Treehouse Vineyards by owner Phil Nordan
As a kid growing up on a farm in eastern North Carolina, I
built many treehouses. In the spring of 1999, I decided it as time to build a
treehouse for adults - for my wife, Dianne, and me. This treehousee sits 30 feet
in the air and the lower level as a treehouse for our daughter when she was
little. Since that time, we have received a lot of attention from newapapers and
national magazines about our treehousee. It is equipped with a double bed,
ceiling fan, couch, an outdoor fireplace, phone (we don't always answer it),
rocking chairs, and much more. The two porches allow breathtaking view of the
vineyards, our pond, and our horses.
In 2004, we decided that it was time to plant a vineyard in Monroe, NC. This
was the beginning of Treehouse Vineyards. We planted our first vines in the
spring of 2005. Since that time, we have planted eight varieties of
Muscadines.
Among our different varieties at Treehouse Vineyards, one came directly from
"The Mother Vine" in Manteo, NC. This vine is historically documented to
have existed in 1584 and is the oldest cultivated vine in America. In 1584,
the first expedition led by Amadas and Barlowe explored the Carolina Outer
Banks. In their report to Sir Walter Raleigh, they noted that the land was
.... so full of grapes as the very beating and surge of the sea overflowed
them.
Before planting in the spring of 2005, we had to prepare the vineyard. The
first task was to get soil samples and prepare the soil. A good muscadine
vineyard should have a PH of about 6.5 - 6.8. Next, we installed the vine
trellis system that holds the vines. The vines are 15 feet apart and the
rows are 11 feet apart. This gives each vine plenty of sunshine, which is
very important for the growth and quality of the grapes.
The quantity of grapes is not the most important factor - it's the quality
that is most important. Too many grapes can affect the acid and sugar
content which is very, very important.
In the spring of 2005, we planted 50 vines of two varieties, Carlos and
Noble. These two varieties of muscadines are the most common in the
muscadine wine industry in North Carolina. Both varieties were developed at
North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. These plants were about two
feet tall when planted.
After five years of hard work, we are ready to open for business. Our first
official day of business will be November 20. 2010. Come join us and enjoy
the fruits of our labor, "You will be glad you did"!
Treehouse Vineyards
301 Bay Street Monroe, NC 28112 Phone: 704-283-4208 Email: nordan@treehousevineyards.net
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