Vineyard Opens in Apex

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The Cloer Family Vineyards joined the more than 90 wineries currently operating in North Carolina. It is only the second family-owned farm in the immediate Triangle area that grows its own grapes and produces its own wines on-site.

Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, embark on self-guided vineyard and winery tours and purchase bottles of the family’s locally grown and produced wines. The newly built winery, housed in a traditional red barn with green tin roof, is also available for event rental.

The idea for the winery started when Pam’s husband, Tam, who studied horticulture at N.C. State University and runs his family’s 21-year-old landscaping business, began making wine as a hobby 15 years ago. Since then, he has relied on his agricultural knowledge and experimented with a variety of vines, honing his skills and transforming the family’s farm into a thriving vineyard.

Wines that are available for tasting and purchase include one French Hybrid, Chambourcin; one Vinefera, Veranda (a blended white wine); and two N.C. native Muscadines, Noble and Carlos.

The vineyards and winery are open on Fridays, noon to 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can expect to meet and chat with the Cloer family and are welcomed to stroll the vineyards and enjoy their wines (tastings and purchases) in the tasting room, on the veranda or elsewhere on the grounds. The winery is available to rent for parties, wedding receptions and group events.

Cloer Family Vineyards is at 8624 Castleberry Road in Apex. For more information, visit (919) 810-1443.