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Haze Gray Vineyards Dobson The pop of a cork reverberates across a 2,600-square-foot tasting room in Dobson, where Deane Muhlenberg fills flight trays with Haze Gray Vineyards’ signature Check Six

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Haze Gray Vineyards Dobson The pop of a cork reverberates across a 2,600-square-foot tasting room in Dobson, where Deane Muhlenberg fills flight trays with Haze Gray Vineyards’ signature Check Six

4 Veteran-Owned Wineries

Grape vine and Haze Gray's Vineyards wine by the bottle

Haze Gray Vineyards
Dobson

The pop of a cork reverberates across a 2,600-square-foot tasting room in Dobson, where Deane Muhlenberg fills flight trays with Haze Gray Vineyards’ signature Check Six red blend. Nearby, his wife, Becky, regales visitors with military tales, gesturing toward the back wall adorned with portraits of Deane and Becky’s families and vineyard patrons in uniform. “We’re up to nearly 200 [people] on our Wall of Honor,” she says. “The first five columns on the left are of our family; and we love honoring veterans who have visited by displaying their photos, too.”

Having both grown up in military families, Becky and Deane shared an upbringing that instilled in them a love for exploration and travel. Deane’s distinguished 30-year tenure as a U.S. Navy flight officer took them around the world, igniting a passion for winemaking during visits to vineyards all over. Following his retirement around 2015, the Muhlenbergs felt compelled to start a vineyard of their own.

Haze Gray’s Wall of Honor pays tribute to those who’ve served, including patrons and family members of Becky and Deane Muhlenberg.

A family affair: Haze Gray’s Wall of Honor pays tribute to those who’ve served, including patrons and family members of Becky and Deane Muhlenberg. photograph by Stacey Van Berkel

The Pennsylvania transplants scouted more than 60 sites before choosing an 85-acre farm in Dobson. “We were set on cultivating grapes near the mountains while staying within a day’s drive of the ocean,” Becky says. “The Blue Ridge Mountains gave us both, and the warm reception from locals reassured us that this was a place where our vineyard could thrive.”

Before opening their tasting room in 2019, the couple spent years meticulously researching and selecting grape varieties suited to Surry County’s terroir. Deane honed his expertise in viticulture and enology at Surry Community College, becoming proficient in the cultivation of classic grapes like chardonnay and merlot, alongside distinctive varietals such as pinot grigio, traminette, and cabernet franc, grown exclusively on their estate. Today, the Muhlenbergs have expanded their team by recruiting veterans enrolled in the Surry Community College Viticulture and Enology program, along with other passionate winemakers.

Becky and Deane Muhlenberg with their daughter, Ashley, at Haze Gray Vineyards

Owners Becky and Deane Muhlenberg with their daughter, Ashley, who works as Haze Gray’s operations manager. photograph by Stacey Van Berkel

“We grow nine different varieties of grapes and age our red wines exclusively in French oak barrels for a minimum of two years,” says Becky, who now serves as the vice president of the North Carolina Winegrower’s Association. “French oak imparts nuanced flavors and a delicate toastiness that enhance the wine’s character and ensures a smooth, balanced finish.”

The Muhlenbergs’ attention to detail extends beyond grape cultivation. The vineyard takes its name from the color of U.S. naval ships, and features blends with military-inspired monikers: Their flagship wine, Aviator Red, pays homage to Deane’s naval background; “White Glove,” a blend of pinot grigio and chardonnay, is a nod to military inspections. The theme continues in the tasting room, where a Navy plane propeller hangs proudly over the Wall of Honor. “Deane’s grandfather was a test pilot in World War I, and he flew the De Havilland that was testing that propeller,” Becky says. “These touches pay tribute to our family’s military experiences in a place where everyone can enjoy it.”

761 Stony Knoll Road
Dobson, NC 27017
(336) 374-1072
hazegrayvineyards.com


Carolina Heritage Vineyard and Winery
Elkin

Under the stewardship of U.S. Army veteran Patrick McNabb and his wife, Wendy, since 2021, Carolina Heritage Vineyard and Winery is celebrated for its innovative approach to winemaking. Beyond traditional grape varieties, the McNabbs craft wines from locally sourced apples, blueberries, and elderberries, and are proud of their sustainable packaging. North Carolina’s pioneering USDA-certified organic vineyard is one of 18 wineries on the Surry County Wine Trail.

170 Heritage Vines Way
Elkin, NC 28621
(336) 448-4781
carolinaheritagevineyards.com


Rayson Winery & Vineyards
Mocksville

With its 35,000 European varietal grape vines, Rayson Winery & Vineyards is meticulously tended by U.S. Army veteran JW Ray and his wife, Kristen. JW’s early passion for wine, coupled with his upbringing in the food and beverage industry, ignited the couple’s journey into viticulture. Named in honor of their sons, Joey and Logan, Rayson offers a collection highlighted by wines like Elevage Select, featuring ripe red berries, mocha, and a hint of baking spice; and Elevage Blanc, favored for its aromas of fresh pear with subtle hints of pineapple.

322 Brix Lane
Mocksville, NC 27028
(844) 729-7667
raysonwine.com


Golden Road Vineyards
State Road

Golden Road Vineyards, owned by U.S. Navy veteran Chad Guebert and his wife, Crista, traces its roots from Chad’s time in Naples, Italy, where he discovered a personal preference for wine over beer. After moving to North Carolina and acquiring the 25-acre vineyard in 2017, the pair initially focused on grape production, and their dedication paid off in 2018 with their first traminette harvest. Today, the vineyard offers wines like Emergency Blow, a sparkling traminette.

542 Golden Road
State Road, NC 28676
(336) 466-7264
grvwines.com


Click here to read about veteran-owned breweries and coffee shops.

This story was published on Oct 29, 2024

Tamiya Anderson

Tamiya Anderson is a Concord-based writer and former Our State intern who is proud to call The Tar Heel State home.