Kim and I met in October 1975 on a blind date to the Dixie Classic Fair. After only a short time we both knew that we had found our soul mate for life. We were married on New Year’s Eve 1977, exactly two hundred years to the day since the first Myers was born on American soil. (We were not aware of this until many years later.)

I followed in my father and grandfathers footprints and worked for RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. while farming on the side. Kim pursued a career in advertising and graphic art. Our marriage was blessed with two beautiful children, first a daughter, Ashley Laurel, and then a son, Taylor Gray.

Over the years Kim and I had the opportunity to visit winegrowing regions in the United States and Europe. When we realized that our land was a perfect spot for a vineyard we began seeking information and training. The farm where Laurel Gray Vineyards is located consists of 83 acres. In the 1930’s dairy cattle were milked in the barn that is now our tasting room-gift shop. The land is fertile and of a sandy loam composition. Some of the largest tobacco in the region has come from our fields.

In the summer of 2000, Kim and I decided to begin an exciting new venture into the growing and making of wine. We planted our first French Vinifera vines in April 2001. Laurel Gray Vineyards currently consists of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

Kim is now managing the vineyard and tasting room full-time. She is also an artist and enjoys designing our labels and making many of our handcrafted gifts herself. Ashley is at NC State University working on her Masters Degree in Plant Pathology with a concentration in grape diseases. Taylor is a business major in Financial Planning at Appalachian State University. When he is home he enjoys playing the guitar and singing for our guests.

Stop by and visit, we’d love to meet you.
 
Benny