Westbend Vineyards of Lewisville NC
Before North Carolina vineyards reached the hundreds, before their wines got national acclaim and before the industry became a tourism draw across the state, there was Jack Kroustalis and some land the so-called experts said could never grow grapes. Little did the Westbend Vineyards founder know that he would be making history by planting the Yadkin Valley's first vinifera grapevines.
Throwing caution and the advice of state agricultural agents to the winds, Kroustalis planted the roots of what is now a thriving industry statewide when he began growing grapes in 1972 on his property in Lewisville. To the astonishment of many, several of the vines flourished. More acreage was planted and, by 1986, Kroustalis found he had grown to a 70-ton grape harvest.
“Westbend” became a commercial bonded winery in 1988. The first Westbend wines, made from traditional European grapes, were released in June 1990. Early on, Jack set out to get Westbend wines into local restaurants and retailers. Soon, Westbend wines were carried in well-known restaurants such as the Angus Barn and large retailers such as Total Wine and Harris Teeter.
Then came national attention. Westbend picked up favorable press in such publications as Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate. As far back as 1995, Robert Parker, widely acknowledged to be the most widely known and influential wine critic in the world and founder of “The Wine Advocate”, stated “One of the South's best kept wine secrets is Westbend Vineyards in Lewisville, North Carolina.
In 2005, Westbend expanded by purchasing a 25 acre tract adjacent to the existing vineyard. The newly acquired property included a hand-sewn log home, the Joel Benjamin Hauser House.
The “Hauser House” is made from hand-notched logs and was constructed by J.B. Hauser and his wife Margaret in 1850. Extensively renovated and expanded in 2008, the home is now a multipurpose event center and meeting facility with kitchen, vaulted ceilings, fireplace and a private covered deck overlooking the vineyards. The venue can accommodates up to 175 people for weddings, banquets, and private parties.
Long known for its weddings, other Westbend events began to flourish. Art shows, car shows, concerts, private parties and other special events became commonplace and drew large crowds.
Seeking to expand their demographics and increase their customer base even more, Westbend took notice of the rapidly growing microbrewery business. In February 2012, after extensive research, Westbend invested over $350,000 to became only the second winery in North Carolina to offer locally-brewed craft beers. With its five-barrel state-of-the-art brewing equipment “Westbend Brewhouse” began by offering five year-round brews plus seasonals. It was an immediate hit.
Sadly, Jack Kroustalis passed away in 2006 at age 74. Lillian and their son Alex have carried on the family business ever since. Now, this historic winery and brewery has been made available for sale. Contact MidStreet for more details.
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Fall Festival at Riverwest Estate | 2019
Six-acre, country estate and event destination located in the Town of Lewisville, North Carolina. Offers one-acre pond, stream, gazebo, outdoor fireplace, covered seating, rowboat.
Scenic, private and located minutes from two wineries/breweries (Westbend Vineyard and Medaloni Cellars) and 15 minutes from downtown Winston-Salem, the City of Arts & Innovation, and home of NC School of the Arts, Wake Forest University, historic Old Salem & Gardens, Reynolda House Museum of American Art and Reynolda House Village & Restaurants. Perfect for retreats, corporate meetings, weddings, birthday parties, teas & more.
One-acre pond, stream, gazebo, outdoor fireplace, covered seating
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