Sanders Ridge Accolades

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From Winery and Restaurant Visitors:

Dear Neil and Cindy:

We've now had the distinct pleasure of having visited Sanders Ridge on a half-dozen occasions since 2009 and each and every new visit seemingly brings delightful new surprises.  I cannot even begin to tell you at what a unique atmosphere you've cultivated at your gorgeous "mountain lodge-like" building setting.  As a matter of background information, we've now had the pleasure of visiting 47 wineries (so far) throughout NC since 2008. 

However, from the moment we pull into the Sanders Ridge front entrance area, we begin experiencing the "warmth of anticipation" for the experiences to come.  We firmly believe that Sanders Ridge represents more than just a winery (we've been to plenty of those throughout the state), rather - you provide a superb balance of well thought-out experiences that just keep growing with each and every visit.  We obviously enjoy many of your wines and please....do all you can to keep Chef Starr well entrenched at Sanders Ridge.  Her unique culinary talents (and instincts) serve as the pièce de résistance in regards to customer dining experiences there.  We still keep raving about Chef Starr's Fried Green Tomatoes and of course, her awesome Pimento cheese!  We've had nothing but consistently excellent culinary experiences at your Big Woods Restaurant and coupled with the ambiance that you've managed to carefully cultivate, it just doesn't get any better than this!

We hope to spend a full day there next time we visit - coordinating a schedule to participate in your zip line set-up, include a nature/bird trail event, do a wine tasting (a good excuse to try more of your wine), and then to cap it all off by having a wonderful dining experience in the Big Woods Restaurant.  Sanders Ridge has evolved into much more than just a winery.  It provides visitors with a series of experiences that when blended together, just make you feel.....well, damn good!!!  There's no other way to say it.

Sincerely,

Ben and Jane Herrmann

December 2011

What a great time we had at the restaurant!!! Great atmosphere, food and wine! Thanks for the hospitality!!!

Cathy O.
Rocky Mount Senior Center
August 2011

I wanted to go some place we had never been before.  It was our 45th wedding anniversary.  We came to Sanders Ridge.  The meal and time spent was wonderful.  We hope to come back soon, maybe this Thursday for the pot roast.

Thanks for a great evening,

Don
August 2011

Our group is two girls, two sets of parents, and two sets of very proud grandparents.  For a number of years, our group has shared Sunday brunch after dance recital weekend.  Today we visited with you.  The atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable, the food was great, and after our meal we enjoyed watching the fish and turtles, taking pictures, and more visiting. 
       
This evening,  my husband  and I are enjoying some of your Chambourcin.

I think I can say for all of us---Thanks for a lovely afternoon.
May 2011

Hello Chef Starr! I wanted to take a moment to say Thank You for the amazing time on Saturday.  My friends and I were so happy with the overall experience.  Zip lining with the “boys” Rhett and Justin was so much fun.  Then to finish the afternoon off with  your absolutely fabulous food was fantastic.  Needless to say the wine was delicious as well.  Again, Thank you for the most excellent time.  We had some very happy birthday boys.  We will definitely be back!  Please pass along our thanks the Rhett and Justin as well.  Take care, Keith Burns March 2011

I wanted to let you know that the food was delicious, the service was great and the atmosphere/grounds were beautiful.   We were very impressed and will definitely be back!

Thanks, Elizabeth February 2011

 

2010

Hi Everyone at Sanders Ridge,
I just wanted to let you know that my husband and I were there yesterday and absolutely fell in love with your Winery.  The ambience of your beautiful building is like walking into a warm and inviting home.  The wine tasting was great with Sara.  She was extremely informative and fun.  Your selections of wines were wonderful.  I fell in love with the Carlos. I have never smelled an aroma from a wine that I could actually taste the same aroma on my tongue. We will definitely be back and bring friends!!!  Thanks for a wonderful experience. Cindy Sebrasky Jan 2010

Did the holiday wine tasting, was very pleased with the choices of wines and the restaurant food that provided was a nice surprise. I hope my next visit will not be too far away. Thanks for a very pleasant experience. Betsy January 2010

I live a good 3.0 hrs away from your winery and have visited your winery twice. I absolutely love your Carlos wine. Planning on joining your wine club soon. Wilma February 2010

3/21/2010. We had dinner at your restaurant today. The mussels were wonderful. They were so fresh I felt as if I was back home in Antigua and went down to the bay to pick them off the rocks. The other dishes we tried were also very good. We are in Elkin not far from you and are so glad we have discovered Sanders Ridge. Thank you. Please keep us informed of coming events.  Robert & Pam

You have a beautiful facility, very much enjoyed your Thursday dinner with our family Tuesday and Thursday are the only days we can leave our business. The food was wonderful no room for improvements. We will be sending our guests to you. Thanks Alan Scenic Overlook B&B March 2010

Interested in your organic farm and anything to do with food. Love, love, love the restaurant!!! Linda & Steve May 2010

We enjoyed late afternoon lunch at The Big Woods Restaurant yesterday! What a hidden jewel you have. We will make sure to reveal your little nook to everyone we know who enjoys fine dining and wine. Blaine May 2010

We had dinner at The Big Woods last night. It was awesome. We will be back. Very interested in weekly menus and wine specials. Thinking about doing the Zip Line. Reginia June 2010

My best friend and I just visited your winery this past weekend for the first time, and we fell in love with it
Jennifer, June 2010

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2009

Phenomenal.  First Class. What other adjectives can I come up with to describe our dinner experience last evening. All of us had a wonderful time. Both the food and service were out of this world. And it's not always easy to pull that off on opening day.  I had to keep reminding myself I was in Boonville.  And I can't believe you put my name on that bar stool. What a hoot!!!  You guys are the greatest!  We can't wait to come back.  - Bonnie Lasky  (June 2009)

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I had a wonderful dining experience at your restaurant on opening night and wanted to send my heartiest congratulations to the owners, chef, wait staff, and others who made this such a memorable evening. The locally grown vegetables were prepared in a European theme and the meal presentation and interesting flavors far exceeded my expectations. Everyone in our group of seven commented on how delicious their meal choice was. We had to remind ourselves that we were in Boonville! I may choose the sampler at my next visit. The atmosphere, meal, and excellent attention we received was quite commendable. It was a dining "event" and I hope to frequent there often. Your muscadine wine has risen to the top of my favorite list now too! Congratulations! Sorry I had to leave town and couldn't make the Sunday open house. Hope you will consider Sunday brunches in the future (if you haven't already). You have a winner nestled in the woods. Hope word spreads quickly...but also hope to be able to get in after the influx of locals discover you. Good luck for a long and successful future!! Penny Bovender Charlotte, NC  (June 2009)

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Hi Cindy and Neil! Ken and I visited your Tasting Room on Saturday. We arrived back in Wake Forest today. We have visited 86 NC Wineries and wanted to tell you that yours is TOPS!!! Your wine is excellent; however, you need to keep Olivia and Kate there, with a glass of wine at hand, for some of the best entertainment in the country. Wishing you all the BEST!! Teresa and Ken Stallings (June 2009)

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Worked for Starr Johnson, she is a wonderful chef. We will follow her wherever she goes. Look forward to trying your wines! Kelly Rutter (August 2009)

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I visited your winery with a friend this weekend and had the BEST time. We talked all the way home about how nice everyone was, how accomodating, and how AMAZING the food and wine were. Thanks, and good luck!  Caryn Woodruff  (Sept 2009)

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Hello Cindy, Neil, Starr and Kris,
Thank you for a lovely bridal luncheon last Saturday. Despite the chilly and wet weather, we enjoyed a warm and glowing afternoon with easy-going, yet attentive service, an informative wine tasting and of course a delicious lunch. All but myself and one other were new to Sanders Ridge, so I hope the luncheon will create some repeat business for you.  With much appreciation and best wishes for continued success, Roseann Rush  (October 2009)

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I visited Big Woods for brunch this past Sunday and loved everything about your place - the food, the wine, the surroundings, the service...everything! Can't wait to visit again.  - Tara Ballard  (November 2009)

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It was perfect--the drive, the weather, the stars, the place, the food, the conversation.  A perfect, perfect night.  thanks, Emily (December 2009)

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We so enjoyed our visit yesterday. Your place was our last stop of the day and our favorite. Your story, wine, place and atmosphere are truly delightful. We can't wait to return for dinner and bring more friends with us. - Russell and Sonya Yeomans  (December 2009)

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From Farm Members and Friends:

We had beets tonight – they were amazingly good.  Roasted with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, topped with some cracked pepper, feta and roasted walnuts. Served with quinoa and a tossed salad.  Let me tell you, I haven’t eaten beets since childhood and they were the canned kind.  There is no comparison with the fresh beets we get from your co-op.  Thanks for all you do – Lara

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Dear Cindy & Neal,

            Your restaurant and wine tasting spot is just beautiful!    You should be so proud of all that you have accomplished.   We were very impressed with the warm welcome we received, Neal’s sons’ wine knowledge during the tastings, and the supper on Sunday.    It was so nice.

            Cindy, you are a great tour guide and cow herder, too!   Thank you for showing us all over Sanders Ridge Farm and kindly answering all of our questions.  My sister and her husband, and my husband, Jim, and I all loved seeing the fruits of your labor.      Thank you and keep up your good work!

            Again, we will not be members during the summer months, but will appreciate staying on the main newsletter to know of opportunities to buy veggies at Krankies and of other farm events (like new chicks being born!).  Thank you!   We learned so much!  Kind regards,  Marianne DeCristo

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You have no idea how my weekly box has changed my eating habits!!  I NEVER bought chard, kale, or mustard greens. I didn’t even know what they looked like (I had to use the internet…so sad).  Only 2 weeks and we are eating better and I am cooking, with pleasure, rather than dreading it!!!   Thank you!!!!!! - Claire

NCWINETV.com rates Sanders Ridge Wines: 
Our 2008 Carlos - 5 out of 5
Our 2008 Muscat Canelli - 41/2 out of 5
Our 2007 Big Woods - 41/2 out of 5
Our 2007 Chambourcin - 4 out of 5