Cork Talk

Cork Talk
  • 4.5 (20)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Monthly

All things NC wine, mead, cider and more!

  1. May 20

    Best of Cork Talk: Grassy Creek Vineyards

    This episode is another Best of Cork Talk episode featuring Grassy Creek Vineyard and Winery in State Road, NC! When we first sat down with Jim and Cynthia Douthit (episode: Growing for Future Generations), it was during the height of COVID and the conversation was recorded remotely. Even then, their dedication to farming, commitment to quality winemaking, and deep connection to the Yadkin Valley and North Carolina Wine community were clear as they shared the story of building Grassy Creek from the ground up. In this updated episode, we reconnect to hear how much has changed over the past several years. Jim and Cynthia walk us through the evolution of the winery as they celebrate 20 years since opening their tasting room, including new leadership in winemaking, ongoing vineyard replanting efforts, and an expanded lineup of wines. We also explore how Grassy Creek continues to enhance the visitor experience with events, trails, and outdoor spaces that reflect its identity as a welcoming, family-friendly farm winery. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org Located in State Road near Elkin, Grassy Creek Vineyards is part of the Yadkin Valley AVA and offers visitors a chance to experience North Carolina Wine in a setting that’s both welcoming and distinctly local. Whether you’re planning a trip to the area or exploring more Yadkin Valley wineries, it’s worth adding to your list.

    1h 3m

  2. Apr 15

    Best of Cork Talk: Haze Gray Vineyards

    This episode is another Best of Cork Talk conversation featuring Haze Gray Vineyards in Dobson, NC! When we first sat down with Becky and Deane, it was during the height of COVID and just as their tasting room was opening. Even then, their passion for winemaking, dedication to veterans, and clear long-term vision stood out as they began building something truly meaningful in North Carolina wine country. The original episode kicked off Season 3 of Cork Talk with Haze Gray & Underway. In this updated episode, we reconnect to hear how much has changed over the past six years. Becky and Deane walk us through the expansion of their vineyard and wine portfolio and their focus on estate-grown and single-varietal red wines with extended aging. We also dive into how their wine blends continue to honor military-inspired veterans with unique military themed names, with sales of each bottle giving back to veteran organizations. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

    1h 3m

  3. Mar 18

    Revisiting Raffaldini Vineyards

    In this episode, we’re revisiting Raffaldini Vineyards in Ronda, NC! This year marks the 25th anniversary of Raffaldini’s founding. We sit down with Jay Raffaldini to reflect on how the winery has evolved from its earliest days and what lies ahead for the next quarter century. We first interviewed Jay back in season 1, and a lot of things have changed over time so listen in for details. Raffaldini Vineyards has been known for its focus on Italian varietals and embracing Old World traditions. As Jay shares in our conversation, the story of Raffaldini is also rooted in perseverance, experimentation, and deep family connections. At its founding, the North Carolina Wine industry was just taking shape. Many practices, techniques, and vineyard practices for the North Carolina climate were being written in real time. Jay talks to us about those early challenges and what he’s learned over time to establish his house style and build on quality over time. Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back again! Join us as they talk about Tannat; a bold and structured grape that’s gaining in popularity here in North Carolina. For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at https://soundcloud.com/joshtime. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

    1h 4m

  4. Feb 18

    Best of Cork Talk: Golden Road Vineyards

    This episode is another Best of Cork Talk episode featuring Golden Road Vineyards in State Road, NC! When we first spoke with them, they walked us through their unexpected journey into wine, how they landed in North Carolina, and the vision behind what they were building. Their story kicked off Season 4, and even then it was clear they were on a path shaped by passion, persistence, and community. In this updated episode, we check in with Chad and Crista to hear how things have evolved. They’ve expanded their wine and beverage offerings, strengthened their social media presence, and shared exciting hints about what’s ahead as they look toward 2026 and beyond. Golden Road continues to grow in inspiring ways and this episode shows just how far they’ve come and where they’re headed next. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

    1h 11m

  5. Jan 21

    Faith Family and Service – Castello Barone Vineyards

    Welcome to our first episode of Season 8 of Cork Talk! This episode features Scott and Elizabeth Barone from Castello Barone Vineyards in Ronda, NC! Located in the heart of the Swan Creek AVA, Castello Barone Vineyards is a boutique vineyard and winery that is grounded in Old World wine traditions, service to others, and a deep respect for craftsmanship. Their winemaking journey started as home brewers and home winemakers in Florida. Eventually the hobby became a passion and Scott and Elizabeth were looking for a way to make this into a larger project. They decided to settled in the Swan Creek AVA due to the higher concentration of vineyards in the area as well as on the traditional and homey feel that the region conveys. When you listen their story, you’ll find that the core beliefs of Faith, Family, and Service run throughout everything they do at Castello Barone. Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back again! For Season 8, they are going back through the vineyard and finding more grape varietals for us to discuss, most of them will be lesser known grapes that you’ll find here in North Carolina. We begin our discussions with Petit Manseng. For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at https://soundcloud.com/joshtime. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

    1h 7m

  6. 12/17/2025

    2025 Year In Review

    We’re closing out our 2025 season with a Year End Review! As part of this tradition, we’ve brought together other digital influencers in the North Carolina wine scene to reflect on the highlights of 2025. You’ll hear from Delayne and Charles from Winey Friends, Jesse and Jessica from The Wine Mouths, Natalie from Tarheel Taps and Corks, Nicole from the NC Wine and Grape Council, Dave from Vino-Sphere, and Arthur from Merlot2Muscadine. In this episode we cover many topics ranging from the creation of the Tryon Foothills AVA to memorable events and new experiences. This episode is packed with insights and stories that celebrate the growth and resilience of our wine community. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

    58 min

  7. 11/19/2025

    A Family Legacy in the Big Woods: Sanders Ridge Vineyard & Winery

    In this episode, we sit down with Neil Shore and his daughter Jennifer Hiatt from Sanders Ridge Vineyard & Winery in Boonville, NC! Neil and Jennifer share the story of transforming a 180-year old family farm into a modern vineyard and winery. Family and heritage are at the heart of everything they do at Sanders Ridge (the name itself comes from Neil’s great great grandfather). While the vineyard is a relatively recent addition to the family farm, the legacy of working with the land has been a long standing tradition in the Big Woods. Throughout the conversation, you’ll hear stories spanning generations of the Shore family farming on the land and making connections throughout the community. We talk about their approach to creating wines that balance sophistication and fun and how they have created a welcoming space for making memorable experiences. Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back again! Join us as they talk about ebulliometers and their importance in the winemaking process! For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at twitter.com/joshtimejosh. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

    1h 8m

  8. 10/15/2025

    Best of Cork Talk: Linville Falls Winery

    We’re featuring another Best of Cork Talk episode, this time we’re revisiting our conversation with the team at Linville Falls Winery in Newland, NC! Back in 2021, we chatted with Linda, Jessica, and Lindsay during a snowy winter storm. In this special update, we catch up with Linda and Lindsay while Jessica is off welcoming a brand-new member to the family! We dive into how Linville Falls Winery continues to evolve, offering relaxing, personalized tasting experiences, and immersive vineyard tours, connecting guests to the land and the wines. During our recap, we also explore their Choose and Cut Christmas Tree business called Red Barn Tree Farm. Each holiday season, families flock to Linville Falls Winery to pick out the perfect Christmas tree, sip on hot cocoa, and enjoy the festive charm of a vintage themed mountain Christmas. Also in the recap, you head Lindsay talk about the Foscoe Home Team, head to their website to find out more. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

    1h 27m
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4.5
out of 5
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About

All things NC wine, mead, cider and more!

Information

  • Creator
    Cork Talk
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    93
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2018
  • Show Website
    Cork Talk

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