About 15 miles north of northern Mecklenburg, Davesté Vineyards, one of more than 100 wineries in North Carolina, is the first winery in Iredell County. Davesté produces 1,500 cases annually, including many award-winning wines. Two gold medals were received from the Finger Lakes and Indy International wine competitions.
The name Devasté is a combination of the first names of its owners. Dave and Esté DeFehr. The vineyard and winery were inspired by Dave’s grandfather’s Rkatsiteli vineyard in the Province of Georgia near Russia. Esté an accomplished artist, wanted an art studio on the vineyard property and a tasting room/art gallery to show and sell works of local talented artists. The labels on the wine bottles feature the works of Davesté artists. The marriage of wine and art was begun.
With their retirement dream becoming a reality, The DeFehrs attended classes at Surry Community College to learn about viticulture then visited and volunteered at other vineyards and wineries. In 2003, a perfect 52-acre parcel they located in Troutman, near where they had lived for 15 years with Dave’s family ties to a Troutman furniture manufacturing facility.
In 2004, the clearing and preparation of the land began, followed by planting of the first four acres in 2005. Currently, the six varieties of grapes grown are Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Chambourcin and Rkatsiteli. Until further vineyard expansion on the property, additional grapes are purchased, primarily from North Carolina growers.
The winery was built in 2005 and released the first wines in 2006. The wines produced by the winemaker, Jason Wiseman, include Chardonnay, Viognier, Traminette, Rkatsiteli, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, Malbec, Merlot and a few blends.
In September 2008, the rustic, 1,500-square-foot tasting room and art gallery was completed. The wrap-around porch, patio, picnic area, pond with waterfall and hiking trail provide a tranquil setting for a day of wine tasting and relaxing. The tasting room is the primary source of sales for the winery. During regular business hours, wine tastings are available for $5 for a taste of six wines or $7, including souvenir glass. Additional wines by the glass or bottle are available for purchase. Many visitors bring a picnic lunch or enjoy locally produced Holton Hollow Farm cheese with their Davesté wines.
Throughout the year, many outdoor and indoor events are scheduled. Recently “Harvest Serenade” was presented by the Lake Norman Orchestra. Other events include the popular Thirsty Thursday weekly event every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m., held outdoors or indoors depending on the weather. Davesté is available for weddings, parties and business functions. A large pavilion is scheduled for completion in 2012.
For more information, visit www.daveste.com.
