Surry Business

Four of the Piedmont Triad region’s 20 largest wineries produce their wines in Surry County, according to an annual industry survey produced by The Business Journal of the Greater Triad.

The biggest winery in the 12-county northwest North Carolina region is Shelton Vineyards at 286 Cabernet Lane in Dobson, which between September 2006 and September 2007 produced 421 tons of grapes and 30,000 cases of syrah, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and other award-winning wines, according to The Business Journal. The winery is owned by brothers Charlie and Ed Shelton. Murphy Moore is the winemaker.

Old North State Winery, 208 N. Main in Mount Airy, ties for fifth largest with production of 5,000 cases. The winery is owned by Tom Webb and his partners. Ben Webb is the winemaker.

Ranked 13th is Round Peak Vineyards at 765 Round Peak Church Road in Mount Airy. The winery produced 2,100 cases of chardonnay, Niagara and special blends such as Fiddler’s Red. Janet and Lee Martin and Susan and George Little own the vineyard and winery. Sean McRitchie is the winemaker, according to The Business Journal.

Black Wolf Vineyards, 283 Vineyard Lane in Dobson, is the 15th largest operation on the list published Nov. 16. Dana Theis is the owner; Anne Holcombe the winermaker.

All four wineries offer tours and tastings (check their web sites for hours and prices). Three have restaurants on the premises: Harvest Grill at Shelton Vineyards, Scuppernongs at Old North State and Black Wolf Restaurant at Black Wolf Vineyards.