BenHerrmann
As I've mentioned in my other reviews of various wineries throughout NC, my preferences lie mostly with the more traditional European and French/American blends. Thus, we tend to focus most of our wineery-hopping energies towards the central Piedmont, where the Yadkin Valley holds a wealth of superb wineries - with many producing world class wines.And, if you've read my other reviews, you will note that I periodically have stated that I'm not too keen on the Muscadine or Scuppernong varieties. I just don't like sweet, syrupy wines - although the health benefits of the muscadine/scuppernong grapes are well documented.Now enter Adams Vineyards, located in Willow Springs, NC. This winery is actually right down the road from where we live in Fuquay Varina. It is a small Mom and Pop operation that began 5-6 years ago. Like many wineries, the Adams Vineyards location was once the site of endless tobacco fields. So when John and Joyce Adams made the decision to transition their crops to those of grapes, a new tradition had begun. Their focus is on the Muscadine and Scuppernong variety of grapes.Now, as a little background information, I had originally visited them 5 years ago, and I have to be honest, I was not too keen on their offerings at that time - which were mostly of the sweet variety. And if you've ever tasted the sweet, syrupy wines from the Duplin Winery, then you can pretty much have stated, "well, I've tasted them all (meaning, the muscadine/scuppernong varieties). At that time I noticed that because Adams Winery was new, they had their wines blended and bottled by the Hinnant Winery in Pine Level, NC. Perhaps that was one reason why I didn't like the wines - oh well, what can I say. But even Hinnant Vineyards changed over the past 5 years (see my review of them via another review). You could tell that this was a country operation - there were no grants bestowed upon the Adam's household - they had to transition and do it all through hard work, imagination, and a desire for a new future.But times are a changin' or so they say! As for the history of the place, you will be surprised to know that John Adams had a long "kinship" with the original John Adams of the American Revolution, and the land that the land where the winery resides dates back to the 1700's. You must realize that this is a small operation, yet exciting changes are taking place at the Adams Vineyards. Joyce Adams is a lovely, rather reserved (shy) lady. In fact, she's the one that you will mosty see if you attend a wine tasting. She's an uassuming lady who has managed to hide a whole lot of personal pain. You see, her husband John, died suddenly a year or so ago (as of this writing). And with him, went the secrets and blending of all of the wines. She was close to closing the operation, but then looked to her son Quincy (why yes, keep the historical names in the family), who elected to help out full time. Now keep in mind that because John never wrote down any of this ingredients or methods for wine blending, the duty now fell on Quincy to keep some kind of continuity. Quincy does not have a background in wine, so the pressure (and stress) was on. Remarkably, however, Quincy, a self starter (and quick learner) soon learned to blend some outstanding wine blends that quickly became very popular among winery visitors. He now even teaches a wine-blending class to students at Wake Tech Community College.Well, several weeks ago I elected to revisit the winery, wondering if they've made any progress since that initial visit of 5 years ago. Of course, Joyce did my wine tasting and that's when I learned of all of the changes that had occurred over the past 5 years, to include the passing of John, her husband. And what a remarkable difference that 5 years have made. Adams Vineyards now blends and bottles all of their wines - which is noticeable in a very positive way. And folks, now get this - I wound up liking all of their wines. They now bottle 4 different dry Muscadine reds - to include 2 "Oaked" Muscandines, which is unheard of in this industry. They have two dry reds and two dry whites - and all were superb (well, at least in my opinion).They also have several semi-sweet wines - all of which had a rich, lovely bouquet and tasted superb - without that previously referred-to syrupy taste. I kept thinking to myself, "Is this the same Adams Vineyards that I had visited some 5 years earlier...I guess not!"So folks, if you're ever headed along NC 42 between Fuquay and Willow Springs, NC, make it a point of stopping in. No, this is not an upscale winery. They have an old traditional New England style white farmhouse on the premises - the image of which, serves as their identifying brand on their bottles. Then they have a blue colored commercial looking building that houses both their wine tasting area, their production facility, and a large room for special events such as weddings, parties and other group events. In addition, they hold a Friday Night Wine Down the first Friday of each month - one, which we've already attended and enjoyed.They still offer several sweet reds....in the traditional sense. I tried those and liked them, although that particular style doesn't suit my tastes. All of their wines are economically priced - meaning, their purchase won't break the bank.So, with everything they've gone through over the past 5 years, the loss of the brains behind the operation (and beloved husband to Joyce), and the miraculous transformation of their son Quincy into a great winemaker.....this place has a future and I can't wait to see what they will introduce in the near future.I've uploaded some photos which includes images of the historical building that serves as their logo image, the tasting room, etc. And in the images, you'll see Joyce behind the wine tasting bar.