Located in the Swan Creek wine region, Windsor Run Cellars is the only winery in North Carolina with a working distillery and meadery under the same roof. The winery crafts several wines fortified with brandy using its still. Windsor Run Cellars also sell wines from another family-owned vineyard about 7 miles up US 421 called Ferguson Vineyards. Windsor Run Cellars (formerly known as Windsor Run Vineyards) in Hamptonville, North Carolina, is owned by Chuck and Jamey Johnson. The husband-and-wife team also own the nearby Shadow Springs Vineyard. I tasted this wine with Elizabeth at the Eastern Winery Exposition 2025 in Richmond, Virginia with Richard Leahy, David Falchek, and Michael Kaiser.
Kevin Elder is the winemaker. He makes wines for both Windsor Run and all of their custom crush clients. I met Elizabeth Higley, winemaker, who works behind the scenes with Kevin to produce their wines. Grounded in data-based winemaking, she has pushed for the winery to adopt and experiment with new wine management techniques. A self-described “fermentation nerd”, Elizabeth can be found brewing Kombucha or Pulque on the weekends.
Windsor Run Cellars Red Cuvee Cellar Select Series 50%, Tannat, 24% Petit Verdot, and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. I loved this wine!!! The mixture of Tannat and Petit Verdot was exceptional, offering a giant red wine, with immense and intense flavor. The Cabernet Sauvignon lends structure and backbone. Big notes of dark cherry, black currant, prune, and pomegranate. On the palate, all those things come through as well as mocha, dark chocolate, cedar, and a light note of fig. The finish comes by a lovely English Breakfast tea, white and black pepper, and a note of spice. One of the best red wines from North Carolina for sure! A great blend for those who want a big wine!