News & Events

On your list of things to do in Morganton, NC, make sure to highlight a visit to Silver Fork Vineyard and Winery about 40 minutes from The Coves Mountain River Club. With pleasant surprises like this popping up around every corner, it’s no wonder the mountain towns in North Carolina draw people from all over the world to our scenic cradle of Americana.

The Silver Fork boutique vineyard in the foothills of the South Mountains, produces nine old world varietals on more than five acres of rolling landscape.  The wines are Bordeaux-style, and the setting is nothing short of majestic. Soon the mountains will be ablaze of color adding to the vineyard’s ambience.

When the owners were first looking for Western North Carolina land for sale several years ago and came upon this spot, where Silver Creek and White Fork Creek intersect, they were seeking a new direction for their lives.  Something about the location and the tranquil beauty moved them so deeply that they quit their careers in New Jersey and pull up stakes to come here and learn all there is to know about winemaking.

Soon, Silver Fork Winery became a favorite site for weddings, picnics and business meetings. Tours are popular, of course, and wine tastings on the patio are a regular feature.  Silver Fork wines are available for purchase by the glass, bottle and case.

Co-owner Jennifer Foulides says they meet people who sample their wine and comment that it “doesn’t taste like a Napa Cab”.   It could be manipulated in the winery to mimic a California cabernet but would then lose its North Carolina characteristics.  The range of annual rainfall allows for dry farming, and vintners have the additional advantages of 1,200 feet of elevation, southern-facing slopes and great drainage. There are no cold nights here to increase tannin levels, so Silver Fork’s cabernet is better as a wine to pair with food.

Larry Kehoe, who sold them the property, was well-known as a pioneer in North Carolina viticulture.  His vineyard dated back to 1992, and he was happy to help them begin the journey of learning and experimentation that led them to today’s level of success.

Silver Fork Winery hosts live music, Movies Under The Stars and other exciting events on a regular basis.  Check their web site for more details (http://www.silverforkwinery.com/events) or call (347) 739-2052.  You’ll even find your favorite food truck there on Saturday and Sunday.  If you’re looking for fun things to do in Morganton NC, make your way to 5000 Patton Road in Morganton.

We at The Coves Mountain River Club have a special affinity for Silver Fork.  Some of our residents make a visit there part of their annual wine tours in the mountain towns in North Carolina during the fall harvest season.  And our friend Chef Corey Hooks, a local celebrity chef, pairs their wines with locally grown food during the monthly cooking demonstrations at our Pisgah Mountain Lodge.

If you’re exploring Western North Carolina land for sale, we offer one of the best places in the state to retire.  Our location in Lenoir is just a short drive from a multitude of exciting adventures, from outdoor activities to entertainment to local culture and traditions. Many of our residents prefer to stay in Lenoir and enjoy the small town friendliness. Downtown Lenoir has a number of family-owned restaurants, home decor boutiques, breweries and one of the country’s largest displays of public art sculptures.

Come by and meet our first Artist-In-Residence, colorful Charlie Frye.  You’ll always find him in overalls covered in paint from the day’s creativity. He’s was commissioned to paint two quilt blocks on our Round Mountain Ranch barn and did a beautiful job! We’re hoping they’ll become part of the Quilt Block Trail of North Carolina, a collection of more than 200 such artworks across the mountains.  Charlie’s frequently at the lodge talk and teaching about art, what inspires him and showcasing a private art exhibit to property owners.

There’s always something to enjoy at The Coves Mountain River Club. From our guest lecture series, to 39 miles of hiking trails in Western NC with its breathtaking views and elevations and the limitless opportunities for outdoor activities of all kinds. Image every day having the chance to close your eyes, breath in fresh mountain air and realize you’ve finally found exactly the right place to live life to its fullest.

When you’re in the Lenoir area, come on by and take a tour.  We’ll have a glass of wine waiting for you and a chair, where you can sit, relax and watch the sun set over the mountains.

If you’re exploring the area for the first time, ask for our 84 page Complimentary Magazine