Grand Strand Wines Offer Unique Tastes of the South
Domestic wine connoisseurs may be more accustomed to their favorite selections from the Napa Valley, or from such large wine-producing states as Washington and New York. But for the adventurous who have yet to try the unique offerings of southern vintners, the Grand Strand offers two convenient options.
La Belle Amie Vineyard, located just outside North Myrtle Beach, is the only vineyard on the Grand Strand. They specialize in producing muscadine wines (grown from the muscadine grape that is native to the Southeastern United States) that offer richness both in flavor and southern history. Muscadines (pictured), which are often referred to as "scuppernongs," have been cultured in this part of the country for more than 400 years, as 16th century Spanish settlements in Florida made large quantities of muscadine wine and Native Americans preserved muscadines as dried fruit long before.
La Belle Amie's tasting room offers wine tastings Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition to their muscadine selections, they offer a wide range of white, red and sweet wines to sample. You can also get great food and music at one of their many festivals and events held throughout the year; their next scheduled event is the Winter Parrot Head Festival set for Feb. 24, 2007.There's also the only winery in the Myrtle Beach area, Carolina Vineyards, also in North Myrtle Beach at Barefoot Landing. It isn't actually a vineyard, but derives its name from the use of South Carolina vineyards (got that?). Anyway, their specialty is in the region's largest selection of fruit wines - including apple, peach, blackberry, blueberry, elderberry, plum and strawberry, to name a few. Just in time for the holidays is "Santa's Reward," a spiced wine made just for the Christmas Season that's 80 percent cranberry, 20 percent peach and includes a mixture of cinnamon, cloves, lemon and orange.
If you've had a chance to try any of these wines, tell us about it. What are your favorites?
I had friends in town just before the holidays and La Belle Amie was a hit with their wine tasting and helped all of us finish up some last minute holiday shopping.
I’ve been on a couple of winery tours, and they’re pretty interesting. With the music and the tastings, it makes for a nice social gathering that I’d recommend
My wife & I enjoy the entertainment. They run all kinds of music throughout the year. There is no better way to spend a summer evening than listening to tunes while enjoying local wines. We highly recommend this vineyard.