but the land on which it sits has much deeper roots.
The house as it was in 1987
| Zimmerman Vineyards |
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Zimmerman Vineyards was established in 2001 but the land on which it sits has much deeper roots.
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| The land was purchased in 1987 from Annie Smith Dewar. Annie had received the land as part of her dowry from her parents, Harriet Briles and Everrett Smith. Harriet married Everrett Smith after the death of her first husband, Noah Briles in 1861. Noah had received the parcel of land from his father, John Briles in 1826. The land was part of a 437 acre parcel that John Briles bought in two pieces in 1801. The larger piece was 346 acres and purchased from John Hoover Sr., the great-great grandfather of Herbert Hoover. The second parcel of 91 acres was purchased by John Briles from Andrew Hoover, the great-great-great grandfather of Herbert Hoover. |
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The house as it was in 1987 |
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As time passed, different agricultural endeavors were researched but it was a chance visit from the daughter of a family friend that helped narrow the search. The visitor was a horticultural student at NC State traveling with her classmates to visit Westbend Vineyards in Lewisville. The visit lead to a new beginning - the establishment of Zimmerman Vineyards. With the hope that a plant would bear fruit, 1700 vinifera wine-grape vines were planted in the spring of 2001. One year later, an additional 1800 vines defined a second vineyard. After three years of nurturing, the vines produced their first harvest. The wines include a 2005 oak-fermented Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as a 2006 Chardonnay. |
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The property as it is in 2008 |
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While the five Zimmerman children may not agree that it has been a labor of love, it has indeed been the case. So far, so good. Zimmerman Vineyards looks forward to future growth with additional plantings and a winery.
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