What is being “Local”?

This past Friday, I was invited to speak to the North Carolina Winegrowers Association in Greensboro. My topic was Drink Local, Support North Carolina Grape Growers, Develop Tourism in Our State.

While writing my presentation, it came to mind how hip and trendy the words organic, sustainable and local are right now. Never has there been a time where supporting those around you, those close to you and those near and dear to you are so important.

It also made me realize how often I eat out in restaurants in North Carolina where I do not see any North Carolina wines on the list. To everyone reading right now, it is my goal, my ambition to make North Carolina wines a mainstay on every restaurant list in our state.

About two weeks ago, On the Square started offering a North Carolina wine by the glass each week. Viognier, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Scuppernong, you name it, we will feature it so that fellow North Carolinians and guests visiting from out of state will have the opportunity to see that local doesn’t mean just strawberries or pork, it means wine as well.

To be truly local, you must drink local juice. Let the restaurant in your neck of the woods know how important it is to support your local wineries. They are doing something very special, and we want them to be here for a very long time.

Cheers to wine that’s made close to home!

P.S. Stay tuned for the actual presentation, coming soon.