![]() We then bought this property in 2012, so our property is a big "U" shape. We came here full-time in June of 2011 and planted more vines. Once we settled on this area, we bought the property next door (to the tasting room). But it really came down to the school system because Joey and Logan were going into the 5th and 6th grades, and it was very important to get them into a good school system. So we thought the proximity to Winston-Salem was important. ![]() We wanted to be in the Yadkin Valley and didn't want to be too far away from a big city. So we thought it would be better to get in on a place on the ground floor and be part of shaping an area. We figured if Virginia was going to be the new Napa East, it would have done so already. My wife and I are both from Massachusetts, so we narrowed our search to North Carolina and Virginia. Related Story: New NC Winery in Pilot Mountain impresses with wine, food and scenic views his grandfather planted the vines we're drinking today. I love opening up a beautiful bottle of wine and be like, 'Oh my God!' this was made over 50 years ago, and the guy who made the wine. My best memories with my family, my wife and friends are always with a vineyard vacation – all the best meals and best wines we'd have. So it's been in my blood for as long as I can remember. What's interesting is, since I was 18 years old, all my family and friends were drinking Mad Dog 20/20 and Haffenreffer and all the junk, and I just wanted a nice wine. So it was kind of in my blood since I was a young lad. The whole family grew up washing dishes, cleaning bathrooms, and working with cured meats. I've always been in the food and beverage industry and the catering business. As the staff prepared for Sunday brunch, we sat down to ask JW a few questions.īelow are excerpts from Triangle Around Town's interview with JW Ray. We wanted to learn more about how this winery, in its short time in the state, has soared in popularity and continues to win awards and bring home the bling. We caught up with JW the day after unveiling the second-year release of RaRa Sisboombah, the collaboration wine made with Jay Raffaldini of Raffaldini Vineyards in Ronda. Not only will you see JW, but his entire family, helping out around the winery. On several occasions, we've also witnessed him working in the kitchen alongside his staff, ensuring his guests are served their meals promptly. JW is the type that not only makes an entrance but will work the room shaking hands with his guests making everyone feel welcomed. Aside from how good the wine may be, one aspect of visiting wineries that we enjoy is the hospitality and personality each winery or winery owner brings to the table. If you haven't had the pleasure of visiting JOLO or meeting JW yourself, you are truly missing out. For our first installment, we caught up with JW Ray, owner and winemaker of JOLO Vineyards, located in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina. Over a Glass is a new series where we sit down with local and regional wineries and discuss how they got their start, the state of and insights into the future of the wine industry and anything that may come up over a glass of wine.
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