Until 1998, when Joe and Joyce Neely purchased the land, RayLen Vineyards & Winery functioned as a dairy farm for nearly a century. Today, the rolling hills and winding drive romance visitors as they drive through 35,000 European varietal grape vines. The distinctive cupola roof top of RayLen Vineyards & Winery is a beacon for the southern portion of the Yadkin Valley Appellation. Travelers from the highway and wanderers from the surrounding country roads are drawn to the tasting room to discover a new experience. Loyal customers return for the lush vista and a reliable favorite of RayLen's award-winning wines.
When Vintner Steve Shepard first began making wines for RayLen Vineyards & Winery in 2000, only 2500 combined cases of Chardonnay, South Mountain's Vineyard Chardonnay, Merlot, Carolinius, and Shiraz were produced. Today, production is over 10,000 cases of 16 different wines, inlcuding Pinot Grigio, Viognier, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Pale Red, and the preeminent Category 5 Cabernet Blend. Awarded "Best in Show" in the Mid-Atlantic Wine Competition for the 2005 vintange, the Category 5 remains RayLen's most popular red wine. Named after the biggest and boldest hurricane, this Cabernet blend is powerful.
Taste the wines, tour the facility, and settle yourself in on the porch with a great bottle of wine, grown and produced by RayLen Vineyards & Winery.
The Yadkin Gold, a white wine blend of Riesling, Chardonnay, and Viognier, was the first wine to carry the Yadkin Valley Appellation label. It remains RayLen's most underestimated and underappreciated white wine, although USA Today and Southern Living have picked the Yadkin Gold as RayLen's best white wine.
Newest Wines
Among RayLen's newest wines are the Eagle's Select, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sparkling Brut. The Eagle's Select is a Mertiage blend aged for 18 months in new French oak; it's a bold wine with longevity. The Cabernet Sauvignon is aromatic with notes of leather, tobacco, and black cherry. A refreshing sparkling wine, the Brut has tiny bubbles, good acidity, and balance.
A Complete Flight is $8 and comprises the Red and White Flights as well as these Reserves:
South Mountain Vineyard Chardonnay
Eagle's Select
Cabernet Savignon
Winery Tours
Winery Tours
Visitors can experience the exciting world of the wine making process on an informative tour through the winery with RayLen's resident expert, Johnny Marshall. Whether the grapes are being harvested, processed in the presses, or aging in the oak barrels, there is always something to see on a tour.
Tasting Room
RayLen's Store
There is a great selection of wine-related items in the store -- including tee-shirts, glassware and other wine-related sundries. Also available for purchase is the beautiful funiture by 2-Day Design, which has been created from recycled wine barrels. The funiture line features a number of tables, chairs, wine racks, and cabinets.
Tasting Room
In the Tasting Room, guests have a choice of three different flights and get to keep a souvenir glass. Wine is available for purchase in the Tasting Room, on the website, or in your local wine shop.
RayLen Vineyards & Winery hosts five festivals a year. Festivals range in cost from $10 - $15 per person at a cash gate. Admission includes complimentary flight tastings, souvenir glass, music, and parking. Catered food will be available for purchase. Reservations are recommended. Picnic baskets, blankets, and lawn chairs are welcome. Pets and coolers are prohibited.
Some of these events include:
Full Moon
Gumbo Festival
Spring Fling
Open House (several)
Halloween plus many, many more....
Case Club Members
If you are a Case Club Member, you and a guest are admitted to these special events free of charge. Also we hold several Private Parties for our members.
Membership is automatic when you purchase a case of wine. Why not purchase one today?
When Vintner Steve Shepard first began making wines for RayLen Vineyards & Winery in 2000, only
