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a different kind of happy hour
Published Aug 3, 2007Views: 141
Half-filled bars, loosened neck ties and yesterday’s sports highlights are what come to my mind when you mention the words “happy hour.” This isn’t your only local option though. If you’re looking for something different than the typical post-work brews, look no further than one of North Carolina’s up-and-coming wineries.
The words “winery” and “Raleigh”, or North Carolina for that matter, don’t necessarily go hand-in-hand. This is a part of the country and world that has never historically been known for producing much more than mountain moonshine. That trend may be changing though–right here in our backyard.
I recently had an opportunity to visit and tour the Chatham Hill Winery, which until last Thursday I never knew existed. In winery terms, Chatham Hill is in its infant stages. Opened in 1999, the vineyard has continued to grow and recently received the Standing Ovation Award from Metro Magazine as the Top Winery/Vineyard in North Carolina.
One of the best and most successful programs the winery has started is “Thirsty Third Thursday.” On the 3rd Thursday of every month from 6-9pm, Chatham Hill opens its doors for an alternative happy hour where you can taste wines and enjoy some light snacks. If you are new to the wine tasting/vineyard tour scene, this is a great way to mingle with other first-timers and enjoy some homegrown Central North Carolina wine.
So if the after-work bar scene just doesn’t have the allure that it once did, expand your horizons while supporting our local wineries. I think that you’ll find that North Carolina wines compare quite well to other regions of the country, and that they taste even better once you know the story of the wineries that produce them.
Filed under: Travel
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BTW There's nothing wrong with mountain moonshine either.
GOLO member since July 3, 2007
August 3, 2007 7:03 p.m.
GOLO member since July 2, 2007
August 3, 2007 8:44 p.m.
GOLO member since July 12, 2007
August 3, 2007 9:18 p.m.
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