849 days after we announced a “short hiatus,” we are posting on this website again. Why? What could it mean? What’s happening? Are we coming back? Are we doing something else?
You will have to wait to find out, but stay tuned to this website and our social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) for some big, exciting news in the upcoming weeks.
For today, however, this is all we are saying. We like suspense and we know you do, too. Ask questions…
Proudly recorded from Test Pattern Studios.
In the News: Southern Grace Distillery, SB155 gets through Committee in the House!
Meet the Maker: Owner Chuck Johnson and his main-most-dude, Dana Acker are in the studio to talk about Shadow Spring Vineyard‘s fantastic line of wines. From the Meritage to the Seyval Blanc, we try a wide variety of their vino. Tim flipped his stuff over the Dark Shadow chocolate infused wine. Very fine stuff indeed.
Food for Drinkin’: Spring House Restaurant, Kitchen & Bar is our food sponsor!
Mix It Up (the art of the drink): Oh Oh Oh It’s Magic
2oz Belam Vodka
1 pint of Blueberries
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
8 mint leaves
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
2oz vanilla
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Proudly recorded from Test Pattern Studios.
In the News: JOLO Winery and Vineyards, Raylen Vineyards, Childress Vineyards, Mystery Brewing, Old Nick Spirits
Meet the Maker: Sean McRitchie is in the studio to talk about his delicious McRitchie’s winery, their wines, their cidery and their cider. Tim & Jordan fought over who was taking what leftovers home. They were both bruised. It was delicious stuff and we were glad to have Sean in the studio.
Food for Drinkin’: Spring House Restaurant, Kitchen & Bar is our food sponsor!
Mix It Up (the art of the drink): Sweet Summer Luv Luv
2oz Conniption Navy Strength Gin
¾oz Saint Germain Elderflower
3oz Cucumber Water*
*Cucumber Water
2 cups water
1 large cuke
2oz lemon
3oz simple syrup
2 chamomile tea bags
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Proudly recorded from Test Pattern Studios.
In the News: Highland Brewing, Gizmo Brew Works, Swan Creek Wine Trail
Meet the Maker: J. Raffaldini, Thomas Salley and J’s nephew Ryan are all in the studio to let us taste some of Raffaldini Vineyards‘ fantastic wines. They brought a few for us to taste and Tim drank a good bit of red wines and he’s not really a red drinker, although that’s starting to change, especially with the wineries that are in this state. J. talks about the winery itself, the beautiful villa that sits on the property and why he does what he does.
Food for Drinkin’: Spring House Restaurant, Kitchen & Bar is our food sponsor!
Mix It Up (the art of the drink): The Drop Kick
2oz Sutlers Gin
3oz Beet-Lavender Syrup*
½oz key lime juice
*Beet Lavender Syrup
4oz Beet Juice
4oz Simple Syrup
1oz Lavender
1oz Sassafras Root
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Proudly recorded from Test Pattern Studios.
In the News: Grove Winery & Vineyards, Fonta Flora Brewery
Meet the Maker: Mark Friszolowski and Christine English from Childress Vineyards are in the studio to talk about the history and happenings of Childress and their fantastic wines. We sample and rate 5 different wines from this big-time winery. You should check out their facility, as well, because that is one beautiful setup.
Food for Drinkin’: Chef Tim Grandinetti sends us some delicious Bison Meat Loaf with cheesy grits from Spring House Restaurant Kitchen & Bar.
Mix It Up (the art of the drink): Wild Thing
2oz Sutlers Gin
1½oz Lemon Crack’d Pepper Syrup*
¾oz St-Germain Elderflower
¾oz Hibiscus Tonic**
4 muddled cucumbers
*Lemon Crack’d Pepper Syrup
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Juice of 3 Lemons
4 Sprigs Rosemary
2 Tablespoons fresh cracked pepper
Cook on high until boil
**Hibiscus Tonic
1 cup dried hibiscus flower
12 oz tonic
Let sit overnight
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In the News: Duck Rabbit, Fortnight Brewing, Triple C Brewing, Gizmo Brew
Works, Noda Brewing, Ragapple Lassie Vineyards, Fonta Flora, FullSteam, Outer Banks Brewing Station, Wicked Weed, Fair Game Beverage Company.
Meet the Maker: JW Ray, owner and founder of JOLO Vineyards is in the studio with Tim and Jordan to talk about the history of and the awards that JOLO has been winning. There’s also one of their wines that a particular celebrity has fallen in love with. We won’t mention her name but her initials are Christina. Aguilera.
Mix It Up (the art of the drink): Lady In Red
1½ oz Kill Devil Hills Shipwreck Rum
1 oz Mango Nectar
½ oz Creme of Coconut
½ oz Grenadine
¼ oz Vanilla Extract
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In the News: Westbend Winery & Brewery, Highland Brewing, Southern Grace Distilleries, Pisgah Brewing. 
Meet the Maker: Diana Jones of Jones Von Drehle Vineyards and Distillery is on to talk about the history of the winery, why she, her husband and other family members got into the business, where they see the business going and yes, we got to try four different wines. How can you beat that!?
Mix It Up (the art of the drink): Blood Orange Paradise
1½ oz. Muddy River Carolina Run
1 oz. 78°C Spirits Blood Orangecello
1 oz. Master of Mixes Passionfruit
1 oz. Cranberry Juice
Splash of lime juice
Top with a splash of sparking blood orange (found at many grocery stores)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Proudly recorded in the Test Pattern Studios!
In the News: Bombshell Brewing, Mystery Brewing, Wise Man Brewing, Shelton Vineyards. 
Meet the Maker: Michael Egues and Christina Clark are in the studio to talk about the history of, the cool happenings of, and the delicious wines of Shelton Vineyards. Michael is taking over as the vintner of Shelton and that’s exciting! Tim and Jordan taste several of Shelton Wines.
Mix It Up (the art of the drink): Tropical Breeze (no pic).
1.5 oz Tiny Cat Vodka (Greensboro Distillery)
2 oz Passionfruit
1 oz Pineapple Juice
1 oz Pomegranate Juice
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
SippingNC: The Art of the Drink is a podcast (coming soon) and blog that focuses exclusively on libations (beer, wine, spirits) that are made in North Carolina and is written and maintained by Tim Beeman and Jordan Keiper. The podcast will be part of The Less Desirables Network, joining other podcasts like The Less Desirables, Fan Interference, The Beer Dads and The Man Who Ate the Town.
There will info, tidbits and educational pieces on NC brewers, vintners and distillers coming often and we’ve already recorded two episodes of the podcast and those should come out in the next few weeks. We’re proud of the content and look forward to sharing it with you.
So, this is our first “official” blog post. Sure, we’ve gone back and backlogged our Facebook posts to keep them blog style, but this is the first blog post specifically for the blog. We appreciate the loyalty you’ve shown us so far; the response and support has been incredible. Keep watching here and on the Facebook and Twitter feeds for news on the podcast.
Cheers & Slàinte Mhath!
Vino!! That’s right we’re talking wine! It’s that time of year where the leaves start to fall, the sky begins to be painted with deep oranges and bright auburn colors and the temperature starts to cool down from a hot Carolina summer. That time 
of year when a glass of wine just seems like a perfect pairing to an array of fine cheeses as you sit around a fire and enjoy the new crisp, cool nights. A few years ago, most people would have never thought to sip a North Carolina wine while enjoying a starry night but instead a California, Washington or even French. But, that’s all changing with a new North Carolina vineyard.
The ‘new kid on the vine” is Jones von Drehle Vineyards & Winery. A vineyard that was started out of a love and passion for the highest quality of wine. The vision and goal for JVD has been, from the start, to not cut corners and create the best glass of wine possible and with the help of well known and extremely respected winemaker, Dan Tallman, Jones Von Drehle has achieved that.
Nestled among mountain plains of the blue ridge JVD created breathe-taking views that complement their breath taking wines. Dan joined Jones Von Drehle just over 4 years ago after falling in love with the idea the Jones and Von Drehle families had for their future vineyard. With the help of his expertise, JVD has created a buzz in the wine industry here in the Old North State and a positive one at that. While winning countless awards nationwide and becoming one of the power house vineyards for wine in the south, JVD has stayed true to their original vision and one that I have extreme respect for.
Yes, I might be a little in love with this winery, but when you’ve got quality like they do, well, I’d be crazy not to fall in love with them. So, instead of sitting at home this weekend, why don’t you travel on over to Thurmond, North Carolina and enjoy the calm gentle breeze of the blue ridge, relax with the rustling of grape leaves behind you and sip on one of North Carolina’s finest wines.
Now, if your wondering just how elegant and down right gorgeous Jones Von Drehle wines are, look for Tim and I to review JVD in our podcast along with many other wineries across our great state. Remember to #DrinklocalNC and support local business. #sippingNC . NC Winegrower’s Association Wine Enthusiast Visit North Carolina Our State Magazine
Cheers
Jordan
