Location & Atmosphere: Located just outside of Boonville, NC (a couple of miles off of I-77 at Exit 82) in the Yadkin Valley, RagApple Lassie is a fun experience. Visitors enter through a metal silo, and climb down stairs into a huge metal building, with a ceiling 2-3 stories tall. The first part of the building contains several large stainless steel aging tanks, and the visitor enters through catwalks which highlight multi-generational deeds of the Hobson family showing the history of the property. The second part of the building has a has a large indoor tasting area. It is definitely more of a farm and country feel than some of the other wineries.
The Wines: The wines are very good to excellent. All of the grapes are grown on the property, fermented and aged, and bottled here. The Chardonnay is buttery and smooth, but at times can be in short supply. They offer a Kaleidoscope Red, which is a solid generally dry blend, tasting of Merlot, Cabernet, and probably Zinfandel. Similarly, the Kaleidoscope White is also a similar dry blend, heavy on Chardonnay. 
There is an earthy feel, and the slightest hint of tobacco in most of RagApple Lassie’s wines. Considering that the vineyard used to be a tobacco farm, this is not surprising.
The Tours: We did not take a tour of RagApple Lassie because they were harvesting grapes in July at the time of our visit. We had the pleasure of meeting Frank Hobson, a chain-smoking former tobacco farmer who has found his calling growing quality grapes and producing great wines.
Other Amenities: Besides wine, they have kegs of Winston-Salem craft beer, for you to sample and drink. So if your significant other is not into wine on your visit, there is an alternative beverage. They also sell a selection of Ashe County cheese and salami and other gourmet meats.
History: RagApple Lassie is named for the owner’s prize calf. The cow theme is prevalent in their logos, advertising, merchandise, and their bottle labels. This is definitely a “mom and pop” winery, where you can feel the touch and style of owners Frank and Lenna Hobson, converting a tobacco farm into a very solid winery and tasting experience.
Cons: About the only negatives we could site is that next to the “tasting room” is an area set aside for having a glass of wine, but it is indoors in the metal building. Since this property has lovely rolling hills, it is a shame they do not have an outdoor gathering area. Also, the wines do have an “earthy” character, which you do get used to when you stop drinking the mass produced California wines.
Rating: RagApple Lassie is a fun, farm/country feeling experience. The tasting buildings are surrounded on three sides by extensive vineyards, some of which extend as far as the eye can see. Overall, a fun, country experience with very good to excellent wines that we rate a solid four stars.
Contact: RagApple Lassie Vineyards
3724 RagApple Lassie Lane,
Boonville, NC 27011,
(336) 367-6000