Rock of Ages Winery and Vineyard

Keith Moore gives new meaning to the term “multi-tasking.” While he and his wife, Kim, were running their business, Hard Rock Marble and Tile in Hillsborough, NC, http://www.hardrockmarble.com/
 Keith managed to obtain an education on wine making from Surry Community College and open a winery. Rock of Ages Winery & Vineyard  http://www.rockofageswinery.com/index.html opened in 2006 in Hurdle Mills, NC; Keith Moore’s boyhood home. Situated in beautiful Person County between Roxboro and Hillsborough, this quiet and quaint town appears unchanged by time with a warm and friendly atmosphere.

As we meandered down a peaceful country road dotted on either side by homes and agriculture, we literally gasped with amazement when we caught sight of the winery. The setting was nothing short of majestic and we slowed down further just to try and take it all in.


The long driveway down is flanked on one side by rows of grapevines and on the other by a large open field. Thus far, just 26 acres of the 300 passed on to the Moore’s by Keith’s grandparents, have been used to establish the winery. What has been built is something of a master piece in architecture. It is no wonder that many a wedding vow has been uttered inside this beautiful building.

As we entered, we passed a covered outdoor patio with tables, lighting and ceiling fans.


Above this area was a large deck over looking the countryside and accessible by outdoor stairways and the inside second floor area.

On each side of the entryway downstairs were small matching patios attached to private rooms.

We entered a massive two story great room with a balcony/mezzanine. Tables with linen table cloths and comfortable chairs adorned both the main floor and the balcony mezzanine.

At the back of the main room was the tasting bar which stretched across most of the width of the room. Nestled on the right side of the room was a large fireplace with leather seating.

Sprinkled about the large open area were specialty products for sale. We were greeted by Sonia Carver, the wine manager and our tasting guide for the day. She mentioned the large number of private and corporate events the winery hosts in its large open areas. There are prepackaged snacks and cheese for sale, but we were told by Sonia that visitors are welcome to bring picnic lunches.

Sonia mentioned the large number of private and corporate events the winery hosts in its large open areas. There is a chef available to cater these affairs, and the chef is no other than Keith’s wife, Kim. Rock of Ages produces all of its wine on site and has storage for a considerable amount of inventory if needed.
 
Tasting are offered for $5.00 on the half hour and the tasting choices are divided into three categories from which to choose. The signature winery glass is included in a tasting and wine is also sold by the glass. In addition to the three categories of wines to taste, reds, whites, or sweet, a special signature sweet wine known as Cork and Pork BBQ wine is served with all tastings along with a sample of Mr. Moore’s Cork and Pork BBQ sauce. The winery is home to an annual May event known as the Cork & Pork Festival.

Our trip started in Greensboro, NC by taking Hwy 70 E to Burlington, NC. We then picked up Hwy 49 N, after a bit Hwy 86 and 49 come together for about 0.4 miles. Be on the look out for Hwy 49 on the right which you take for about 8 miles. Watch for Charlie Long Rd and turn right; the road is marked as closed but on past Rock of Ages. Plus the winery has done an excellent job placing signs for you to follow along the way. This was an absolutely beautiful journey which ended at a great destination.

Look for all of our photos on our Facebook pages this weekend.

Rock of Ages Winery and Vineyards
Hours of Operation
Monday - Thursday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Friday-Saturday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

1890 Charlie Long Road
Hurdle Mills, NC 27541
PHONE: (336) 364-ROCK (7625)

GPS Location:
Latitude: N36 17.250
Longitude: W79 03.450