Southern US states come to town

Published: 23 July, 2008

The Southern US Trade Association's
inaugural UK tasting will present wines from 10 wineries across Texas, North Carolina and Tennessee on 25 January. The event takes place at Strictly Hush in Mayfair from 11.30am to 3.30pm. The wine industry in these states is growing fast from increased domestic demand: in North Carolina, the number of wineries has doubled to 60 since 2003, while Texas is now the fifth-largest wine-producing state in the US. Contact Madeleine Waters (01225 832237; madeleine@watershedcommunications.com) to attend the tasting.

Shelton Vineyards

Owner Charles Shelton will present wines from his estate near Dobson in North Carolina's Yadkin Valley appellation. The main varieties grown in his 200-acre vineyard are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese.

Duplin Winery

Founded in 1976, making it the oldest winery in North Carolina, this family-owned and operated vineyard focuses on Vitis rotundifolia, the best-known varieties being the Scuppernong and Magnolia.

Childress Vineyards

Former NASCAR racing star Richard Childress opened his eponymous winery in North Carolina's Yadkin Valley in 2004. His philosophy - You're only as successful as the team with which you surround yourself' - has led to rapid success, and Childress Vineyards is described as a New Up-and-Coming Producer' in Tom Stevenson's Wine Report 2007. Vineyard manager and winemaker Mark Friszolowski will be on hand to present the wines, which include a Meritage' Bordeaux-style blend, a late-harvest Viognier and a sparkling blanc de blancs.

Beachaven Vineyards & Winery

Award-winning Beachaven from Clarksville, Tennessee, will show sweet wines from the Concord and Niagara varieties, as well as a semi-sweet blend of Gewrztraminer with Vidal Blanc called JAZZ!

Stonehaus Winery

Situated high on Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau, Stonehaus Winery produces 12 wines from varieties that range from Merlot to Muscadine. Bob Ramsay will be at Strictly Hush to discuss the Homestead White (from Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc and Cayuda), Davenport Red (from Concord) and Raspberry Mist.

Flat Creek Estate

A regular in the Greatest Wine Producer' category in Tom Stevenson's Wine Report, owners Rick and Madelyn Naber grow Italian, Rhne and Portuguese varieties in their 20-acre vineyard near Austin in the Texas Hill Country appellation. They will be showing the 2006 Flat Creek Estate Pinot Grigio and 2004 Flat Creek Estate Super Texan from Sangiovese.

Texoma Winery

Owner and winemaker Bob White of Texoma Winery, on the Texas-Oklahoma border, will be on hand to discuss his wine range, which includes a Merlot and the newly released Three Step, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Ruby Cabernet.

Paris Vineyards

A Stetson hat sits atop the Eiffel Tower in the distinctive branding for Paris Vineyards of Paris, Texas, near Dallas. Owner Denise Dority will present her collection, including a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese.

Haak Winery

Winemaker Raymond Haak produces wines from varieties he says are uniquely suited to the Texas climate, including Blanc du Bois, Tempranillo and Jacquez, which is used to produce a Madeira-style wine in the traditional estufa system.

Fall Creek Vineyards

Ed and Susan Auler established Fall Creek Vineyards in the Texas Hill Country in 1975. Susan will be showing their super-premium brand' MERITUS.

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