ell-known Nascar figure Richard Childress became enamored of wine during visits to the racing circuit in California wine country. It became his dream to have his own winery and make the kinds of wine he liked to drink. Childress Vineyards, now one of the premier wine estates in the Yadkin Valley AVA of central North Carolina, opened its doors to a state-of-the-art winery in 2004. The striking stucco and terra cotta winery, inspired by Renaissance Tuscan architecture and design, is set on a hill surrounded by vineyard in Lexington, NC, the southern boundary of Yadkin Valley.

The 100-acre estate now produces 25,000 cases of wine from its own vineyards as well as some purchased grapes (all from North Carolina). With emphasis on the popular varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah, Viognier and others, Childress wines are made in various styles, including Reserves, Bordeaux blends and Signature wines - all under the watchful eye of winemaker Mark Friszolowski.

Mark was intrigued by the potential for making good wine in North Carolina when Childress brought him down from New York for an interview. With his extensive experience in pioneering another untried region - at Pindar Vineyards in the North Fork of Long Island AVA - Mark understood immediately what the task would involve. Childress wines have already won recognition for stylish character and quality, among consumers and in national wine competitions.

On a warm sunny day in late October, Mark and I talked about winegrowing in North Carolina, the challenges the region presents and the prospects he envisions for the industry’s future.