Cork Talk

This episode is another Best of Cork Talk episode featuring Golden Road Vineyards in State Road, NC! When we first spoke with them, they walked us through their unexpected journey into wine, how they landed in North Carolina, and the vision behind what they were building. Their story kicked off Season 4, and even then it was clear they were on a path shaped by passion, persistence, and community. In this updated episode, we check in with Chad and Crista to hear how things have evolved. They’ve expanded their wine and beverage offerings, strengthened their social media presence, and shared exciting hints about what’s ahead as they look toward 2026 and beyond. Golden Road continues to grow in inspiring ways and this episode shows just how far they’ve come and where they’re headed next. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

Welcome to our first episode of Season 8 of Cork Talk! This episode features Scott and Elizabeth Barone from Castello Barone Vineyards in Ronda, NC! Located in the heart of the Swan Creek AVA, Castello Barone Vineyards is a boutique vineyard and winery that is grounded in Old World wine traditions, service to others, and a deep respect for craftsmanship. Their winemaking journey started as home brewers and home winemakers in Florida. Eventually the hobby became a passion and Scott and Elizabeth were looking for a way to make this into a larger project. They decided to settled in the Swan Creek AVA due to the higher concentration of vineyards in the area as well as on the traditional and homey feel that the region conveys. When you listen their story, you’ll find that the core beliefs of Faith, Family, and Service run throughout everything they do at Castello Barone. Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back again! For Season 8, they are going back through the vineyard and finding more grape varietals for us to discuss, most of them will be lesser known grapes that you’ll find here in North Carolina. We begin our discussions with Petit Manseng. For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at https://soundcloud.com/joshtime. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

We’re closing out our 2025 season with a Year End Review! As part of this tradition, we’ve brought together other digital influencers in the North Carolina wine scene to reflect on the highlights of 2025. You’ll hear from Delayne and Charles from Winey Friends, Jesse and Jessica from The Wine Mouths, Natalie from Tarheel Taps and Corks, Nicole from the NC Wine and Grape Council, Dave from Vino-Sphere, and Arthur from Merlot2Muscadine. In this episode we cover many topics ranging from the creation of the Tryon Foothills AVA to memorable events and new experiences. This episode is packed with insights and stories that celebrate the growth and resilience of our wine community. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

In this episode, we sit down with Neil Shore and his daughter Jennifer Hiatt from Sanders Ridge Vineyard & Winery in Boonville, NC! Neil and Jennifer share the story of transforming a 180-year old family farm into a modern vineyard and winery. Family and heritage are at the heart of everything they do at Sanders Ridge (the name itself comes from Neil’s great great grandfather). While the vineyard is a relatively recent addition to the family farm, the legacy of working with the land has been a long standing tradition in the Big Woods. Throughout the conversation, you’ll hear stories spanning generations of the Shore family farming on the land and making connections throughout the community. We talk about their approach to creating wines that balance sophistication and fun and how they have created a welcoming space for making memorable experiences. Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back again! Join us as they talk about ebulliometers and their importance in the winemaking process! For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at twitter.com/joshtimejosh. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

We’re featuring another Best of Cork Talk episode, this time we’re revisiting our conversation with the team at Linville Falls Winery in Newland, NC! Back in 2021, we chatted with Linda, Jessica, and Lindsay during a snowy winter storm. In this special update, we catch up with Linda and Lindsay while Jessica is off welcoming a brand-new member to the family! We dive into how Linville Falls Winery continues to evolve, offering relaxing, personalized tasting experiences, and immersive vineyard tours, connecting guests to the land and the wines. During our recap, we also explore their Choose and Cut Christmas Tree business called Red Barn Tree Farm. Each holiday season, families flock to Linville Falls Winery to pick out the perfect Christmas tree, sip on hot cocoa, and enjoy the festive charm of a vintage themed mountain Christmas. Also in the recap, you head Lindsay talk about the Foscoe Home Team, head to their website to find out more. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

In this episode of Cork Talk, we feature JW Ray, owner of JOLO Winery & Vineyards in Pilot Mountain, NC and Rayson Winery & Vineyards in Mocksville, NC! JW discusses his journey from being brought up in a hospitality family to becoming an entrepreneur and winemaker here in North Carolina. We explore the philosophy behind the award winning wines at JOLO and Rayson and how JW is pushing to elevate the experience through exceptional hospitality. By setting the bar high for how guests are treated, JW shows that it’s the people that matter and that make a memorable moment. Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back again! Join us as they talk about how chromatography is used in the winemaking process! For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at twitter.com/joshtimejosh. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

It’s another Best of Cork Talk episode, this time we revisit our conversation with Amy Michael, the Entomological Programs Manager with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is spreading here in North Carolina and across the Southeast. Stick around for the end of the episode where Amy gives us a quick update about new tools, partnership, and approaches for how to deal with this invasive pest. Throughout the episode, you’ll hear mention of specific sites and resources to visit. Here are a few recommendations to get you started on the right path: NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services: SLF Resource Page NC State Extension – Gardening NC: SLF Resource Page NC Cooperative Extension: SLF Resource Page Find your County Extension Office If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

This episode features Craig Little and Heath Little from Stone Ashe Vineyards in Hendersonville, NC! Stone Ashe is situated on a dramatic landscape of steep rolling hills with stunning views. As a small family-run vineyard and winery, they are able to concentrate on their deep commitment to viticulture and winemaking. In this episode, we sat down with Heath and Craig in their brand-new winery production facility. The conversation proved to be enlightening and deeply meaningful. We learned about their passion for grape growing, wine making, and educating visitors about what it means to support local wine. Though Craig was facing health challenges that day, he lit up when we when we started to talk about his love for growing grapes and making wine. This episode captures one of his final opportunities to speak about the work he loved, and we’re honored to share it with you. Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back again! Join us as they talk about SO2 and how it’s used in the winemaking process! For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at twitter.com/joshtimejosh. We also featured a Sparkling Rosé of Nobel from Erik Martella Wines, find out more here: https://erikmartellawines.com If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

We’re featuring another Best of Cork Talk episode, this time we look back at our conversation with Sofia Lily at Overmountain Vineyards in Tryon, NC! We catch up on how the tasting room has evolved over the past 5 years to enhance your experience when you visit. Wine quality continues to be a focus and Sofia talks to us about how they continue to push boundaries. During our recap conversation, we also discussed the impact of Hurricane Helene to Western North Carolina and how Sofia and Overmountain Vineyards were involved in the recovery efforts. Sofia partnered with a nearby dairy, Big Bottom Milk Company to switch over to bottling fresh water for anyone who needed. Through their efforts they eventually turned into a support hub for the region. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

This episode features Ken Parker from Souther Williams Vineyard in Fletcher, NC! We recorded this episode sitting outside their open air tasting room on a perfect spring afternoon. Ken talked to us about what it’s like growing grapes on his family’s multi-generational farm and what the future of wine looks like in the Crest of the Blue Ridge AVA in Western North Carolina. Nestled in Hoopers Creek Valley between Hendersonville, NC and Fletcher, NC, Souther Williams Vineyard is in a picturesque setting. The 85-acre farm is situated on a mix of rolling hillsides and fertile flat plains. When you visit, you’ll enjoy a laid-back mountain charm and a unique tasting experience. Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back again! Join us as they talk about Acidity in wine and how to measure it during the winemaking process. For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at twitter.com/joshtimejosh. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

We’re featuring another Best of Cork Talk episode, this time we revisit our conversation with Lance Hiatt and Tim Parks from Marked Tree Vineyard in Flat Rock, NC! We catch up about how things have changed over the past 5 years including a brand new production facility and other changes that help to elevate North Carolina Wine. Marked Tree Vineyard is situated on the Eastern Continental Divide. Water on one side of the vineyard eventually runs into the Atlantic Ocean while on the other side it runs into the Gulf of Mexico. This unique location is an excellent site for growing grapes, producing wine, and simply relaxing and enjoying nature. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

In this episode of Cork Talk, we explore the impact of Hurricane Helene on North Carolina’s wine industry. Hear firsthand stories of resilience and recovery from local wineries and vineyards. Discover how the community has faced challenges and adapted in the aftermath of the storm. Join us for an inspiring look at the strength and determination of North Carolina’s wine industry. For this discussion, we bring together six Western North Carolina wineries and vineyards. You’ll hear from Jeff Frisbee from Addison Farms Vineyard, Lance Hiatt and Tim Parks from Marked Tree Vineyard, Dave Coventry from Mountain Brook Vineyards, Cory Lillberg from Parker-Binns Vineyard, Alan Ward from Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, and Heath Little from Stone Ashe Vineyards. Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back again! Join us as they talk about Hydrometers! For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at twitter.com/joshtimejosh. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

We’re featuring another Best of Cork Talk episode, this time it’s our discussion with Elizabeth Anne Dover Bishop from The Farm at Dover Vineyards in Concord, NC! Our original interview was back in 2020 and was our first one that we did in a remote setup and we look back on this as one to remember. We caught up with Elizabeth Anne during the 2025 North Carolina Winegrowers annual conference to see how things are going at the vineyard and farm. Our recap with Elizabeth Anne is at the end of the episode so be sure to listen! If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

Our first episode of our 7th season features Erik Martella from Erik Martella Wines! Erik has a formal education in chemistry and an extensive background in winemaking in California. When he moved to the Southeast, he became fascinated by the concept of creating uniquely American Fine Wine. This quest aims to break away from European grape standards and embrace native North American grape varieties. Erik Martella is committed to exploring the Muscadine grape and pushing the boundaries of what Muscadine wine can be. He is elevating Muscadine wine by highlighting the unique qualities of the grape and focusing on small-batch production to emphasize innovation and change perspectives. Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back again! In this season, Jesse and Jessica will discuss the science behind winemaking. Join us in this episode as we discuss wine refractometers! For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at twitter.com/joshtimejosh. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

In this episode, we gathered four special guests to help us have an engaging discussion as we remember 2024. You’ll hear from Dave Nirshi author of Vino-Sphere, Arthur Barham creator of Merlot2Muscadine, Natalie Hampton author of Tarheel Taps and Corks, and Hailey Klepcyk President of the North Carolina Winegrowers Association. As we wrap up 2024, it’s time to reflect on a year that has been both challenging and inspiring for the North Carolina wine community. The devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on our beloved vineyards and the loss of cherished industry members have tested our resilience. Despite these hardships, the spirit and strength of our community have shone brightly, showcasing the unwavering dedication of those who make North Carolina wine so special. In our latest podcast episode, “Looking Back at 2024,” we gather with friends to discuss these significant events and share some of our favorite moments from the year. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of how Hurricane Helene affected local wineries, stories of those we’ve lost, and the changes within our community. Our special guests will share their favorite things from this year, offering a heartwarming look at the resilience and unity that define our industry. For more information about the events you heard about in this episode, please visit these links: International Petit Verdot Day – January 25, 2025 NC Winegrowers Annual Conference – January 30 – February 1, 2025 Taste of NC – Several Dates in 2025 #NCWine Digital Media Summit – March 23 & 24, 2025 International Wine Symposium – May 21-14, 2025 In Memoriam Karen Parker-Binns: https://memorials.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com/karen-parker-binns/5416340/ Tom King: https://www.hudsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/thomas-king Dan Smith: https://www.richardbolesfuneralservice.com/obituary/DanielDan-SmithJr Michael Zimmerman: https://www.salemfh.com/obituaries/Michael-David-Zimmerman?obId=33116829 If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

This episode we go back to the beginning and revisit Jones von Drehle Vineyards in Thurmond, NC! Jones von Drehle was our first episode that we ever recorded. This time, we visited the vineyard when they had a special Sip and Savor wine and food event event to celebrate their own 10 year anniversary. We talked with Chuck and Diana Jones about how things have changed over time and what’s coming up. Tanner Pardue joined us as well to talk about changes in the winery and how quality has continued to rise year after year. Finally, we wrap up with a conversation with chef Lil Lacassagne from Saint Jaques at the Burke Manor Inn who was the featured chef for the event. Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back again! Join us as they talk about Cider! For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at twitter.com/joshtimejosh. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

This month we have another Best of Cork Talk episode, featuring Michael Zimmerman of Junius Lindsay Vineyard in Welcome, NC! In this episode, we pay tribute to Michael who passed away on September 12, 2024. Over the years, we grew to appreciate our friendship with Michael as each visit brought something new. Junius Lindsay is still open and the staff are just as friendly as ever. In this episode, you’ll learn about Michael’s passion for growing grapes, farming his family land, and how he became so interested in producing top quality wine. This episode was originally recorded for Season 2 of Cork Talk which aired in February of 2020. Our friends and contributors Jesse and Jessica join us again. Not for a Wine Class this time, but to share their memories of Michael and of Junisus Lindsay Vineyard. For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. For anyone who is interested in sharing their memories of Michael, his family and friends would enjoy hearing from you. You can share a memory or a tribute here: Obituary Information for Michael David Zimmerman This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

This episode features Dylan and Nicole Tatum from Grandfather Vineyard & Winery in Banner Elk, NC! Dylan and Nicole tell us about how Grandfather Vineyard got started back in 2003. Over time, they found that hybrid grape varieties thrive in the cooler climate of the Appalachian High Country AVA, producing wines with high acidity and bold fruit flavors. Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back again! Join us as they talk about the winemaking style called Pét Nat! For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at twitter.com/joshtimejosh. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

This month it’s another Best of Cork Talk episode featuring Kim and Benny Myers from Laurel Gray Vineyards in Hamptonville, NC! We interviewed Kim and Benny back in 2019 and featured the episode Dreams Don’t Work Unless You Do in July of that year. Fast forward 5 years and a lot has changed! There have been major additions to the tasting room with expanded seating under their veranda, updates in the winery with new equipment, and don’t forget about the wines! Over the years, producing quality wine has been a focus and it continues to improve year after year. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org P.S. If you saw an earlier episode pop up in your feed, this one corrected the audio issue from the previous episode!

We’re celebrating our 10th anniversary as the North Carolina Wine Guys with a special anniversary episode! This episode features a discussion with our friends Jessica Adams and Jesse Byrd, you may know them as the Wine Mouths! They’re also celebrating 10 years so we thought it would be great for us to reflect on our times together. (Pictures below show some highlights.) This was a fun episode to record and the discussion was great! We talk about what the industry was like 10 years ago, how we each got started, and what we’re hoping for in the future. One of the major highlights that we discuss is the improvement in quality over time. A lot has changed in the last 10 years and we think the wines speak for themselves! This was the very first time we met at Grove Vineyard! We had a quick blogger round up wine tour featuring the Van in Black as our transportation. A special wine tasting! We met up at Haze Gray Vineyards to record a few Wine Class segments. We met up for a picnic lunch at Daveste Vineyards to enjoy the nice weather. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org