Shooting Creek Vines distinguished
By Lorrie Ross
Staff Writer
Want to try a wine chosen as one of the best in the state from one of the area’s newest wineries? Then plan to check out Shooting Creek Vines in the Shooting Creek area of Clay County soon.
The new winery recently participated in the NC Fine Wines Competition in Winston–Salem and won a silver medal for its 2019 Syrah, as well as the preeminent standing of Best in State award. The winery also earned a silver medal for its 2019 Red Blend.
Founded in 2017 by Kerry and Margaret Darnell and opened to the public in June of 2023, Shooting Creek Vines will celebrate its one-year anniversary on Saturday, June 15. There will be food and live music with April Rooks at 2 p. m to celebrate.
When they first started to build their vacation home several years ago, the Darnells decided their extra land would make a great vineyard.
Kerry Darnell explained the property is surrounded by East Vineyard and West Vineyard Road, Vineyard Mountain is behind them, and Vineyard Creek splits the property in half. “It seemed to be destined to become a vineyard,” he said. Their son, Curtis, and daughter-in-law, Mairi, have also been very involved in the winery project since its inception, so it is truly a family farm. The vineyard specializes in European style vinifera, and the winery produces red wines, white wines and a blush wine.
Shooting Creek Vines is open seasonally from 12 to 7, Friday through Saturday and from 12-6 on Sundays. It is located at 220 Gerald Drive in Hayesville.
Visit: shootingcreekvines.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @shootingcreekvines.