Divine Llama Vineyards
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: Divine Llama Vineyards in East Bend, North Carolina offers a unique experience for visitors to the property. At this unusual destination site, the owners have paired vineyards and a tasting room with llamas and alpacas.
Divine Llama Vineyards is owned by Thomas Hughes and Michael West. Four Ladies & Me Farm is located on the same property and is owned by Michael and Patricia West. Visitors to the tasting room can view the llamas and alpacas from behind a fence before going into the tasting room.
The tasting room opened in 2009 and is a remodeled 1950s farmhouse that appears as if it was purposely built to be a tasting room. The rooms are painted with bright colors and the wood floor combines to create a sense of coziness. The arrangement of furniture, gift items and wines allows for movement and yet a comfortable feeling. Look for knitted alpaca scarves and gloves as well as ornaments and wine related gifts.
The Vineyard and Llama Connection
Divine Llama Vineyards was the result of two architects who met while in Virginia Tech’s architecture program and later became reacquainted through business in Winston-Salem. While they both were working in Winston-Salem, Thomas Hughes and Michael West began making separate searches for property outside of the city. When the present property came up for sale, the acreage was larger than either Tom or Mike wanted. However, the land was just what they wanted. In 2006, they purchased the property together. The result is a continuing friendship with the added benefit of bringing vineyards and llamas together. Four Ladies & Me Farm includes 56 llamas and miniture horses in pastures throughout the property.
The vineyards were planted in 2007. Today the four acres of vineyards have Chardonel, Traminette, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Thomas enjoys being outdoors and working with the vines. Cultivating the vineyards gives him the opportunity to be outside. His son is interested in vineyard management and is studying viticulture at a local college. On the day of our late November visit, most of the leaves were off the vines allowing one to view the architecture of the grapevines.
Divine Llama wines are produced at Yadkin Valley Wine Company. Thomas and Michael collaborate with the winemaker and define the profile of the wines produced.
Divine Llama Wines
Traminette Gold 2010 was crafted in stainless steel. The straw colored wine had floral notes and the taste was of honey, honeysuckle, some roses and some hints of citrus. The finish was crisp and dry. The wine blends at Divine Llama are named after the llamas. In a Heart Beat 2009, Divine Llama’s best selling wine was produced in Hungarian, French and American oak. It was aged for 18 months. The blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot had a light ruby color. The aroma was of dark fruits. The taste was fruit forward and slightly sweet. The finish was fruity with mild tannins. Suggested pairings include pastas and barbecues.
Tasting Room Public and Private Events
The winery participates in the Yadkin River Wine Trail and has mini festivals from May through September. Divine Llama also offers Llama Trekking through friends Mark and Sharon Berry who coordinate the two-mile woodland hikes. Llamas carry the tables, chairs and other supplies for a picnic lunch. Other events include special events for Wine Club members, open houses and Fiber Fun Day.
Private events can also be scheduled at the vineyards. A summer wedding near the vineyards and llama pastures would have wonderful memories.
When planning your visit to Divine Llama Vineyard to enjoy their wines, take time to visit the llamas and alpacas. Divine Llama Vineyards is a member of the quilt trail. Notice the quilt painting on the side of the tasting room building and search for other quilts at wineries in the region.
Divine Llama Vineyards, LLC
5349 Macedonia Road
East Bend, North Carolina 27018
GPS: N36º 13.284’ W80º 28.028’
Article written in December 2012
Visit this North Carolina Winery
 |
