To many vineyards, simply being invited to showcase your wines at an international competition is an honor. For Cypress Bend Vineyards in Wagram, NC, that honor resulted in three medals, including a gold for Autumn, one of its red muscadine wines.

The 10th Annual Finger Lakes International Wine Competition saw over 3,000 wines competing for top honors. Select vineyards from the US, Canada, South America, Australia and England, Germany, Israel, and France were viewed, swirled, tasted and evaluated. When it was over, Cypress Bend was awarded three medals. In addition to its gold for Autumn, the vineyard won bronze for both its Catherine and Riverton Reserve white wines.

“To be tasted next to wines from France, Australia and across the U.S. is exciting. To walk away with three medals is so rewarding,” says Tina Smith, who owns and runs Cypress Bend Vineyards with her husband Dan.

“It is gratifying to see North Carolina wines being honored on the international stage,” continued Smith. “Our goal is to provide wine lovers The North Carolina wine experience. And that includes not only the winery and its tours, but also the unique taste offered by the muscadine grape. This competition helps validate that experience.”

At Cypress Bend, that experience stretches back generations. The land, which Cypress Bend Vineyards calls home is steeped in rich family history, passed down through the generations since 1807 – the latest of which is Tina’s husband, Dan, who was raised on the property. Hence, all of the wines carry a piece of the family with them. For example, Catherine is a reference to Catherine Campbell, an early matriarch of the family.

About Cypress Bend Vineyards

Cypress Bend Vineyards is located at 21904 Riverton Rd in Wagram, NC. In addition to the 35 acres of vines, the vineyard features a tasting room and a “veranda” - a sprawling patio with casual market umbrella-toped tables where guest congregate with friends or simply drench themselves in the Scotland County sunshine. The veranda is also a favorite venue for Jazzy Fridays, which features live jazz every other week, and other special events throughout the year. The vineyard is open seven days a week for tastings and tours and is available for weddings and special events. www.cypressbendvineyards.com. (910) 369-0411.