ELIZABETHTOWN — On Friday, the North Carolina Wine & Grape Council recognized Elizabethtown’s Giorgio’s Restaurant for its support of local wine producers. Karla Ward, of the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council, presented Giorgio Boussias, owner of Giorgio’s, with the recognition.
“We wanted to recognize those restauranteers which support the North Carolina wine and grape industry by selling or promoting locally grown wines in their establishments,” said Ward.
Ward said as far as she knows, Giorgio’s in Elizabethtown and Village Station in Lumberton are the only two restaurants in the area that sell locally produced wine.
The recognition coincides with Wine & Grape Month in North Carolina, which is September.
In declaring September the month for wine and grapes, Gov. Pat McCrory said, “The wine and grape industry is an important part of North Carolina’s agribusiness, tourism, and overall economy, employing nearly 8,000 people across our state.”
Wine-lovers will have plenty of ways to celebrate the state’s $1.7 billion wine and grape industry this month, which is the traditional harvest season of grapes across the state.
Locally, Lu Mil Vineyard, North Carolina’s largest and oldest farm winery, will celebrate all month with u-pick grapes, free wine tastings, alcohol free tastings, farm tours, and educational opportunities, and will host its annual NC Grape Festival on Saturday, Oct. 8.
“There are more than 180 wineries in North Carolina, and each location is as unique as the wines it offers”, said Whit Winslow, Executive Director of the N.C. Wine and Grape Council. “One of the best ways to experience North Carolina wineries is by visiting them in person with family and friends.”
Ron Taylor, owner of Lu Mil Vineyard who serves on the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council, encourages consumers to visit local wineries during the month of September.
North Carolina is the 10th largest producer of wine in the nation. The state has 525 commercial grape growers that produce about 2,300 acres of grapes annually.
Chrysta Carroll can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.