Stonefield Cellars

Location & Atmosphere: Located just 30 minutes north of Greensboro, NC, and about the same distance from Winston-Salem, this is a great family owned winery with lots of character. The vineyard features lots of great social activities, food trucks, and special events with bands. Owners Robert Wurz (with a PhD in wine chemistry from the University of California- Davis) and his wife Natalie Wurz, the Director of Sales and Marketing, have put together a first class winery.

The Wines: The wines range from good to very good, from solid Chardonnay and Cabernet to interesting blended reds. We find their Malbec to be one of the best Malbecs grown in the Carolinas, but they recently announced they were discontinuing it, because their local farmer/supplier had stopped growing it. Many of their wines have a moderately strong earthy taste, with a flavor of either raw tobacco or cigar box, which is not surprising because the property used to be a tobacco farm.

The Tours: We did not see tours being given of the winery, but we were there on a Saturday evening during a concert, and two truckloads of grapes were being brought in. It was very interesting to see the grapes being inspected and sorted. Tastings occur in the barrel room, which is a very high ceilinged room of oak barrels, giving a great, authentic tasting experience.

Other Amenities: They sell meats and cheeses, and permit outside food to be brought in. During their concerts and festivals (which are numerous), food trucks are on sight. There is an old traditional farmhouse on sight, as well as a beautiful terraced area where the bands play.

Unusual Twist: Stonefield Cellars has a complete army of volunteers, who seem to be excited about promoting the winery’s success. Most of the tastings are done by volunteers, who are very knowledgeable. The volunteers are part of the “Work for Wine” program where they receive wine instead of payment for their labors, which is an interesting twist in running a winery.

Shopping: There were some neat winery items for sale in a large entrance room to the winery.

Rating: We felt that Stonefield Cellars was a solid four-star experience. The wines can take a little getting used to, with an earthy flavor, and the taste of tobacco or cigar box. Once you get over that hump, they are wonderful wines with rich flavors.