If the trees along the Yadkin River basin could talk, and some say they can, they would whisper tales of moonshine, stills and late night meetings. Now they will have a new story to tell. Located in western North Carolina between Boone and Wilkesboro in the foothills of both the Blue Ridge Mountains and Brushy Mountains, Rendezvous Ridge Vineyard is writing a new page in history.
Benny Parsons has returned to his roots in Parsonsville, high on Rendezvous Mountain in Wilkes County, North Carolina. From the age of 5 years old, Benny lived there with his great-grandmother in a wooden house with no running water and no electricity. That house still stands on the land today, a symbol of harder times but also of love and good people. “Mama Julia” inspired Benny to strive for success in all he has done in a lifetime of racing, career and family.
Now, tucked away amidst those magnificent mountain hardwoods, pink lady slipper and occasionally some rare ginseng, there are grapes growing on the very ground where Benny played as a child. Surrounded by history, folklore and tales both true and tall, exciting things are happening on Parsons soil.
Welcome to Rendezvous Ridge!