Windsor Run Cellars

Location & Atmosphere:  Windsor Run Cellars is located about an hour north of Uptown Charlotte, right near the intersection of I-77, and US 421. The winery produces fair dry wines, but puts quite an emphasis on distilled spirits, and fortified wines with spirits. They have common ownership with Shadow Springs Vineyard, a much better winery a few miles down the road.

 
The Wines:  Some of the wines had a bit of an aftertaste. None of the wines were outstanding, but we would overall rate them as drinkable and fair. We know the owners know how to make very good wine, as evidenced by their sister winery, Shadow Springs. Windsor Run makes basic dry wines, with a heavy emphasis on fortified wines and spirits. This is really a winery and distillery.

 
Tastings & Tours:  Tastings cost $7 to try 7 of their standard wines; the fortified wine tasting is $5 for 3 of the fortified wines.

 
Events/ Shopping/ Other Amenities:  The tasting room is pleasant, but sparse. There was nothing to purchase, and no other amenities. There is a tiny porch where you could enjoy a glass of wine. They did have some events in conjunction with other wineries in the area.

 
Value:  Priced between $16 and $25 per bottle, the wines of Windsor Run Cellars are
not expensive, but are fair in quality, therefore, fair in value.

 
Rating:  If you really want to visit a distillery, this may be a good stop. But as a winery, we struggled to find anything to really love here. There are much better wineries with better wines in this same area. Even Shadow Springs, nearby with the same owners, is a much better place to stop.