'Tis the Season to be Jolly with Deck the Halls Winery Program

SURRY COUNTY, N.C. - Surry County wineries have joined together for the third straight season to offer their popular Deck the Halls holiday event program.

From now through Jan. 15, wine lovers can take advantage of Deck the Halls to receive a wine tasting, hand-crafted ornament, wine-related recipe, and keepsake glass at 13 
participating wineries.

In addition, live music is offered each weekend at various wineries, while every winery takes a turn serving its special recipe as a food pairing.

Deck the Halls began as a small event in 2010 and doubled in size last year. Organizers expect continued growth this holiday season.

"It's a period of the year when people like to be together and enjoy doing things together," says Pat Colwell of Carolina Heritage Vineyard. "People arrive with their 
commemorative glasses, their passports and a big smile on their face. They come with the intention of having a good time and you can feel it when they walk in the door."

To participate, folks simply purchase a passport at any of the 13 wineries. The cost is $60 per person or $95 per couple. The tastings alone are worth double that amount, 
not to mention the ornaments, recipes and live entertainment. Passports also provide discounts at 14 other businesses in Surry County, ranging from lodging to dining to 
spa treatments.

"If you're planning to visit more than a half dozen wineries in the Yadkin Valley, this is actually a cheaper way to do it. So there's a cost benefit," Colwell explains. "And people really like that we have festive things every weekend. It's something they can enjoy at their own pace over an extended period of time this holiday season."

Deck the Halls ornaments, made by local artisans, have become popular with participants, and Colwell is pleased to see so many businesses outside the wine industry getting involved.

"It has spread beyond the boundaries of the wineries and that makes it a wonderful community effort as well," Colwell says.

The participating wineries are: Brushy Mountain, Carolina Heritage, Elkin Creek, Grassy Creek, Hutton, McRitchie, MenaRick, Old North State, Olde Mill, Round Peak, 
Slightly Askew, Stony Knoll and Surry Oak.

For info on Deck the Halls, call (877) 999-8390, or go to: http://bit.ly/RU2OdC.