Hidden Vineyard

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 and 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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Lisa and Tim Sherman with a bottle of their latest wine, Wild Thing, a Petit Verdot. Photo by Dathan Kazsuk.

HIDDEN VINEYARD

125 Hidden Vines Lane, Dobson, North Carolina

Hidden Vineyard in North Carolina might have a name that suggests secrecy, but its reputation is steadily growing among wine enthusiasts. Owners Tim and Lisa Sherman, who made the leap from Ohio to the Yadkin Valley, have cultivated a vineyard and a community rooted in history and passion.

Tim’s journey began with humble roots—literally—in his Ohio basement, crafting wine from grapes shared by friends. His love for horticulture and wine deepened over years of family trips to Myrtle Beach, which often passed through the Yadkin Valley. “We fell in love with this area,” Tim recalls. “It became a dream to retire here, but owning a vineyard was something we toyed with. It wasn’t until I retired in 2016 that we decided to make it a reality.”

Their vineyard, planted in 2001 under the name Copeland Vineyards, had never produced wine on-site. “The vines were neglected,” Lisa explains. “There were 80 trees taller than me, and the grass was out of control. It was a challenge, but we saw the potential.” Hidden Vineyards now spans nine and a half acres, nurturing varietals like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Petite Verdot.