Old North State Winery

Location & Atmosphere:  Old North State is located on Main Street in the heart of downtown Mount Airy, in what used to be a hardware store dating to 1890. The Winery started in 2002 when Ben Webb began growing grapes on 10 acres of his family’s eastern NC farm. He then planted 18 more acres in the Yadkin Valley. Rather than establishing a winery at either vineyard, Ben decided to place it in downtown Mount Airy, and to include a full-service restaurant. The building has an old timey restaurant/bar feel.

 
The Wines:  Old North State produces four dry and semi-dry wines, three under their Fish Hippie brand, and the fourth an Old North State Label. Bare Bones is a blend of Chardonnay and Vidal Blanc; Soul is a light to medium bodied blended red; and Restless Soul (ONS branded) is a heavier blend of Malbec, Tannat, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Bare Bones and Restless Soul are good, Soul is very good. The Old Gentleman Merlot is also very good. They also produce several sweet wines.

 
Tastings & Tours:  Old North State produces four dry and semi-dry wines, three under their Fish Hippie brand, and the fourth an Old North State Label. Bare Bones is a blend of Chardonnay and Vidal Blanc; Soul is a light to medium bodied blended red; and Restless Soul (ONS branded) is a heavier blend of Malbec, Tannat, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Bare Bones and Restless Soul are good, Soul is very good. The Old Gentleman Merlot is also very good. They also produce several sweet wines.

 
Events/ Shopping/ Other Amenities:  The full-service restaurant has a large menu, with deli sandwiches, as well as small plate “tapas” items. Four to five nights per week, throughout the year, there are musicians and bands, providing constant entertainment. They sell some winery items, as well as a whole line of clothing under the Fish Hippie brand.

 
Value:   Priced at $12 per bottle, Soul and Bare Bones are an excellent value; all of the rest of the wines are good values as well.

 
Rating: Old North State Winery is a great addition to downtown Mount Airy. It is so different than the wineries in the country, because it has an in-town, bar/restaurant, music and entertainment scene, in a great historic building. It is definitely worth putting this place on your winery visit list.