Flint Hill Vineyards
by
Kathy. Sullivan
Summary: Flint Hill Vineyards is a small estate vineyard located on farm property that has been in the Doub family for generations. Wine enthusiasts may want to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy with a bottle of Flint Hill wine.
Flint Hill Vineyards tasting room is located in an 1870s farmhouse. Outside the yellow house, a large quilt square decorates the front of the house. Flint Hill Vineyards has joined the recently formed county Quilt Trail. The property has been in the family for generations. The 1800s farmhouse is the home where Tim Doub grew up. Tim’s great grandfather was born in this house. Visitors can enjoy the interior of the first floor of this 1800s house. One room is the generation room where photos of the previous generations are displayed.
Vineyards
In 2002, the owners of Flint Hill Vineyards Brenda and Tim Doub planted five acres of grapes. They had decided they wanted their children to have the same experiences, joys and responsibilities of living on a farm that they had as children.
Grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Syrah, Viognier and Chardonnay. At the time of our late November visit, just a few leaves clung to the vines. Brenda maintains the vineyards including pruning the vines beginning in January. Tim is employed full time as a metal worker.
Brenda noted that 2012 was a challenging year for the vineyard. Late spring frosts, birds and deer took a toll on the vineyards. Wines are produced at the RayLen Vineyards and Winery in Mocksville.
Brenda is from Holland and had grown up on a dairy farm. The logo for Flint Hill Vineyards is a colorful windmill. Visitors will see reminders of Holland in the tasting room. The labels have a colorful windmill. Look for the windmill made of wine corks. One of the wine trail events each year is a Christmas ornament at each participating winery. Each year Brenda selects an ornament reminiscent of Holland.
Wines
The focus at Flint Hill Vineyards is on estate wines. These wines are produced only with their own vineyard grapes. Each year Wine Club members receive four shipments with two bottles of wine in each package. Wine tastings take place in one of the first floor rooms.
Chardonnay 2010 offered an aroma and taste of apple and hints of citrus. The finish was crisp with apple yielding to citrus. Viognier 2011 was a light yellow color. This dry wine offered notes of grapefruit and peach. The finish was dry and crisp.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 was a ruby color. The aroma was of dark fruit and the taste offered dark fruit and leather notes. Tannins were on the fruity finish. Chambourcin was a lovely purple color. The wine had earthy and fruity notes. The finish was dry and crisp with acid.
Synergy 2010 was a blend of Syrah and Viognier. The ruby colored wine had an aroma of dark fruit and a floral touch. The taste was of dark fruit and roses. Tannins and fruit notes were on the finish. Brenda’s grandfather, HJ Munneke (1916-2008) of the Netherlands created the label on the Synergy wine. The artwork is a scene of Amsterdam.
Events
Flint Hill is a member of the Yadkin River Wine Trail and participates in the wine trail events.
Private events including weddings can take place at the winery. A professional kitchen is available for caterers. Guests can use the patio just off the kitchen. The winery can accommodate 100 guests; for larger events plan to rent a tent.
Flint Hill Vineyards
2133 Flint Hill Road
East Bend, North Carolina 27018
GPS: N36º 10.390’ W80º 28.688’
Article written in December 2012
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