Journalistic Story

BANNER ELK WINERY & VILLA HOSTS AN EVENING WITH THE WINE MAKERS By Helen Brennan Banner Elk Winery & Villa kicked off their 2012 season with a free wine tasting for the High Country on April 26 from 6 to 9p.m. The first winery in the High Country, Banner Elk Winery & Villa grapes have now reached prime maturation, and the owners, Dick Wolfe and Jeff Walker, wanted to share the enhanced quality of wines with the community. I am thrilled to have hosted an event for the locals and hope to get more involved with the community in the coming year, said Valerie Cogdil, manager of the estate. The event included a tasting of six wines, a tour of the on-site villa, information on upcoming events for the 2012 season, and an outside bonfire. These wines included: 2010 Marechal Foch, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2011 Seyval Blanc, High Country Ros, Banner Elk White, and Banner Elk Red Barra provided sushi that was paired with the wines. In addition to the tasting, bottles of wine were sold, and glasses of wine were half off. Wolfe, who started the winery in 2001, shared the history of Banner Elk Winery & Villa with the community. I am very proud that our winery got its start in 2001 as the first winery in the High Country, said Wolfe. I am also very grateful to have met landowner Angelo Accetturo, he has helped us produce locally grown grapes that reflect the unique characteristics of the Appalachian Mountains. The winery includes 20 acres of grapes, an eight-bedroom villa, and 10-acre blueberry farm. They produce 1,200 wines per season and offer year round tastings and tours. This summer Banner Elk Winery & Villa is looking forward to host many events at their estate. Every Sunday at 2 p.m. from June 3 to September 2, there will be live music on the lawn. Friday nights will entail a movie night on the lawn as well as a farm to table dinner. They are also proud to be sponsors of Banner Elk Summer Concerts in the Park for the fourth of July. ###