Raintree Cellars Winery Review

Address: 521 E US Hwy 70 E Hildebran,North Carolina 28637.
Phone Number: 828-397-5643
Tasting Hours:

Region: North Carolina
Reviewer: Natasha Stiles
Review Date: 6/3/2013
Reviewer: Natasha Stiles
Rating: 3

The Review

Location:  Raintree Cellars’ location, next to a pawn shop in a rundown looking strip mall, might seem like an odd location for a wine tasting room, and a visit to the town of Hildebran isn’t much to brag about. However, Raintree Cellars is right off Hwy 70, which connects many neighboring towns, so if you are in the area or passing through, stop into Raintree Cellars and you will be pleasantly surprised with what you find inside.

Experience: &nbspThe owner, Ed Yoder, mans the shop and crafts the delectable wines. He has an amusing personality that makes you feel like you’re visiting with a close relative, which truly makes you feel right at home. He values his customers, and his service is second to none. Because he makes the wine himself, he is filled with winemaking knowledge. The inside isn’t much, consisting of a three top bar tasting area and a scattered wood top table for two. But the room is open, light, and somewhat refreshing. The windowed store front allows for much natural light and a view of the shabby street. The small gift area contains unique, hand-crafted wooden novelties that Ed creates himself. The quality of these objects is rare and worth every penny.

Tasting: &nbspThere are over twenty different wine varieties available at Raintree Cellars, so there is something for everyone. The names of the wines are unique, and I’m sure they all have a story which Ed is willing to share. The essence of the different types is just as distinct. The sweet white wines have delightful, fruity flavors like strawberry, apple, and peach. The dry whites consist more of floral bouquets and spice. The sweet reds were bolder with cranberry, blueberry, blackberry, and current. While the dry reds were intoxicating, complex mixtures of vanilla, black cherry, chocolate, and black pepper, just to name a few. With such a variety, wine lovers, regardless of their wine preference, will likely find something that they like.

Overall/Pricing: &nbspEd Yoder is what makes Raintree Cellars a success. The exterior appearance isn’t likely to draw you in, but if you do visit, Ed will make you feel like a member of the family. His wine names and flavors are original, and you’ll be able to taste his passion for wine in every drop. The wines are made on location so feel free to ask Ed for a tour on your visit. The price per bottle starts at $10 and goes up to $20. Tastings at Raintree Cellars are complimentary. If you visit during the holiday months, you will find a few Christmas wines for sampling and for purchase. Because of the location, I would recommend this winery if you are passing through the area or in addition to other winery stops nearby. An ideal trip could be traveling through the Catawba Valley Wine Trail, which consists of this winery and four others that could be conquered in the same outing.