Source:  NCDA&CS, 9/3/09

A sip of North Carolina wine and a bite of North Carolina muscadine grapes are perfect complements to the waning days of summer. Visitors can sample both during the State Farmers Market’s Grape Day Friday, Sept. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event is one of several activities being held in September as part of Wine and Grape Appreciation Month in North Carolina. The N.C. Wine & Grape Council will sponsor a special wine-tasting area in the Farmers Building, featuring samples from many of North Carolina’s 80 wineries.

Farmers will have samples of locally grown muscadines and free recipes to help inspire visitors in their home kitchens. Lu Mil Vineyard of Elizabethtown, a Market Shoppes staple, also will offer free samples of its muscadine treats, including homemade muscadine slushies. Bottles of wine will be available for purchase at the wine-tasting area and at Market Shoppes vendor The Berry Patch.

The N.C. Wine & Grape Council estimates the wine and grape industry has an economic impact of $813 million. North Carolina ranks 10th in the nation for wine and grape production, with more than 400 commercial grape growers in the state.

Grape Day is sponsored by the N.C. Wine & Grape Council, N.C. Muscadine Association, State Farmers Market Restaurant and the State Farmers Market. For more information about grape growers in North Carolina, visit www.ncmuscadine.org. To find out more about local wines and wineries, go to www.visitncwine.com.