Mountain crab cakes & wine

What is your favorite North Carolina winery and why? Let’s float that question today as I tell you about my experience with Mountain Crab Cakes.

I finally made it to Shelton Winery near Mount Airy. What a beautiful setting! As I sat in the Harvest Grill Restaurant for lunch and looked out on the 383 acre estate I felt like I was back in Sonoma County, California with its rolling hills and lush vineyards. I was yearning for crab cakes but I had my doubts. I asked executive chef Paul S. Lange and he said I would not be disappointed. He said visitors from Maryland and Washington, DC consistently raved about their crab cakes.

He was right. Circled with a delectable cilantro sauce the crispy cakes exploded with flavor. They went down well with the Shelton Riesling. That was my wife's choice. I went with the cabernet. It was good.

We didn't do the wine tasting but took home a bottle of Shelton Pinot Noir. It was not one of my favorites as it lacked the liveliness and complexity I expect in a great pinot. But overall I think Shelton puts out some excellent products. Plus, they have some terrific weekend entertainment.

Shelton is located just off Interstate 77 near Mount Airy. It's worth the drive.