Late Fall, Wine, and a superb combo - the NX300 & 16-50 f3.5-5.6 PZ

The first winery visited was Sanders Ridge Winery in Boonville, NC. This winery is literally way back in the boondocks and features a mountain-style lodge building that serves both as the wine tasting area and a 4-5 star bistro known as the "Hearth side." The meals there are superb, although I find their wines just so-so. The setting is immediately relaxing and we often go there for the atmosphere (and the food). Here are some images from Sanders Ridge Vineyards and 'Winery (and restaurant).

We arrived at this winery around 5 PM (still some daylight left). The winery as mentioned, as a very rustic setting next to a pond and Gazebo (great location for weddings).

Another direct view of the winery/restaurant building.

You could just sit here for hours on end, sampling wines and enjoying the fine cuisine...and just stare out the windows.  Taken at ISO 2000.

This is the long stretch of road that takes you down to the winery building. In the original image, this entire image is crystal clear.

One last look before the sun went down.

The next day we visited a fairly new winery called Jones - von Drehle vineyards, and they are located in Thurmond, NC. The moment we arrived, it felt like I was in Europe (remember, I was born in the Bavarian Alps in Germany and this brought back memories). The investors put a lot of funds into the establishment of this place and they feature a variety of European wines that are world class and quite complex (my wife and I found these wines to be some of the finest we've tasted). We fell in love with this winery because it ticked off all the check marks for the senses - views, atmosphere, wine selections, and taste! Here are some images from that location:

When we were driving down the main road, we saw this sight and immediately had to stop to grab some shots. The setting was superb and the owners couldn't have picked a better place. A must see place if you are going wine hunting in North Carolina.

Going down the gravel road heading towards the winery building, Merlot grapes are planted to the right.

Yes, getting closer now...

The Jones - von Drehle winery building has this very inviting verandah which wraps around half of the building. From there you have views into the valley. On the weekends, they have a gourmet food truck there (looks more like a sophisticated, higher end RV) and the food is to die for. Eat right here on the Verandah.

The tasting room shot at ISO 2000 - the golden retriever dog on the left is the "winery dog" who greats everyone as they walk in (and of course, begs for food - isn't that what dogs do?).

I had to laugh - here's a shot of the winery dog - a female golden retriever - whining to get outside because she noticed somebody sitting on Verandah with food. We all cracked up when we saw this.

The next winery we visited was in Pilot Mountain, NC. Pilot Mountain (often referred to as Mt. Pilot) on the Andy Griffith show back in the 60's and 70's sits just 15 minutes south of Mt. Airy (where Andy Griffith was born and is the model for Mayberry on the show). The Vineyards are called Jo Lo Vineyards and they sit at the base of Pilot Mountain (which you'll see in the rear of some of the photos). The place is absolutely divine, features some nice wines, and has a higher end 4-5 star bistro that seats up to 24 people. We just loved this place because it also ticked off all the right check marks with regards to scenery and other views, atmosphere, wines, and cuisine. Make it a point to visit if you're in this neck of the woods. Here are some images from that locale:

Arriving at the front gate area of Jo Lo Vineyards, you are immediately reminded that you'll be in for a visual treat!

Image sitting here with a glass of your favorite red wine - the views were superb.

The wine tasting area - ISO 2000. My wife Jane enjoying the tasting.

Kick back and relax by the fireplace when you enter the main part of the building.  ISO 2000.

Here's an interior view of the "End Posts" restaurant. Featuring high-end cuisine and a superb environment, this place seats up to 24 (reservations obviously required).  ISO 2000.

So all I can say is that the PZ 16-50 is staying on my NX300 - I'm very happy with it and I think you will be also. Take care....