Daveste' is Iredell County's first winery. Daveste' Vineyards entered the winemaking industry in 2005 when Dave and Ester DeFehr bought the property and planted the first crop that year.
One year later they completed the first harvest and expanded the winery to include a tasting room and art gallery that would open to the public.
In 2019 Caroline and Colin relocated to North Carolina from Scotland. They shared an interest in winemaking with Dave and Ester and eventually agreed to purchase the winery over a period of time. These two families have produced a number of award-winning wines.
Daveste' is located in Troutman, North Carolina on a 60-acre property that includes wine-making facilities, a tasting room, and an event space. The relaxed atmosphere and beautiful scenery make for the perfect afternoon to sample North Carolina wines. Meg Tipton joined the team in 2020 as Davaste’s winemaker. Personally, it is nice to see more women in the field of viticulture. She adds flair with a touch of class to an already fantastic winery experience.
Charles and I have visited Daveste Vineyards several times. The first time we visited it was in the summer. The outdoor space has ample room to spread out yet it maintains the coziness associated with North Carolina's western mountains. They have fans available that are perfect in the heat of summer. In the winter months, the space can be enclosed for that same coziness and warmly inviting atmosphere. Recently, we made a return trip and sat in the tasting room. The fireplace and lighting make it warm and welcoming. Annette was our host and was very knowledgeable about wine. She was a pleasure to talk to and before we knew it, the tasting was sadly ending. The tasting room doubles as an art gallery for local North Carolina artists. Original artwork is also used for the wine labels. Guests can enjoy wine by glass, bottle, or by flight. Daveste' also offers a more private tasting for groups. Not a wine drinker? Small batch craft beer is also available.
Obviously, good wine starts with a good grape. Daveste' was the first winery in North Carolina to grow the Rkatsiteli grape. It is still one of the few wineries that grow this particular grape. Boutique wineries are among my favorite type of wineries. I enjoy all the whites, but a couple of my favorites include the Rkatsiteli 2019 and the Pinot Grigio 2020. Charles enjoyed the Petit Verdot 2020.
We took a crockpot of chili and found that it paired well with the Petit Verdot. On weekends food trucks are common. Dogs R Us was set there on our latest visit. Even though we had our own lunch, we did try a hot dog with cheese, chili, and slaw. Couple this with a grilled pretzel to hit the spot. Guests are welcome to bring their own food, but Davste'' always has local snacks to purchase at a nominal cost. This time of year Girl Scout Cookies are quite a treasure and will pair well with the wine of your choice!
Daveste is pet-friendly and kid-friendly. They participate in the Buy-a-Bone-Give-a Dog-a-Bone program that donates to adopted dogs. Dogs do need to be on a leash, but clearly, they are welcome to visit the winery.
Photo opportunities are in abundance. Groups, couples, children, and pets can find the perfect space to capture a scenic moment. Daveste's winery offers the perfect backdrop for private gatherings, special events, bridal showers, baby showers, weddings, and receptions. A variety of settings for big and small groups are available. The Davete' staff is ready to make your day or event memorable
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