Stony Mountain Vineyards

The Basics:
Count: 1 of 98
City/Town: Albemarle
County: Stanly
Companion: Jonnell
Price: $4 for six wine samples (choose between dry and sweet wines) and a wine glass

My sister joins me on what I'd like to call "the Albemarle Adventure" or what NC calls "the Uwharrie Mountain Wine Trail." The drive up to Stony Mountain is a flashback to that creepy movie, Wrong Turn. We missed our turn (haha) but once I got over my nerves (I really don't like scary movies), and looked at my surroundings, I could see the beauty. The sun was going down, the trees were bare, and the entire area seemed to glow from the sun.

The actual winery reminds you of a huge log cabin. As you walk in, there is a large dining room area. The tables are on the left side, and the bar on the right. You immediately see the porch, and the view of the mountain range. The vineyard is on the hillside and at the very bottom, you can see about six or seven fawns grazing. It was such a beautiful NC day to be there. The temperature was in the mid 60s, the sun was still out, and you could hear the children playing. Stony Mountain is a family owned vineyard. The family was sitting at one of the round tables laughing at each other. The nieces and nephews were out on the porch. We were helped by one of the owners (or the daughter of the owner). She was really friendly, as were the other family/staff members. There was a definite family feel at this winery.

Memorable Moments:
The VIEW!!!! Absolutely gorgeous.. Jonnell and I got there around 430pm when the sun was going down. I can only imagine what the view looks like in the spring, or the summer, or Autumn... probably breathtaking. I will probably return for my sister's birthday or graduation.

Favorite Wine:
Red Muscadine: This wine went down so smoothly! And the flavor reminded my sister and I of the muscadine vine that our father used to grow behind our house. Fantastic!

Other Samples:

• Blackberry: I really like the Blackberry wines that I have tried in the past, but this wasn't one of my favorites. It got an okay from me (haha).
• Carlos: I have never been a huge fan of the Carlos wines. This one was really "grapey," almost like I was trying Welch's grape juice with a punch.
• Peach: Peaches seem to be the fruit of the year. I was not very impressed with this wine. We were told that it would be good for slushies in the summer though. I would definitely agree.
• Strawberry: My sister said it best: "I feel like I'm drinking liquid jam." This was my least favorite.
• Songbird: This was a sweet rose blend with my favorite (Red Muscadine) wine. The taste was a little off to me. I just couldn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped.

Overall Grade: C+

1. Atmosphere 30/30
2. Wine 15/30
3. Staff Friendliness 20/20
4. Staff Knowledge 5/10
5. Value 8/10

Contact Information:
www.stonymountainwinery.com
26370 Mountain Ridge Road
Albemarle, NC
704.982.0922


Next Up:
Uwharrie Vineyards in Albemarle