New Owners at Brushy Mountain Winery in Downtown Elkin, NC

Having recently visited the blossoming wine country of North Carolina's Yadkin Valley, I was interested to learn winemaker Jason Wiseman of Brushy Mountain Winery is now the owner. Wiseman, and partner Amy Euliss, purchased the downtown Elkin winery and plan to continue with the vibrant urban winery on Elkin's Main Street.

"It's important that people know we've worked with the same vineyards and growers since our very first vintage," Wiseman said. "Even though we don't own vineyards, all wine is made on premise. Our cellar, barrel room, our lab - everything is below this building."

Exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, white leather furnishings and chatting areas have made this one of my favorite wineries in the region ~ along with the wine, naturally. Live music will now be offered Friday and Saturday evenings and local artists' projects, including receptions, will be hosted.
Brushy Mountain will continue offering its 12 established wines under the main Brushy Mountain label, while adding an occasional varietal under a new label, Foothills Folly.

Wiseman takes a classic approach to his craft. He lets the grapes dictate the style of wine with minimal intervention. This has led to consistently high marks for Brushy Mountain wines.
Elkin's emergence as a popular Yadkin Valley destination was a key factor in the decision to purchase the winery. Downtown has been revitalized and Elkin was recently named one of "America's 10 Coolest Small Towns" by Budget Travel magazine.

For more information on the winery, visit: BrushyMountainWine.com.

Images: Brushy Mountain; EJMusgrave
Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, and in magazines. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Grill Time 2012

Grilling is one of America's favorite pastimes, and what's not to love? The mood is relaxed, the weather is perfect, and men take over cooking. And by cooking I mean experimenting and showing off their insane creative abilities. Nothing is too far out or off limits when the grill becomes center stage.

Ribs are slathered in secret sauces, special lemonade is poured into old, glass canning jars and watermelon is sliced. What makes men come alive for this open air eat fest? Studies may hint that it is from the forefathers, getting to play with fire and the hunter within each of the male persuasion. Whatever the reason, I sit back, relax while sipping on an adult beverage and allow them to share, show off and shine in their passion.

Do you call it "grilling," "barbecuing" or "cooking out" when lighting up the grill? And, is gas or charcoal better? What are your favorite recipes, and what makes yours better than everyone else? Is it the sauce, the style of cooking or perhaps the cut of meat? Whatever makes your food taste that much better is what I would like to hear about.

Growing up, no outdoor meal was complete without my mother's potato salad. Made with a few sprigs of dandelion greens, I still hanker for it whenever the weather becomes kind, freshly cut grass scents the air and stores display the latest in man aprons.

Below are a few links to festivals devoted to the culinary tradition and related events. If you know of others, please let me know and I will add it to the list. Until then, enjoy outdoor dining!

• Kokomo Ribfest: June 9, Kokomo w: CityofKokomo.org 
• BBQ Ribfest: June 14-17, Ft. Wayne w: BBQRibFest.com
• Indy Wine Trail-BBQ: July 14-15, Indianapolis w: IndyWineTrail.com

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her new column, Infused, at FoodandDrinkDigital.com, as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published on BroadwayWorld.com and in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.