A Heartfelt Recap of Visiting North and South Carolina – Spring 2025

After two weeks on the road through North and South Carolina, my heart is full and my palate inspired. I had the privilege of sharing Limited Addition wines with over a thousand curious, generous, and incredibly kind people through tastings, dinners, and impromptu chats across these two beautiful states. The level of hospitality, the thoughtfulness of the food and wine selections, and the sense of community everywhere I went was humbling and invigorating.

Durham + Chapel Hill: Curiosity and Connection

Durham greeted me with warmth and deep curiosity. At Louella’s and Cheeni, the energy was electric — thank you for the insightful conversations and the care you poured into every detail. In Chapel Hill, Glass Half Full and Rocks and Acid Bottle Shop hosted unforgettable experiences. These places exemplify how wine can feel both adventurous and grounding, with hospitality that matched the precision of the wines poured.

Charlotte: Vibrancy and Depth

Charlotte brought the fire. From the progressive selections at Substrate Wine Bar and the deeply memorable dinner at Counter Charlotte, to the inspiring teams at Foliar and The Culture Shop, I was blown away by the caliber of the food, wine, and conversation. For those who were part of this dinner or have been to Counter you will know that the exceptional Chef Sam Hart loves to pair his dishes to songs, albums and meaningful conversation and our wine, food and music pairings on this evening led us to discussing the work of Dr. Jo Burzynska, she is a trailblazing sound artist, wine writer, and researcher whose work sits at the intersection of sensory science and aesthetics. She is best known for creating immersive, multisensory wine tasting experiences that explore how sound—especially music—can shape and transform the way we perceive wine. In her groundbreaking book Oenosthesia – Blending Music & Wine, Burzynska delves into the emerging field of crossmodal correspondences, presenting a compelling case for how sound can amplify or diminish certain aspects of a wine’s character, such as body, sweetness, acidity, and texture. Her work invites us to reconsider the act of tasting as a fully embodied, multisensory experience rather than a purely gustatory one. You all are raising the bar. And, it was wonderful to connect with our seasonal Charlotte harvest helper, Rebecca Taylor (you can find her at The Culture Shop sharing stories and making killer wine nosh!), we look forward to the 2025 harvest with you!

Asheville: Mountain Magic and Wine Wisdom

Jargon and Mother Bakery crafted experiences that perfectly matched the natural beauty of Asheville — layered, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. At The Appalachian Vintner, I encountered one of the most compelling retail selections I’ve seen in recent memory. Their team’s depth of knowledge and passion for storytelling through wine was a masterclass. Speaking of passion, the talented people of Plant always surprise and delight with exceptional hospitality, sexy ambiance and incredible food that hits all your senses.

Cataloochee Ranch: High Elevation, High Purpose

The time I spent at Cataloochee Ranch in the Smokies was nothing short of soul-refreshing. Sommelier and Beverage Director Cara De Lavallade has curated a focused, meaningful cellar that speaks to the best of U.S. wine regions, with thoughtful nods to global icons. It was an honor to pour Limited Addition wines in such an intentional space.

South Carolina: Always a Warm Welcome

Every visit to South Carolina feels like a homecoming. From reconnecting with friends at Edmunds Oast, Pinot + Provisions, Graft and their new pizza shop, and Stems and Skins, to discovering the thoughtful selections at the new Village Wine Shop, I was moved by, and reminded why I do this, the people and passion driving these programs. 

The evening events at Rooted in Mount Pleasant and The Shed in Port Royal were pure magic. Thank you to everyone who showed up and made these evenings unforgettable.

And what a joy it was to return to Lula Drake Wine Parlour in Columbia — a true gem. Every dish, every pour, and every moment here reminds me why this spot is rightly celebrated. This level of execution, flavor, and feeling is rare.

Greenville: Feels Like Home

Greenville, you always hold a special place for me. Your enthusiasm for wine is unmatched. Lunch at M. Judson Booksellers with Ashley and Terry was restorative, tasting with wine team at Soby’s was inspiring and a reminder of my own days in fine dining sharing stories of small producers with engaged diners. Dinner at The Anchorage was nothing short of exceptional, Chef Steve Zurkey paired our wines with one of the most thoughtful menus I’ve seen, an absolute highlight and must visit! I never leave without saying hello to the incredible teams at Cook’s Station, Community Tap, Swamp Rabbit, and Wine House — each one a critical part of this city’s vibrant wine and food community.

With Gratitude

To everyone who welcomed me, tasted with me, poured and prepped and hosted — thank you. Sharing Limited Addition wines with you was the highlight, but it was your generosity, curiosity, and care that made this trip unforgettable.

Here’s to the many ways wine brings us together. Until next time, with a full heart — cheers! 

Bree Stock MW, Winemaker and Owner of Limited Addition Wines