Monday, July 23, marked the grand opening of Benny Parsons Rendezvous Ridge Wine Tasting Room and Racing Museum located at 4187 Highway 421 in North Wilkesboro, N.C. The vineyard and wine tasting room were dreams of Benny Parsons and he was working diligently to bring them to fruition when he passed away in January. Parsons began working with wine maker, Mark Terry on his dream two years ago by leasing grapes from Windy Gap, Carnegie and Copeland vineyards. He enjoyed the task of picking each type of grape that he leased from neighboring North Carolina vineyards to start the production of his 2006 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and his personal favorite BP’s Blush. Parsons also dreamed of moving back home and he began the construction of a new home that rests on Rendezvous Ridge surrounded by the vineyard that he created. “I can’t believe this day is here, “stated Terri Parsons, the wife of Parsons. “We have all worked so hard to make sure that all of Benny’s wishes for his wine and vineyard were carried out. I really wish he was here to enjoy it.” Members of the Wilkesboro City Council visited on Wednesday, July 25 for a special ribbon cutting ceremony. The town of North Wilkesboro will also pay remembrance to Parsons on Thursday, October 11, by naming a five-mile portion of Highway 421, “Benny Parsons Highway”. Fnas can visit the wine tasting room and museum Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. For those who can not make the trip to visit the Wilkesboro, NC, wines can be purchased on line at www.rendezvousridge.com.(7-26-2007)
