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

I had wondered why the images I had initially posted (no longer visible in my reply above) looked horrible. Come to find out that things have been going downhill with Photobucket, which is the web hosting service I've been using for 7-8 years now. Sure, they are a very convenient photo hosting agency, but after uploading your images, they look diminished in clarity and overall look. And this began with their new webpage look (still in Beta). And of course, when linking DPReview to these photos, you get that new finished horrible look.

So I uploaded them to DPReview, and here are the images again - and yes, they are in Adobe RGB color profile and they look quite a bit better (but not as pristine as the originals). And again, I'm very impressed with the quality of the new Samsung 16-50 f3.5-5.6 PZ lens, as it punches far above its weight performance-wise. I can honestly say - without exaggeration - that this 16-50 PZ can compete with many a far more expensive lens.

The NX300 and 16-50 PZ samples:

Approaching the Jones von Drehle vineyards in Thurmond, NC (foothills of the Blueridge mountains). An enormously picturesque site, the complexity of the wines and atmosphere there are unrivaled. If in this area, you must make it a point to stop by. Shot in RAW mode, ISO 200, AWB, Aperture Priority mode, f6.3. All images were then converted using Lightroom 5.7 and converted to TIF Images within PS-6. TIF's were then converted for web posting using Irfanview (my preferred conversion software) at a 1200 x 808 image setting.

Same winery - now a closer view. Same shooting data as above.

Inside the Jones von Drehle wine tasing room we discovered that they had a "winery dog," and boy was she friendly (and begged for food). Here she noticed somebody going outside with a snack dish, and she was trying to motion to her owner to let her out. Shot at ISO 1600, AWB, RAW, Aperture Priority mode, f6.3.

This next winery is located Jo Lo Vineyards in Pilot Mountain, NC. A superb environment with much to see. They feature superb wines and have a 4-5 star Bistro inside of the building with well thought-out menu and an atmosphere that can't be beat. Taken at ISO 200, AWB, RAW, f6.3.

Imaging sitting here with some cheese and a glass of Cabernet - the fabled Pilot Mountain is in the distance. The town of Pilot Mountain (often referred to as Mount Pilot on the well known Andy Griffith show back in the 60's and 70's) is located just a 15 minute drive south of Mt. Airy, the town where the actor Andy Griffith was born, and it served as the model for the fictional Mayberry town on TV). Shot in the same settings - shot in RAW mode, ISO 200, AWB, Aperture Priority Mode, f6.3

Interior view (partial) of the Jo Lo Winery. Taken in RAW mode, ISO 2000 (available light), AWB, Aperture Priority Mode at f5.6

They have an absolutely wonderful bistro at Jo Lo Vineyards called the End Posts restaurant. It can seat up to 24 and features a small, yet very enjoyable menu (yes, a bit pricey but the cuisine is outstanding). Here's an inside ISO 2000 shot of the restaurant. Same data as in the previous photo.

The next winery/restaurant combination visited was the Sanders Ridge Winery located in Boonville, NC. Talk about being in the boondocks - this place is it. Here is the entrance. Shot in RAW mode, ISO 200, AWB, Aperture Priority Mode, f5.6.

This Sanders Ridge winery/restaurant is in a more rustic location, but the atmosphere is unbeatable. As I mentioned, the NC wine industry is breaking new ground with so many choices, you will have plenty to see. This winery features a post and beam style tasting and restaurant structure situated on a pond with Gazebo and nestled far back in the woods. Shot in RAW mode, ISO 400, AWB, Aperture Priority Mode, f5.6. They have a huge zip line here also, plus cabins, hiking travels and an organic farm - something for everyone.

Here's the main building (wine tasting area and 4-5 star restaurant called the "Hearthside Restaurant." Shot at the same shooting data as the previous image.

Inside of the restaurant area looking to the wine tasting area of Sanders Ridge Winery. Image shot at ISO 2000, RAW, AWB, Aperture Priority Mode, f5.6. Does this place convey a warming mountain style atmosphere, or what?

When visiting the famous Yadkin Valley region of NC (for wineries galore), you'd be remiss in not stopping by the historical town of Mt. Airy (referred to as the real Mayberry). This is where the famous actor, Andy Griffith was born and it was Mt. Airy that served as the model for the fictional town of Mayberry in the TV series. And of course, this town makes good use of that connection for business and tourism purposes. Here is a view of main street. Taken in RAW, ISO 200, AWB, Aperture Priority Mode, f6.3.

Don't forget to stop by Barney's Cafe while walking along Main Street. Same shooting data as in the previous image.

Many old time side view streets in this historical town. It's like they don't wish to come out of the 1950's or 1960's and I'm all good with that. Same shooting data as in previous image.

In the green building on the right (situated at the corner of Main and Oak streets), lies the Main-Oak Emporium, which is a 3-story shopping center inside featuring a dozen different stores. You could spend hours alone in this building and they feature a wonderful little restaurant in there called "Trio." Same shooting data as in previous photo.

Inside the Main-Oak Emporium is the Trio restaurant as I alluded to in the previous photo. Here's an inside view (taken at ISO 2000) of the restaurant just prior to opening for evening dinner. Image taken in RAW, ISO 2000, AWB, Aperture Priority Mode, f5.

The entrance area to Trio Restaurant inside of the emporium. ISO 2000 - same data as in previous photo.

The next day we found ourselves visiting a relative small new winery/vineyard complex - called Medaloni Cellars in Lewisburg, NC. They had a very contemporary setup, and although a very small environment, their wines were very complex and superb. We got there just as they opened, thus we were the only folks there (nice). Shot in RAW mode, AWB, ISO 200, Aperture Priority mode, f6.3.

Inside the wine tasting area of Medaloni Cellars Winery - very contemporary. Shot in RAW mode, ISO 800, AWB, Aperture Priority mode. f6.3.

Wine tasting area - again, very contemporary, but oh those wines!!!! Shot at ISO 1600, RAW, AWB, Aperture Priority Mode, f6.3.

Later on - early evening, we visited one of our favorites - the fabled Rag Apple Lassie Winery in Boonville, NC. This used to be a dairy farm and the winery was named after one of their prized heffers, "Rag Apple Lassie." When the owners decided to convert to growing grapes and began a winery, little did they realize at how popular this place would become. Nothing to look at, that's for sure, it nevertheless has a wonderful atmosphere. This is the winery building (has a huge basement where the tastings and wine-making are accomplished. Shot at ISO 400, RAW, AWB, Aperture Priority Mode, f7.1

Out in front is a metal cutout of a cow holding a bottle of their wine (empty of course) and a wine glass. Many a group photo has been taken with that cow. Same shooting data as in previous photo.

The stainless steel tanks holding the wine to be had in the future at the Rag Apple Lassie Vineyards. Taken in RAW, ISO 1600, AWB, Aperture Priority mode, f5.6.

And yes, they have plenty of wine for sale and they feature the most unique bottles in the industry.

When all was said and done, we headed back to the hotel (Fairfield Inn in Elkin, NC), and as always, this hotel decorates to the maximum - taken in the lobby.  RAW, AWB, ISO 400, Aperture Priority Mode, f5.6.

The restaurant breakfast area - again, a wonderful environment - that's why we keep coming to this Fairfield Inn in Elkin, NC.  Great breakfast menu also - all part of the room price.