruit wines. Try their unique black rasberry merlot or the wonderfully balanced semi sweet white offerings.
Slightly inland from Wilmington just off of Interstate 40, you'll discover two more wineries, including North Carolina's largest and oldest, Duplin Winery. Duplin produces over 250,000 cases a year and their Hatteras Red is quite possibly North Carolina's most well known wine. Nearby is Bannerman Vineyard and Winery, producing muscadine varieties from their on site vineyard. Be sure to sample their White Oak semi sweet white, a fruity and approachable white table wine.
With over 70 wineries, North Carolina's wine industry continues to thrive. In addition to the coastal area discussed in this travelogue, there are two other distinct grape growing and wine producing regions in the western and central part of the state. No matter where you turn in North Carolina, you'll find great wine and true southern hospitality awaiting you.
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