Haze Gray Vineyards

Feature Story: A Trail Tale—Three wineries within five minutes of one another give wine lovers an experience and knowledge of different styles

By Dathan Kazsuk & Jennifer Primrose

In the heart of Dobson, North Carolina, a trio of boutique wineries invites wine enthusiasts to slow down, sip and stay awhile. Hidden Vineyard, Haze Gray Vineyards and Stony Knoll Vineyards each offer more than just a tasting room experience—they weave their unique stories into the rich tapestry of the Yadkin Valley wine scene, all within three miles of one another.

What makes this cluster of vineyards special isn’t just the handcrafted wines or the rolling vine-covered hills—it’s the sense of discovery and hospitality that comes with each stop. True to its name, Hidden Vineyard feels like a secret waiting to be uncovered, blending baseball-inspired roots with bold wines and a hands-on approach to viticulture.

A short drive away, Haze Gray Vineyards pairs its military heritage with a focus on precision winemaking, honoring those who serve while crafting wines that stand at attention. Rounding out the trio, Stony Knoll Vineyards embraces its deep family roots dating back generations, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere alongside elegant varietals.

The best part? You don’t have to rush through these experiences. Each vineyard offers overnight accommodations, allowing guests to indulge in leisurely tastings by day and unwind under the stars by night. Imagine waking up among the vines and spending your afternoon sampling everything from a crisp white blend to a bold Cabernet Franc.

This isn’t just a wine trail—it’s a full-day immersion into Dobson’s hidden gems’ charm, craftsmanship and character. Pack your bags and your palate—there’s a story
in every bottle, and a cozy bed awaits you at the end of your tasting adventure.

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Haze Gray Vineyards’ Deane and Becky Muhlenberg have made their winery a destination while visiting the Yadkin Valley. Photo by Dathan Kazsuk.

HAZE GRAY VINEYARDS

761 Stony Knoll Drive, Dobson, North Carolina

Somewhere along the winding roads of Dobson, North Carolina, nestled among rolling hills and lush vineyards, you’ll find Haze Gray Vineyards—a place where passion, devotion and a love for the land converge in a bottle. This dream is decades in the making, brought to life by Becky and Deane Muhlenberg, whose journey to winemaking has as much grit as the military service that inspired their brand.

Like many great winemakers, Deane’s story begins in the basement—with exploding bottles. “I started making wine at 16 for my parents,” he admits, laughing. “It was terrible. I didn’t know about secondary fermentation, so one day, the corks just popped right out. Wine everywhere.” But even disastrous starts can plant the seeds of future success. Over time, he honed his skills, taking classes in his 40s and experimenting with different grapes. What started as a basement hobby eventually turned into a full-fledged passion.

The idea of owning a vineyard took root in 1992 when Deane decided he wanted a farm after retirement. “Originally, it wasn’t about making wine. Just a small vineyard, three acres, selling grapes,” Becky recalls. But plans have a way of growing. Fast forward to today, and Haze Gray Vineyards is an 85-acre property with nine acres under vine—and every bottle produced is estate-grown.

Finding the Perfect Spot

The journey to North Carolina wasn’t immediate. Texas, Nevada and Tennessee were all considered, but water issues and climate concerns led them elsewhere. The decision was ultimately made after attending a North Carolina Wine Growers’ Conference in 2015. “Everyone was so welcoming, so supportive,” Deane says. “We realized, this is the community we want to be a part of.”