Stony Knoll 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 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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Dathan Kazsuk, right, interviews Stony Knoll Vineyards’ Jonah Hoosier. Photo by Jennifer Primrose.

STONY KNOLL VINEYARDS

1143 Stony Knoll Drive, Dobson, North Carolina

Right down the road from Hidden Vineyard and Haze Gray, you’ll find Stony Knoll Vineyards, which stands as a testament to resilience, adaptation and a deep-rooted passion for winemaking. With a history dating back to 1896, the land has transformed over generations, evolving from tobacco farming to cattle grazing, and now, a thriving vineyard producing award-winning wines.

“Back in the day, you lived off the land,” says Jonah Hoosier, director of operations and winemaker at Stony Knoll. “When tobacco went out, there was a gap in small acreage farming, and that’s when my father-in-law saw an opportunity in grapes.”

That foresight led to planting the first five acres in 2001, a bold move in a region where winemaking was still in its infancy. By 2004, Stony Knoll was producing its own wines, navigating the cultural and financial challenges of launching a vineyard in an area traditionally wary of the wine industry.

“The early 2000s were a different time,” Hoosier explains. “People weren’t used to seeing wineries pop up, and there was some hesitation. But we believed in it. It was a lot of capital upfront for something that was basically a pipe dream, but we made it work.”

A Winemaker’s Journey

For Hoosier, Stony Knoll isn’t just a workplace—it’s home. Born and raised locally, he started as a farmhand in his teenage years, driven partly by a desire to impress the girl who would later become his wife. Over nearly two decades, he learned the intricacies of viticulture and winemaking, ultimately stepping into the lead role in 2019.