Muscadine Grapes and Wines of the Carolinas

Muscadine Grapes and Wines of the Carolinas

Muscadine Grapes prosper under the Southern Sun. I recently found these jewel-toned beauties and was inspired to share the joy.

Nothing can be finer than Muscadines from Carolina!

The truly sweet and Southern Muscadine Grape is a tough survivor in our hot, humid climate here in Southeastern Carolina states. Muscadine grapes are large, juicy berries from hearty vines found growing wildly throughout North and South Carolina. These locally found treasured grapes are a special seasonal treat for hikers and nature lovers out exploring woodlands. The forest and underbrush can be dense in the Carolinas and fruit vines can pop up sporadically. Birds eat the berries and scatter their seeds in the form of fertilizer as they travel throughout mostly evergreen forests. Muscadines have thicker skin than most grapes and deep purple color producing sweet, flavorful juice and come in a beautiful bronze variety known as Scuppernong grapes. The Mother Vine in the village of Manteo, Roanoke Island, North Carolina has been said to grow the oldest grapevine in North Carolina, a scuppernong vine growing over 400 years. Both varieties of grapes, Muscadine and Scuppernong contain an abundance of Resveratrol. Below are some results of an analytical study presented at the 2019 Dean’s forum at Wake Forest Baptist Health Medical School in North Carolina.

Muscadine grape wines, ciders, and food products are being preserved in the culinary history of both South and North Carolina with the later naming Muscadine Grape it’s state fruit. The North Carolina Muscadine Grape Association was formed to promote knowledge and agritourism in the small towns that host Muscadine vineyards and wineries. There are many high-quality Muscadine vineyards producing products across the Carolinas, so many that I can’t list them all. The few vineyards that I highlight in this article will not begin to acknowledge how many wonderful muscadine wineries are in these two oceanside states. The soil ranges from sandy to red clay and tends to be acidic, summer temperatures can average 98 degrees F or 36.7 degrees C, and still Carolina Muscadine grapes thrive under little to no attention or maintenance. God made this plant so perfectly that it feeds us as well being a favorite of the local deer, foxes, wild turkeys, and other birds. If you enjoyed eating these grapes cold from the refrigerator on hot afternoons of coming from school as I did, I encourage you to renew that craving for the simple and good things in life. For every good and perfect thing is from God almighty.

Muscadine and Scuppernong vines become dense and bushy when pruned annually and the cuttings make nice grapevine wreathes for fall decor. You simply wrap the vines together tightly in a circle shape and tuck the tail pieces in to hold it together. Add a bow, artificial/silk flowers, or other decor as you like. I have used hot glue to hold on decorations and floral wire works well also. These upcycled natural materials make a lovely and nearly free seasonal bespoke decoration for your space. The old scraps of vines that cannot be used can be added to your compost, burned, or simply tossed in the edge of the woods for decomposing. Click here to watch a video on making simple and free wreaths of vine cuttings. https://youtu.be/IWC97u9eA3c.

North Carolina is home to some wonderful farmland and special Muscadine vineyards with its fertile soil and sunny days. Cauble Creek Estate Vineyard is a treasured winery specializing in dry Muscadine wines from European varietals from Rowan County in the Western Piedmont region of the state. They offer a tasting room, gift items, and a wonderful selection of food products. Drop by some time you’re traveling through Salisbury, North Carolina or find out more by visiting their website http://CaubleCreekVineyard.com

Cypress Bend Vineyard in Wagram, Scotland County, NC is owned by the local family Dan and Tina Smith since 2005 on land of Dan’s family since 1807. They host a weekly evening of entertainment under the stars (and canopy tents) to bring the rural community together over a cold glass of refreshing wine and music for “Jazzy Fridays”. Get more info at http://www.CypressBendVineyards.com Cypress Bend wines featured in the welcoming showroom below.

Duplin Winery is the oldest and largest winemaker in the Southeast and is still family owned. The original vineyard at 505 North Sycamore Street in Rose Hill, NC produces wines now sold in 17 states. Take time to stop by the Bistro for soup, a fresh salad, or stacked sandwich for lunch, served 11:00 to 3:00pm. They recently opened a beautiful new location on Hwy 17S. North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Shop or delivery available @ http://www.DuplinWinery.com

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Muscadines are fine and the wine is even better!

Charleston County is home to a special Muscadine winery at Deep Water Vineyard, 6755 Bears Bluff Rd. Wadmalaw Island. It is unique in it’s island location, scenery, and landscape off the salt water creek. Family-owned Deep Water vineyard offers visitors rural charm and picturesque landscape from one of the largest of the Charleston Sea Islands. Educational tours, tastings, gift shop, and events make the scenic drive to Wadmalaw Island worth an afternoon. What a lovely idea for a date with friends, colleagues, or a loved one. The family are committed to the local ecosystem by maintaining bee hives on the property. Harvest season is typically August until October and they open the doors for “U-pick”. Visitors wanting to hand pick their Muscadine grapes can experience the orchard first hand. More info from Deep Water here: http://www.DeepWaterVineyard.com

Holy Bible Act 2:28 says: ‘You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’