PORT CITY FOODIES: N.C. wine still going strong despite recession

Despite the tightening household budgets around the state, N.C. winemakers say they're still growing, according to this story by Star-News intern Brian Freskos. It's one of the most read stories on the site today. Here's an excerpt:

The industry is expanding every year, said Margo Metzger, the executive director of the Raleigh Wine and Grape Council. In the summer of 2004, there were 34 wineries in North Carolina, she said. Today there are 82, all of which are open to the public.

"It's definitely a growth industry," she said.

While the wine industry continues to expand despite economic hardships, the industry also continues to succeed in part because of an increase in the number of tourists who are visiting wineries and vineyards each day. People are discovering that a visit to a local winery or vineyard makes for a cheaper thrill then traveling far from home, said several winery and vineyard owners.

It's good to see an N.C. industry still going strong despite the economic hardships everyone is facing. Read the full story here.

And don't miss this short feature on Wilmington's "Wine Lady" with details about picking up a few affordable local bottles.