Tunnel Creek Vineyards: Serenity in the Air, Elegance in the Glass

When traveling to a North Carolina wine destination, we usually aim the car west and buckle in for a two-and-a-half-hour drive. On a recent sunny day, we decided it was long past due to head north and visit Tunnel Creek Vineyards in Roxboro.

The journey to Tunnel Creek is about an hour shorter than our typical trip to Yadkin Valley, making it an easier day-trip escape. Passing rolling countryside and through the gated entrance, it's time to exhale and leave worries behind.

The 400-acre estate features 13 acres of vines. The tasting room feels like a boutique resort with modern-rustic architecture—stone, timber, glass, and clean lines. The chic surroundings lend a high-quality air to your tasting experience.

The winery is owned by Larry and Sharon Holler, and their experience as developers shows in Tunnel Creek's recognition as an award-winning event venue. Weddings are held in the events building or outdoors on the immaculate grounds.

The landscape provides views of rolling vineyard blocks, water, and forest -- perfect for relaxation or a photo backdrop. The elevation gives a breezy, open feel.

While the facilities and scenery are outstanding, the hospitality and wine are not to be outdone. Sharon led us through a tasting of the Tunnel Creek lineup of mostly estate wines.

The 2021 Pinot Gris displays great acidity and citrus in an enjoyable glass. The expressive, high-intensity aroma 2024 Traminette is a winner, with tropical hints of pineapple and white blossoms. The 2022 Heritage is a refreshing white blend of Traminette and Vidal Blanc.

Tunnel Creek has a way with red wine. The tasting room, hospitality areas, and event spaces opened in 2020. Since those early days, the wines have benefited from the aging and attained elegance and depth. 

There is a lot to love in the red lineup. The 2022 Sangiovese is a juicy glass with ripe cherry and smoke. The 2022 Cabernet Franc is a beautiful rendition of the grape: savory red berries and baking spice. The 2020 Petit Verdot demonstrates black fruit power in an intense wine.

We tasted the 2018 Reserve Sangiovese, which undergoes longer barrel aging and features specially selected grapes.  It's a beautiful, smooth wine. We sipped the 2024 Meritage alongside the 2023 Reserve Meritage. It has a degree of earthiness, bolder tannins, and a smooth finish. The Meritage uses Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. 

Our palates run dry, but Tunnel Creek offers wine for all tastes. The Castle Creek line of wines is geared to those who prefer sweeter wines. Sweet Magnolia is a muscadine wine.

White wines are priced at $34, reds run from $37 to $39. The Reserve lines go from $49 to $59. The price for a tasting is $20 for six to seven wines. 

And yes, there is a tunnel creek! Make sure to visit it during your visit to this showcase North Carolina winery.