Outer Banks Of Currituck - Winery Tour Vacation
When deciding on a vacation destination, be certain to explore the Outer Banks of Currituck’s Wineries. For a wine tasting vacation, begin your trip with a stay in one of the cozy bed and breakfast inns or a vacation rental. When you are rested and ready, take U.S. Route 168 to Currituck Sound Ferry to Knott’s Island. The Ferry is free but, call 800-By-Ferry (800-293-3779) for the schedule. Then, follow NC Route 615 for 2.7 miles to Martin Farm Lane where you will find the Martin Vineyards.
The Martin family moved to Knott’s Island in 1977 and began a farm with peaches and Schuppemong grapes. Ten years later, they started planting Vinifera grapes. When they started the crop, they discovered this variety of grape was very well suited to the soil and weather of the Outer Banks.
At this winery, you can sample some delightful dry reds, semi-dry whites, sweet and dry white wines. With experts available to answer your questions, you will certainly find a wine that is well suited to your particular taste.
Next, visit Moonrise Bay Vineyard. Once on Knott’s Island the winery is 3.5 miles from the ferry dock on Woodleigh Road. One mile down Woodleigh Road you reach the Moonrise Bay sign, which will be on the left at the entrance to the driveway.
They have a very nice front porch that gives you a great view of the sunrise or, even better, moonrise over-looking Knott’s Island Sound from whence the vineyard derives its name. This vineyard features dry whites, dry reds and some delicious sweet berry wines. The vineyard began in 1997 as a hobby and grew to the enterprise it is today. The Winery was completed in August of 2000 just in time for the first grape harvest.
Back on the mainland, try the Sanctuary Vineyards. Located off of Highway 158 in Jarvisberg, this vineyard is a must-see for the wine connoisseur. This vineyard produces two outstanding wines: Coastal Collage and the Lightkeeper. Coastal Collage is a medium bodied red wine that is very nice on the palette. It is produced with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a little bit of Syrah. The Lightkeeper is a table wine featuring Sangiovese, Vidal and Chardonnay grapes, available in a dry red or a light white. The Sanctuary Vineyards tasting room is located inside the historic Cotton Gin in Jarvisburg, NC. The cellars are open for complimentary tastings on the weekends.
With the varied wine offerings, you will want to visit again and again until you have tried them all. Or go back for more of your favorite.
Karen Vertigan Pope writes for the Official Visitor’s and Tourism Guide of North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
Tags: currituck ferry, martin vineyards, moonrise bay vineyard, outer banks, sanctuary vineyards, winery
