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| Our Story |
| Glendale and Joyce Marie Dickey developed an interest in making wine after visiting wineries while vacationing. A wine making kit as a Christmas gift from their children generated ideas for a variety of business opportunities. Glendale added wine making supplies to his small shop in Graham, Rock Crafters, where he was a goldsmith, making and repairing jewelry. From a background in farming Glendale had the knowledge and desire to plant a vineyard. The Anderson Vineyard was established in 2000 with 23 varieties of French hybrids and American grapes. The vineyard planting became a family endeavor. Equipment was available from their second son Michael’s landscaping company Color Landscapes. Joyce and the grandchildren measured to place posts for trellis and vines in just the right place. A vineyard in Burlington caused a lot of interest from neighbors and friends. These neighbors and friends became a part of the wine making experience by helping to set posts, build tools and later help to harvest the grapes. Vines were planted in April of 2000 and the excitement grew as the vines took root. Daily attention included: training the vine, removing first grape formations and unnecessary sprouts to allow all the nutrients to develop the vines. This diligence was rewarded by a harvest after 18 months. The first fresh, grape juice was a wonderful reward for all the hard work. After this first harvest the wine making moved from under the dining room table to renovating a storage room and adding new equipment including a crusher from Italy. This harvest created 200 bottles of wine for Michael to give his clients and friends for Christmas. The remainder of the juice was sold to other home wine makers to help the North Carolina wine industry. Five years later the winery is still a family event. The children’s playroom has been converted into the tasting room. Friends and family help prune the vines, harvest the grapes, crush the grapes and of course test the wine. If has been a long road but with both Joyce and Glendale retired and working full time on the wine, they are proud to open their doors to fellow wine lovers. |
