Lexington, NC -- Beyond the Barbecue: A Small City with Big Flavor and Heart

By Dave Nershi, CSW

Most people know Lexington, NC, for the Lexington Barbecue Festival, which draws more than 200,000 visitors each year, but far fewer realize how much the city offers long after the smoke clears. Set in the heart of the Piedmont, about 20 miles south of Winston‑Salem, Lexington rewards slow exploration—where creativity, heritage, and community pride intersect. On our recent visit, we paired the Southern Gateway Wine Trail with the many charms of Downtown Lexington and discovered a destination with even more depth than its festival fame.

The Barbecue Heritage: Where Tradition Still Smokes

There's no better place to start a tour of Lexington, known as the Barbecue Capitol of North Carolina, than Lexington Barbecue. The iconic white building on the hill has been serving up barbecue since it was established in 1962 by Wayne Monk. Diners are greeted in the parking lot with billowing smoke and an aroma that teases the belly with a preview of coming attractions. The nationally known restaurant cooks pork shoulders low and slow over oak and hickory coals for half a day. The succulent pork is served with red coleslaw. 

I got hush puppies and a Cheerwine to make it a true Southern treat. Topped off with a chocolate cream pie, it was a perfect meal.

This is Lexington-style barbecue at its best. It's also called Western style, as the eastern part of the state serves it differently (whole hog and vinegar sauce). Here, the meat does the talking with little to no sauce -- you can get some "dip," a thin ketchup and vinegar sauce.

Love of barbecue runs deep in Lexington. The City Hall even has a barbecue pit that was unearthed during construction. Barbecue pits were created outside the courthouse more than 100 years ago to feed the hungry workers and visitors. Legend has it that the judge would halt court business when he smelled that the barbecue was ready.

From its earliest days, barbecue in Lexington was tied to public life—political rallies, courthouse gatherings, church events, and community celebrations. These meals were designed to bring people together, and they still do. Barbecue remains the “common thread that brings people together.

Today, there are 12 local barbecue restaurants serving chopped and sliced pork shoulders to more than 500 people a day.

Creativity & Craft: The Bob Timberlake Story

Bob Timberlake Gallery

Bob Timberlake is North Carolina’s most famous living artist, a hometown Lexington success whose work celebrates the Old Home State’s countryside landscape and downhome scenes of everyday beauty.

Timberlake began painting as a child, but has no formal art education or training. His work is known for intricate detail and attention to color. The Bob Timberlake Gallery, located at 1714 E. Center St. Ext., celebrates Timberlake's art, furniture designs, apparel, and home furnishings. The gallery is part museum and part personal archive, displaying craftsmanship and authenticity.

He has designed four postage stamps for the U.S. Postal Service. Timberlake has been honored by Presidents Carter and Reagan in the White House for his work with Keep America Beautiful and NC Beautiful, Inc., and by Prince Charles in Buckingham Palace.

Downtown Lexington: A Walkable, Welcoming Surprise

Downtown Lexington

Most visitors don’t realize how appealing, lively, and walkable the downtown district is. As we walked Main and Center streets, we were impressed by the mix of legacy businesses and new energy. 

After getting our bearings at the Lexington Visitor Center, we headed next door to the Conrad & Hinkle Food Market. The market has been operating since 1919 and is known for cut-to-order meats and beloved pimento cheese. With shelves stocked with handmade Moravian cookies, Moon Pies, and pickled okra, it’s a destination, not just a shopping experience.

Red Donut is a family-operated shop that makes scratch doughnuts and offers a welcoming cafe. They are known for a wide variety of fresh, delicious donuts, from classic Original Glaze to unique specialty creations like the Maple Bacon Donut (which I enjoyed!) and massive, flavorful fritters. Boba tea is also available.

Tommy Davis likes to say he didn’t find pottery; it found him. His high-stress job and loss of loved ones led to heart pains. The doctor advised him to find a hobby. A course at a community college introduced him to pottery, and today, with the help of his wife Joyce, Missions Pottery and More is a thriving Main Street business.

Missions Pottery features purposeful pottery that carries a deeper message. Each piece crafted by Tommy has a hole that represents the void that can only be filled by God.  A portion of profits goes to support Christian missions globally. 

Pigs in the City is a public art initiative started as a fundraiser in 2003 that quickly became a popular attraction. It features life-size fiberglass pigs painted by local artists and businesses. About 60 pigs adorn the sidewalks and stores of Lexington, more than half in the Uptown District. 

Elvis Porksley, a pig decked out as “Vegas” Elvis, stares out toward Main Street from the Lexington Visitors Center. Other fanciful names include Oinkle Sam, Pigahontas, and Porky Dumplington. Here’s a map to all the Pigs in the City.

Downtown Lexington offers easy parking, a friendly pace, and visual charm. It’s a perfect place to visit on a sunny summer day.

Lexington After Dark: Food, Drink & Community

Creative cuisine at Sophie's Cork & Ale

Chef John Wilson, owner of Sophie’s Cork & Ale, started out washing dishes at a country club when he was 16. He went on to cook at a couple of country clubs before being promoted to sous chef. He continued his culinary journey at Triad restaurants, Iron Hen Cafe, and Willow’s Bistro. 

He returned home to elevate local dining, serving as chef at Sophie’s Cork & Ale and eventually becoming owner in 2019. Today, the restaurant focuses on locally sourced ingredients, creative plates, and a warm, community-driven atmosphere. 

Craft beer and wine are highlighted, and the menu features mouthwatering dishes like Sashimi Yellowfin Tartlets, Duck Two Ways, and a Wagyu beef hot dog. Wilson’s artful and fun burgers have also become local favorites. The Deep South Burger features fried local chicken skins, smoked Gouda pimento cheese, and Memphis barbecue sauce.

Sophie’s is the ideal spot for a sophisticated meal or a casual meal with friends.

Goose & the Monkey Brewhouse is a story of resilience and rebirth. The brick, industrial-style building is a core part of Lexington’s Depot District. Until 1990, the complex of buildings served as the Lexington Furniture factory. The decline of the state furniture industry left the building vacant until the city launched an effort to repurpose and restore existing historic places.

The building, now transformed from furniture factory to brewery, retains its heritage with exposed brick, high windows that look out to working railroad lines, and distinctive high ceilings. Just as the brewery was being developed, it survived a near catastrophe. In December 2017, a devastating fire swept through the Depot District, threatening to destroy the brewery before it could even open its doors. 

Goose & the Monkey

During the blaze, the local fire chief was able to close a heavy industrial fire door. That action prevented the fire from destroying the entire building and saved what would become Lexington and Davidson County’s first craft brewery. That fire door remains built into the wall of the brewery, and you can douse your own fiery thirst with a pint of Fire Door red ale.

The Goose & the Monkey is more than an award-winning brewery. It is a community hub and houses the commercial coffee-roasting operations for Perfect Blend Coffee Co., which also runs a fully functional espresso bar right inside the taproom. Also on-site is Pour Folk Provisions featuring hand-tossed, made-to-order pizzas cooked in a brick oven, plus fresh salads, rice bowls, and shareable plates. The pizza pairs perfectly with Seductive Mullet, their amber lager!

Curious about the unusual name? It comes from a line in a nursery rhyme: Three, six, nine, the goose drank wine. The monkey chewed tobacco on the streetcar line. It’s a reminder to lighten up, be playful, and have fun.

The Lexington Most People Don’t Know

Lexington is a destination worth slowing down for – a place where heritage and creativity meet. It features a nationally recognized barbecue tradition, a thriving arts presence, and a walkable, irresistible downtown. The food and beverage scene is growing, with craft beer and sophisticated cuisine. It’s also a community that welcomes visitors with genuine warmth.

Go beyond the festival crowds and discover Lexington’s everyday magic.

Before You Go: Explore the Southern Gateway Wine Trail

If Lexington’s creativity and community spirit captured your imagination, you’ll love discovering its wine country side. Just minutes from downtown, the Southern Gateway Wine Trail blends boutique wineries, rolling countryside, and big‑character bottles that showcase North Carolina’s evolving wine scene.

From bold reds to crisp whites—and tasting rooms filled with personality—this trail is the perfect complement to a day spent exploring Lexington’s barbecue heritage, arts, and walkable downtown.

Read the full story: Boutique Wines, Big Character  

https://www.vino-sphere.com/2026/04/boutique-wines-big-character.html

At the Origins of Port: A Day with Ramos Pinto in Vila Nova de Gaia

Our Portugal excursion included the city of Porto, the river-hugging, tile-covered city where historic charm, bold architecture, and soulful wine meet the Atlantic breeze. We strolled across the iconic Dom Luis bridge, completed in 1886, that connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, where the Port houses are located. 

After descending hundreds of stairs from the bridge's upper level to the riverside, we decided to visit the famed Ramos Pinto for a tasting. Ramos Pinto was founded in 1880 by Adriano Ramos Pinto, a 21‑year‑old entrepreneur whose bold marketing and quality‑driven approach quickly set the house apart.   

From the beginning, Ramos Pinto linked top‑quality Port with avant‑garde branding, using striking poster art and innovative packaging to build an international reputation—especially in Brazil, where by the early 20th century the brand represented half of all Port exported to South America. 

In 1990, Ramos Pinto joined the Louis Roederer Champagne House, marking a new era of investment in vineyards, modernization, and cellar renovation.  This partnership strengthened the house’s commitment to quality and environmental stewardship.

I wouldn't describe myself as a Port fanatic, but the craftsmanship and quality are admirable. Many wineries stateside offer "Port-style" wines, and others even dare to label their wines as Port. The only recognized and legally protected region for true Port wine is the Douro Valley of northern Portugal.

All authentic Port must be grown, produced, and fortified within the demarcated Douro region, a designation established in 1756, making it one of the world’s oldest officially defined wine regions.

Being at Ground Zero for Port, we looked forward to an authentic tasting experience.  Our immersive tasting at Ramos Pinto was an upscale delight. Their Ports, especially the aged Tawnies and expressive Vintage Ports, are celebrated for depth, structure, and richly layered fruit and spice. We tasted a fruity white port, the fruity and dense ruby port, Collector Reserva, the Late Bottled Vintage, and two beautiful tawny Ports -- the 10-year and 20-year bottlings. 

The beautiful tasting room and luxurious wines had us on top of the world -- even more so when we took the gondola back to the bridge.

Boutique Wines, Big Character: Discovering North Carolina's Southern Gateway Wine Trail

In the heart of North Carolina’s Piedmont, the Southern Gateway Wine Trail has emerged as a haven for wine lovers. Anchored in Davidson County and shaped by independent vintners, this cluster of boutique wineries blends rural charm with a growing reputation for quality, offering a relaxed, unpretentious tasting experience that captures the spirit of North Carolina’s wine country in just a few scenic miles.

The trail is just a short drive from the Triad, Triangle, and Charlotte areas. During our recent visit to Lexington, NC, we visited all six wineries on the trail, which is the southern entrance to the famed Yadkin Valley AVA. 

America’s First American Indian–Owned Winery

Native Vines Winery is the first American Indian owned winery in the US. Darlene Gabbard, a member of the Lumbee tribe, started winemaking in the 1990s using berries and fruit from the property. A tasting room was opened in the former horse barn (today it is an event space). Darlene retired, and today her daughter, Victoria, and her husband run the operation.

Favorites here included Indian Summer, an off-dry Chenin Blanc with notes of tropical fruit, the unique Raspberry Tea Wine, and the succulent Blackberry wine with a delightfully jammy aroma. The Green Tea Wine and Raspberry Tea Wine are crafted from fermented green tea leaves—something you won’t find at any other winery I know. The idea came to Darlene in a dream, and the result is a pair of truly distinctive, must‑try wines that stand out for their creativity and character.

"I make wine I would like to drink," says Darlene. The tasting room is welcoming and comfy. "I live 50 feet away, so I try to make it homey," she adds.

Sipping with a Soundtrack at Weathervane

Weathervane Winery is on Arcadia Road in Lexington, and the winemaker is Eric Proctor. Weathervane grows Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Traminette, and Chambourcin in their vineyard. The winery also boasts an outstanding event space and ample outdoor seating for sipping or enjoying entertainment.

Ionosphere is a soft and fruity Pinot Grigio. We were impressed with the Sunset Red, an estate Merlot with a touch of oak, and Forecaster's, an estate blend of Merlot, Cab Franc, and Petit Verdot.

The winery also had a modern production facility where wines are produced on-site. Almost all the wines are estate-grown, so Weathervane is truly a grape-to-glass operation.

If you want a soundtrack for your visit to Weathervane, cue up Weathervane Winery Radio—an internet station that streams easygoing adult‑contemporary tunes that pair perfectly with a laid‑back afternoon of tasting.

Rhone Varieties in an Open‑Air Tasting Room

It was with a heavy heart that we received news that Junius Lindsay Vineyard will be closing at the end of 2026. The winery will mark this final year with special events and library wine releases. 

Junius Lindsay Zimmerman established the Zimmerman farm in Lexington in 1896. Four generations have a family legacy of agriculture. Today, the winery is owned by Aaron Zimmerman and Mercedes Zimmerman Davis. The winery features the only open-air tasting room in the state.  At Junius Lindsay, the focus is on elevating Rhone varieties. 

The Special Delivery rose is a blend of Syrah and Grenache. It is tasty and dry with good acidity. One of my favorites is Triomphe, a silky blend of Petite Sirah and Roussanne with cranberry notes. A surprise for me was the Estelle, a sweeter blend of Viognier and Vermentino, that rocks passionfruit and honey notes. Junius Lindsay is also one of the finest Syrah producers in the state. 

Be sure to visit Junius Lindsay before the sun sets on this outstanding winery.

Riding in Style with Uncorked Touring

For three of the wine trail stops, we got the Uncorked Touring Company experience. Stacey McIntyre and Aaron Paul provided a delightful ride in their vivid violet "boozy" bus. They provided insight into the wineries and a festive touch to our trip. We expect to use their services for our next visit to NC wine country -- how about you?

Childress: Grandeur, Craft, and NASCAR Roots

Childress Vineyards stands as one of North Carolina’s landmark wineries, known for its striking architecture, expansive grounds, refined dining, and award‑winning wines. Its tasting room—often cited as one of the finest in the country—reflects the same ambition that drives owner Richard Childress, the NASCAR legend who first fell in love with wine during trips to the Watkins Glen racetrack in New York’s Finger Lakes region. Today, the estate cultivates 70 acres of vines and grows 15 grape varieties, anchoring its reputation as a destination where scale meets craftsmanship.

We prefer the wines in the Reserve and Signature ranges. The 2019 Signature Cabernet Franc is an elegant sip with white pepper notes and savory plum. The 2019 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon is powerful with smooth tannins and hints of cigar box.

A fine finish to our Childress tasting (and perhaps for your dinner) is Devil's Tribute, a Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot blend aged 10 months in Jack Daniel's whiskey barrels. This devil has sleek cherry and charred oak notes. It's a rich wine and a perfect pairing for barbecued ribs. A special release merits your attention. The Liberty and Vines is a reserve Meritage that we plan on sipping to celebrate America's 250th birthday.

Where George Washington’s Footsteps Meet Fine Wine

Curran Alexander sits on a historic property that has remained in the same family for 150 years, its story beginning with an 1800s purchase from a liquor distiller fleeing the state to avoid taxes. Today, the estate channels that colorful past into boutique Bordeaux‑style blends crafted with intention. The tasting room serves as a true showpiece, opening onto a breezy veranda ideal for sipping in the spring light. Across the grounds, visitors can still find the foundation stones of the Red House Inn—an echo of the place where George Washington once dined, adding yet another layer of history to this quietly remarkable winery.

All wines are estate-produced, and many feature Cabernet Sauvignon, which Curran Alexander has been growing for 25 years. The vineyard features Cecil soil, a mix of sandy loam and clay, providing just the right mix of water retention and drainage. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon are blended for the outstanding 2022 Meritage, which hits with dark cherry and raspberry notes. The varietal 2021 Cab Franc is savory with herbal notes. 

One of my favorites continues to be Southern Tour, which features George Washington astride a horse during his tour of the Carolinas in 1791. The wine, also a blend of Merlot, Cab Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, is a lighter, more casual wine - a people pleaser in all regards. 

Stop in for a visit, you may discover a new favorite winery!

Old Homeplace: Lake Views and Laid‑Back Charm

Old Homeplace sits on 48 peaceful acres along the banks of Lake Thom‑a‑Lex, a property that has been in Jill Stone’s family for 80 years and is now lovingly run by Jill and her husband, David. The winery feels like a true retreat, with a deck overlooking the water, a gazebo, an event space, and plenty of green space for strolling or settling in for a picnic. Donkeys graze lazily in the nearby field, adding to the easygoing, pastoral vibe. The tasting room—housed in a converted farmhouse—offers something for every palate, from dry whites and reds to fruit wines and sweeter muscadines.

Henry Lee is a blend of Viognier, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. It has a light body with honeysuckle and green apple notes -- perfect for sipping and enjoying the scenery. Tire Swing is a rose blend of Sangiovese and Cab Franc. Our favorite was Vinny's Blend, named after the winery dog. It's a luscious Petit Verdot/Petite Sirah wine and is well-crafted and as lovable as Vinny himself. All grapes are sourced in NC except for the muscadine, which is grown on-site.

Old Homeplace is an outstanding place to kick back, forget your cares, and soak in the country scene. It is also a fantastic event venue with entertainment and is a popular choice for weddings.

The Southern Gateway Wine Trail is an extraordinary travel destination. Couple it with shopping, dinner, and a stay in Lexington, NC, and you have a perfect weekend getaway. 

NBA Icon Isiah Thomas Enters The Luxe Kosher Champagne Market With Cheurlin Brut Spéciale

This Passover, celebrity wines are taking center stage—all kosher for the holiday. Behind one of the most buzz-worthy kosher wines of 2026 is NBA legend Isiah Thomas. Forty percent of all kosher wine is sold during Passover (which begins April 1), and the category is booming, with kosher food and wine sales expected to hit $35 billion by 2034.

Isiah Thomas is the owner‑operator of Cheurlin Champagne, a historic Champagne house from the Aube region of France. This year, he launched a luxury kosher Champagne collection in collaboration with the Cheurlin family.

For those who haven't seen Isiah in action on the basketball court with the Detroit Pistons, let me say he was silky smooth, weaving through defenses and threading the needle with passes. He was part of the Bad Boys teams from Detroit that won two championships. He was named to an NBA All-Star 12 times, on his way to earning his place among the greatest point guards of all time. He was an orchestrator who made everyone else better, and now he has turned that ability to wine.

For those not familiar with kosher wine, it tastes no different than other premium wines. “Simply put, kosher wine is produced using the same fermentation methods as traditional wine," said Jay Buchsbaum, VP at Royal Wine Corp., the world’s largest producer and importer of kosher wines and spirits. "The difference is that all ingredients must be kosher-certified, and the winemaking process is supervised and carried out by Sabbath-observant Jews. Beyond that, kosher wine is no different from any other high-quality wine—and today, it often rivals the very best.”

A common misconception is that all kosher wine originates in Israel. Israel makes some terrific wine, but today, kosher wine spans the globe, including Napa Valley, Champagne, Italy, and beyond.

As Passover begins, families around the world gather for the Seder, retelling the story of the Exodus—and raising four cups of wine to mark freedom and tradition. Today, wine has become one of the most anticipated elements of the Passover table.

We were celebrating the recent wedding of our friends Tony and Amy when we popped the cork on the Cheurlin Brut Spéciale. It was warm and sunny on the patio as the cork soared over the back fence and down the hill. I was anxious to see if Isiah's Champagne was as silky smooth as his jump shot.

The wine is made without added sugar and uses only first-press juice, a hallmark of Cheurlin quality that yields a finer texture and greater purity. The Champagne is made with 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay.

On the nose, there is citrus zest and white blossoms. It unfolds into a mineral-driven palate that is dry and elegant, with persistent tiny bubbles and bright whispers of green apple. It's a delicate and polished wine.

Thomas is a hands-on entrepreneur with a portfolio of companies. He turned Cheurlin into the official wine of the NBA Players Association in 2019. With the new luxury kosher wine collection, he is embracing modern wellness trends, French heritage, and the burgeoning kosher luxury market. His other kosher Champagne is Cheurlin Thomas Célébrité.

The wine was so good, it caused Tony and Amy to say, "I do" a second time, as in "I do want more Champagne." It is a great pairing with oysters and salty foods. We served it with prosciutto-wrapped garlic breadsticks and lobster bisque shooters as an opener to a special meal with friends.

The wine is available at select Total Wine & More locations. It retails for $49.99. It is a slam dunk choice for Passover or other gatherings of family and friends.

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.

Winter Whiteout Party A Blizzard Of Wine And Food

Winter weather couldn't stop our party a third time. We celebrated with white wine, white attire, and an evening to remember.

In January, the Green Dragon said, "We need to have a party, and we should call it the Winter Whiteout." Those words set the wheels in motion. We were ablaze with a planning frenzy, selecting the wines, then debating food choices, working on decorations, and invitations. This was no normal party (are our parties ever?). Guests were to wear all white, and the wines were to be all white as well (except for one final red).

Phew.

As the big evening neared, the weather forecast turned sinister. An ice storm that would cripple the region was coming our way. We checked our flashlight batteries and emergency supplies and eventually had to postpone the party for a week. On the night of the storm, a brief shower of sleet bounced on the patio, but no coating of ice.

We geared up again for the party. About midweek, the meteorologists again foretold of a wintry blast. This time, snow. The weather forecasters did their thing, and the blizzard of 12 inches or more began to shrink with every weather report, first to nine inches, then up to six. We ended up with less than three. Once more, we had to pull the plug. This isn't North Dakota, and North Carolinians don't venture far when snowflakes fly.

Our third attempt, about a month later, succeeded! The guest list included the Dash-More Divas (a ladies' group in town) and their spouses or plus-ones. Money raised from the dinner went to benefit the local food pantry.

The Winter Whiteout event was conceived as a walk through a winter landscape: the sparkle of first snowfall, feeling the coastal chill, walking through a frosted orchard, seeing the rays of the winter sun, and finally enjoying a fireside glow.

1. Anna de Codorniu Blanc de Blancs Reserva (Cava) & Prosciutto breadsticks with charcuterie board and assorted nibbles

The journey opened with a sparkle. This bright, citrus-laced Cava comes from Cororniu, Spain's oldest winery. It is made entirely from white grapes -- primarily Chardonnay with traditional Cava grapes.

2. Piedra de Mar Albariño 2024 (Rías Baixas) & Spanish-style Garlic Shrimp & Butternut Party Bites 

We couldn't hold a white wine party without Albariño from Rías Baixas! From the chilly Atlantic coast of Spain, this wine has the cool salinity of sea spray and notes of lime and green apple. This was a divine pairing with the artfully created shrimp and butternut appetizer.

3. Bougrier 'V' Vouvray Sec 2024 (Loire Valley) & French Onion Gruyere Mini Boules and Baked Brie Apricot Tartlets with Walnuts

Some time ago, we hosted a dinner featuring big California reds. This time, I felt the challenge in reverse. How do you create interest when you serve four white wines in a row? The answer came as we entered the frosted orchard. This Vouvray (100% Chenin Blanc) from France marked a shift from crisp whites to more layered and expressive ones. It features orchard fruit -- pear, quince, and white peach, in a gentle, rounded texture. It has enough acid to playfully pair with the cheese in the appetizers.

4. Halos de Jupiter Costières de Nîmes Blanc 2023 & Lobster bisque

The Green Dragon prepared all the dishes (except the finale), and this may be her crowning achievement. The lobster bisque was sensational -- rich and lusciously creamy with lumps of lobster afloat. The Halos de Jupiter is a Rhone blend of Roussanne and Grenache Blanc. It was the richest of our winter whites with soft florals, a whisper of herbs, and peach and apricot. There is just a touch of sweetness. This fuller, more textured wine was the bridge to our final wine of the evening.

5. Decoy Red Blend Limited 2022 (Alexander Valley) & Lamb meatballs with rosemary & garlic, and Black Pepper Dark Chocolate Bark with Dried Cherries 

I donned the chef's apron for this last course, preparing savory lamb meatballs with a red wine reduction sauce. The Decoy Red Blend Limited is a Bordeaux-style blend from Sonoma with the primary players being Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Sirah. A chocolate dessert was an ideal pairing. My bark used dark chocolate with chopped dried cherries and walnuts, sprinkled through with ground black peppercorns and topped with finishing salt. We ended the snowy journey with a warm glow from the Decoy's polished dark cherry, blackberry, mocha, and warm spice flavors.

In a final salute to our guests, I offered a poem and a toast. Inspired by our previous cancellations and a Johnny Cash tribute concert we attended, I read the original poem "Winter Whiteout in a Ring of Snow." The final line is, "So raise a glass to twists of fate, to weather's stop-and-go -- and to the ones who made it here through this long ring of snow."

Architectural Gems Highlight Central Florida's Hidden Landscapes

Central Florida’s Polk County is rich in heritage, nature, and artistry. 

By Dave Nershi, CSW

Despite covering more than 2,000 square miles – bigger than the entire state of Delaware – Florida’s Polk County is often overlooked by tourists hurrying from Tampa to Orlando. Guests to the Sunshine State would be best advised to slow down, hit the brakes, and enjoy the abundance of attractions, natural wonders, and hospitality available in this county named after U.S. president James K. Polk.

During our recent visit, we explored architectural treasures that might remain parts of a hidden landscape to travelers who don’t pause to enjoy them. Titans of the field, including Fredrick Law Olmsted Jr. and Frank Lloyd Wright, left their marks on Polk County, which has a history that stretches back more than 11,000 years.

Bok Tower Gardens and El Retiro

Located in Lake Wales, Bok Tower stands 205 feet tall atop Iron Mountain, one of Florida's highest points. It is known as the Singing Tower for its 20-story carillon bell tower, which chimes a melodic concert twice daily.

Built by Edward W. Bok, longtime editor of the Ladies' Home Journal, in the 1920s, the tower is surrounded by a 250-acre contemplative garden and bird sanctuary. While we visited, the Dream Weaver: Tales from the Trees exhibit was on display in the garden.

What is a Carillon

A carillon is an exceptional musical instrument. “It’s as if an organ and drum had a baby,” explains Erica Smith, director of marketing for Bok Tower Gardens. A carillon is a musical instrument made of tuned bronze bells, played from a keyboard-like console. To earn the title of carillon, the instrument must have at least 23 bells. The Bok Tower carillon has 60, among the finest in the world.

The console is played by a carillonneur, who performs inside the tower. The current carillonneur is Geert D’hollander, a world‑renowned Belgian composer and performer. He performs a live concert at 1:00 and 3:00 PM Thursday through Sunday from mid-October to mid-May. Short musical selections are played on the hour and half-hour.

The carillonneur plays the console by striking wooden keys with his closed fists and uses his feet to play pedals, which produce the lower tones. The instrument is part of the architecture, and the sound radiates beautifully across the entire landscape.

The tower features Gothic/Art Deco styles and striking stonework by master craftsmen from the Philadelphia area. Its colorful walls are adorned with pink and grey Georgia marble and coquina stone (a native shell limestone). 

The Great Brass Door, located on the tower’s north side, is a masterpiece by Samuel Yellin, America’s preeminent metalworker of the era. The door panels depict scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve, and the serpent.

The stonework features a menagerie of Florida wildlife, including storks, herons, swans, foxes, and even baboons. It is part of the theme of unity between nature, art, and spirituality.

Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.’s Legacy

Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., landscape architect for Bok Gardens, was the son of Frederick Law Olmsted, who co-designed Central Park and the U.S. Capitol Grounds. The son’s legacy is also long-lasting: in addition to designing Bok Tower Gardens, he founded the American Society of Landscape Architects and helped establish the National Park Service.

The garden is contemplative and peaceful. Curving paths wind through Longleaf pines, Sandhill vegetation, and native shrubs and wildflowers. As you walk on the rising pathway, the tower emerges, framed by trees, with its image captured in a reflecting pool.

El Retiro is a 20-room Mediterranean-style mansion that sits on 7.5 acres within Bok Gardens. It was built in the 1930s for steel executive Charles Austin Buck, and he engaged Olmsted’s firm to design the gardens for his winter home. Architect Charles Wait was hired to design the house.  

El Retiro means “the retreat” in Spanish. The 12,900-foot home is considered one of the finest examples of Mediterranean-style architecture in Florida. It features a barrel-tile roof, thick walls, substantial carved doors and woodwork, and intricately detailed wrought iron.

Three porches afforded Buck and his guests uninterrupted views of his English-style country garden,  rolling lawn, and tower. There is a formal Mediterranean-style garden with a Spanish frog fountain, and elsewhere a pond to reflect the afternoon sunsets.

Bok Tower Gardens is open daily with general admission ($20 for adults, $10 children 6-17) that grants access to the historic landscape, the Singing Tower, and the visitor areas. Guests who want to explore the 1930s Mediterranean‑style mansion El Retiro can add a docent‑led tour for an additional fee ($10 adults, $5 children).

Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture at Florida Southern College

Lakeland is home to the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work found at a single site. Thirteen structures designed by Wright are on the Florida Southern College campus.

The campus features a Usonian home designed in 1939 and then later built according to Wright’s plans in 2011. Wright coined the term Usonian to describe architecture modest in size, harmonized with its surroundings, and affordable for the average American.

The house at FSC has all the Wright hallmarks; it is low-slung with built-in furniture to reduce clutter. It features a carport, clerestory windows, recessed lighting, and strong horizontal lines. The kitchen is open concept, but quite small compared to contemporary kitchens. Wright believed a kitchen was merely a workplace, and he devoted more space to the living areas and master bedroom. The materials are brick, cypress, and interlocking textile blocks.

Child of the Sun Campus

The campus is often called the “Child of the Sun,” and it has 13 Wright-designed buildings. He designed the layout around the orange trees currently growing there.

The largest water feature he designed is the Water Dome, which measures 168 feet in diameter. It features a full circular spray pattern that creates a 30-foot wide hemisphere that appears almost solid. The original technology to achieve this effect didn’t exist in the 1940s; the fountain remained incomplete for decades. Today, the fountain reflects the geometry and scale originally envisioned by Wright.

Annie Pfeiffer Chapel

The Annie Pfeiffer Chapel was the first Wright building on campus, with groundbreaking in 1938 and completion in 1941. It is the physical and spiritual center of the campus. It also encompasses most of Wright’s mid-career experimentation with light, geometry, and hand-made materials.

Much of the work was done by students in exchange for tuition and board. Textile blocks are used extensively in construction, and many of the blocks have perforations with colored glass inserts. Wright instructed students to randomly insert different colors, resulting in an abstract, stained-glass effect.

The floor is painted in Wright’s hallmark Cherokee red concrete. A lantern tower soars above the sanctuary, and the two levels of the church can seat up to 1,000 people.

E.T. Roux Library

Wright’s original plan called for a circular library. The E.T. Roux Library was designed as a hub for campus intellectual life and reflected Wright’s fascination with geometric purity. It featured a central reading room and radiating study alcoves. 

By the mid-60s, the college had outgrown the library. A new library, incorporating many of the elements of the original building, was designed by Nils Schweizer, a protégé of Wright. On the day it opened, March 24, 1968, students formed a human chain to pass books hand-to-hand from the old library to the new.

The Child of the Sun campus is unified by almost a mile of covered walkways connecting buildings. These esplanades are designed to mimic orange grove rows.

Florida Southern College offers daily guided tours of its world‑renowned collection of Frank Lloyd Wright structures, including the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, the Usonian House, and several academic buildings. Visitors can choose from a basic campus tour at $15 or the more extensive In‑Depth Tour, which lasts about 2.5 hours and includes interior access to six Wright‑designed buildings, at $50. Reservations are strongly recommended.

From the soaring Singing Tower at Bok Tower Gardens to the shimmering arc of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Water Dome at Florida Southern College, Polk County invites visitors into a landscape where art, architecture, and nature speak in harmony. These are places shaped by visionaries—Edward Bok, Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., and Wright himself.

Together, Bok Tower Gardens, the historic El Retiro estate, and the nation’s largest single collection of Wright architecture offer a rare chance to stroll through nationally significant sites within just a few miles of one another. It’s a journey blending quiet reflection, bold design, and the enduring beauty of Central Florida.