OUR STORY

If you’re seeking out a change of pace and scenery, you'll find it here at Sanders Ridge. Our century-designated farm consists of old growth forest, creeks, lakes, open fields, and of course our 15-acre vineyard. We are located within the Yadkin Valley Wine Appellation, just 25-minutes West of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Sanders Ridge has been in the Shore family for more than 180-years. Neil Shore, the great great grandson of John Benjamin Shore who settled the original 800 acres in the 1840’s, is the fifth generation of Shore farmers to work the land on Sanders Ridge. He inherited the farm from his great grandfather Sanders Shore. This particular piece of land is the oldest in the Shore Family. Our ancestors called it the Big Woods farm for it’s old growth timber.

Neil farmed traditional crops for 44 years (mainly tobacco, corn, soybeans, wheat, cattle and timber) - before planting the 15 acre vineyard in 2001. That was the last year he grew tobacco. When you cash out at our register, look at the frame behind the desk - that’s a hand of tobacco from his last crop.

Neil grows Viognier, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Muscat Canelli, Chambourcin, and two varieties of muscadine grapes - Carlos and Noble. All of our wines are made from the grapes grown here in our vineyard and many of our wines over the years have won notable awards. Neil grows good fruit1

In 2006, as the vineyard was maturing and we were constructing our post and beam winery, we also began producing USDA certified organic vegetables, herbs, and cut flowers at the Farm at Sanders Ridge.

In June of 2009, Neil opened the winery we all know and love today. The winery is a rustic and towering post and beam structure built from lumber and stone he harvested right off the farm.

While you are sipping one of our award winning wines, please enjoy some of the pictures and artifacts of our ancestors scattered throughout the winery. Sanders himself adorns the wall above the tasting bar. We like to think he’s proud of his great great grandson’s farming legacy that continues on the lands at Sanders Ridge!

Neil's goal has always been to make Sanders Ridge a place where folks can laugh, relax, and experience the farm and the special places within it. With that being said, we hope to meet you soon!