Plenty of wineries have mastered the essentials: sweeping vineyard views, quaint tasting rooms, lavish on-site restaurants, and some even have treehouses. But one niche yet to be broken into is adorable wild animals you can visit while sipping wine! Divine Llama Vineyards is just how it sounds – a great vineyard that also doubles as a llama farm. You’ll want to visit this unique gem this summer.
Facebook / Divine Llama Vineyards
It’s funny how sometimes you meet someone and it isn’t till years later where your true purpose of really meeting is revealed. So is the case with two architects, Michael West and Tom Hughes. They met in 1975 in a design studio in Virginia Tech but it wasn’t until some years later, 2006 to be exact, they purchased 77 acres in East Bend (along with their wives) and set out to open Divine Llama Vineyards. In 2009, the quaint and homey tasting room opened and the property was now five acres of vineyards and 20 acres of pasture for llamas and miniature horses. Varietals grown include Chardonel, Traminette, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Yelp / Sarah P
Located in the rolling hills of East Bend with Pilot Mountain gleaming in the distance, wine and llamas aren’t the only gorgeous factors here. Sure, the llamas and miniature horses are treated to pretty stellar views, but so are the visitors! Looking for something completely different? In the late spring and summer the vineyard offers “Llama Treks” where visitors can hike along remote and scenic nature, with llamas in tow helping carry chairs, water, and other necessities. The two mile roundtrip hike takes you to a remote creekside area where you can catch stellar views of both Pilot Mountain and the vineyard. Tickets must be scheduled in advance but this is a truly unique event!
So now we have llamas, hiking, and gorgeous scenery but we also can’t forget the main event, the wine! Divine Llama is home to award-winning wines with many named after their award-winning llamas. Their “In A Heartbeat” blend featuring 2007 Cabernet Franc and 2007 Merlot is named after their llama Heart Beat, the third best female llama at Grand Nationals in 2006. The unique “Red Rita Rose Blend” featuring 90% of the 2008 Chardonnay and 10% of the 2008 Cabernet Franc and 3% residual sugar is named after the llama herd matriarch. Other wines offered include traminette, chardonel, chardonnay, merlot, cabernet franc.
Yelp / Sam R
Just like their wines, the llamas have a personality of their own as well. Saying cheese for pictures or simply getting to know you in unique llama fashion, you get more than just wine here but a total experience!
Yelp / Jennifer P
One of the best ways to experience the vineyard for the first time is to attend one of the many events offered. Coming up soon is the “Gray Door Market Spring Show” May 5 and 6. If you prefer to just pop in tasting room hours are Friday and Saturday 12-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m.
While you’re in the area, make a wine tour out of it and visit this amazing winery that’s a bit more on the upscale side.
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