Autumn Creek Vineyards

About Autumn Creek Vineyards:

Presented here is an outstanding opportunity to acquire a fully operational hospitality business built around a beautiful vineyard setting, high quality supporting structures with superior appointments— all combining to create an overall feel of natural elegance.

Autumn Creek is located in the gently rising foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Rockingham County, NC which boasts communities that are noted for their rural small-town charm—yet it is still proximate to the vibrant and growing market areas in North Carolina’s Northern Piedmont Triad Region (Winston-Salem, High Point, & Greensboro all less than 1 hour away).

The overall underlying property consists of approximately 100 acres of beautiful, rolling land with 2 flowing streams and 3 small lakes. The central portion of the property near the tasting room and pavilion is very well laid out, and nicely landscaped—including a spacious gazebo overlooking the lake area which comprises the prime outdoor wedding event space.

The Vineyard

There are about 10 acres under vine at Autumn Creek, and the varietals planted include Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chambourcin, and Viognier. Depending upon seasonal weather and other factors, the typical harvest tonnage at Autumn Creek is in the range of 15 to 20 tons. The production from the Autumn Creek vines is augmented from time to time with grapes from other NC wine-growers and the wines produced over the years have included Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and several red and white blends incorporating the Autumn Creek Riesling and Chambourcin.

Vineyard operations are also supported by a metal utility building of approximately 4,000 sf, which is designed to accommodate storage of tractors, mowers, and assorted vineyard equipment. It also contains a small laundry room, along with both 2 restrooms connected to the building with outside entrances for use by guests in connection with outdoor events.

Nearby, there is also an old 2 story farm-house which is not currently in use—but has been used previously as a rental home and, with some minor renovation, could once again be utilized as a rental either on an occasional basis for larger groups, or as a traditional rental.

The Tasting Room Log Building

This impressive and beautiful log structure is of superior construction and has a very appealing exterior, with a metal standing seam roof with dormers, and an extensive porch, deck and patio area all sited to enjoy breathtaking views of the vineyard and small lake.

The first level is approximately 2,000 sf and contains the very well-appointed tasting room, ladies and men’s restrooms, and a bonus room for small private events, along with a small manager’s office. The lower level wine cellar area contains another 2,000 sf and about one-half of the space is devoted to wine storage, while the other half is set up and utilized for small dinner parties and other similar events. This area can seat about 40 to 50 persons for a dinner or other gathering, and the overall capacity is 100 people for stand-up events. There is a tall overhead door in this area which opens onto a concrete pad/patio area which also overlooks the small lake and can be used for outdoor gatherings.

The tasting room building is a perfect setting for pre-wedding festivities, smaller weddings, and/or rehearsal dinners. In the winter months, many visitors enjoy the live music and the opportunity to cozy up to the stone fireplace in the first level, or in the summer months enjoy the outdoor porch, deck and patio seating overlooking the small lake and vineyard beyond.

And, while there is space in the lower level of the tasting room building which could accommodate a winery production facility, all wines have been produced on a contracted “custom-crush” basis by other NC wineries—most notably, Childress.

3D tour of The Tasting Room (Use your mouse or arrows to move through the space and look around)

The Pavilion

The true centerpiece of the overall Autumn Creek special events venue is the strikingly beautiful building known as “The Pavilion”. Rustic, yet naturally elegant is the best way to describe this 6,000 sf events center. The Pavilion’s interior features hand-crafted timber posts, beams and trusses, and an absolutely “grand” natural stone fireplace as the central focal point. The exterior walls on 3 sides are comprised of large, expansive glass windows and glass doors designed to provide guests with excellent views of the vineyard, lake, and surrounding countryside. The south end of the building has very large sliding glass doors that open the space directly to a large wrap-around deck that runs above and along the small lake.

While the main area of 5,000 sf is primarily designed to accommodate table and chair set ups for wedding receptions and dinner parties, the building also contains a separate warming kitchen for catering, separate and spacious men’s and ladies restrooms, as well as a separate large storage area for storage of 25 round tables and 250 chairs when not in use. The total capacity of The Pavilion is 300 persons.

The Pavilion is located just adjacent to the large Gazebo and the Tasting Room building, providing easy and convenient movement for guests from one part of the overall venue to another.

Many types of special events can be accommodated at Autumn Creek—both indoors and out, with The Pavilion as the “anchor point”. Among the most typical events booked are:
weddings and receptions; rehearsal dinners; bridal showers; charitable fund-raisers; family or school reunions; corporate outings/gatherings; bridal showers; birthday & holiday parties; and, of course, private wine-tastings.

3D tour of the Pavilion (Use your mouse or arrows to move through the space and look around)

The Log Cabins

Complimenting the Autumn Creek Vineyard venue experience are two incredible and well-appointed log cabins that are both within walking distance of the Tasting Room and The Pavilion. The cabins are nestled on the edge of the vineyard, providing spectacular views of the vines and have been very popular for weekend get-aways, romantic honeymoons, anniversary celebrations, and many other special occasions. Each cabin includes a full kitchen with all major appliances, dishware, cookware, flat-screen TVs and gas log fireplaces for capturing the cozy cabin effect.

The “Cabin in the Vines” is approximately 800 sf and is a restored tobacco barn with a lovely addition. This cabin is ideal for one couple, but it can sleep 4 guests comfortably. It includes an open great room with fireplace and a loft bedroom area above. The great room flows directly to the dining and kitchen area, one half-bath, and then connects to a separate master bedroom with a full bath ensuite and direct access to a deck overlooking a small private pond.

3D tour of the Cabin in the Vines (Use your mouse or arrows to move through the space and look around)

The “Cabernet Cabin”

An approximately 1,350 sf log home structure with two separate master bedroom suites (each with private full baths) and is designed to accommodate two couples. For privacy, the bedrooms are separated by a spacious great room which contains a gas log fireplace and also encompasses the open, fully equipped kitchen and dining area.
Luxury appointments also include granite countertops in the kitchen and on bath vanities, as well as spacious stand-up tile showers in both bathrooms. Rounding out this cabin’s features is a large sitting porch with expansive views of the vineyard and small lake beyond.

3D tour of the Cabernet Cabin (Use your mouse or arrows to move through the space and look around)

Summary

Given the overall acreage, the vineyard, and all of the well-executed supporting structural, and landscape elements—Autumn Creek Vineyards represents a tremendous value as a destination events and get-away venue built around a vineyard and wine-centric based hospitality approach. All of this, coupled with being within a one hour drive of the NC Piedmont Triad cities, makes for a unique and compelling hospitality based business opportunity. Autumn Creek is ready and waiting for your ideas, energy, and plans to take it to the next level of success, and beyond!