Would you like to relax, unwind, and have a glass (or two) of wine while surrounded by the natural beauty of a vineyard? Do you like to imagine yourself living at a winery with gorgeous views awaiting you right outside your windows?
Burntshirt Vineyards provides that exact experience with a stay at their onsite Vintner’s Cottage. The beautiful 1939 Craftsman-style, stone cottage was built by local carpenters and rock masons for the Hammett family owners. “The rocks are all flat with cement beading on the joints. The structure of the house incorporated a circulating air system that drew in air from openings built around the base of the house and expelled it through four cupolas located across the roof.”
It was as if we stepped back in time as we walked through the threshold with the incredible attention to detail. The cottage contains two bedrooms (both with full-sized beds), a bathroom, a living room, and a small sitting room, which was originally the kitchen. In the 1950s, an addition was made to the cottage which created a fully-equipped, eat-in kitchen and a patio. Antique furniture throughout the home reminds a visitor of a simpler time with a focus on family. Wedding and family portraits invite guest to become a part of the family and feel right at home.
The history of the use of the cottage reiterates the idea of the importance of family. In 1965, the Hammetts moved into another building on the estate but continued to have family and friends stay in the cottage for special stays or temporary residence. The Hammett grandchildren especially loved their time at the “rock house,” receiving special treatment and wonderful meal invitations just up the hill. Because of this hospitality and love of family, Sandra and Lemuel Oates wanted to keep the spirit alive when they purchased the property in 2012.
Although there have been some upgrades made to the cottage, the charming, vintage feeling remains the same. Rest assured knowing that all of the electricity and classic kitchen appliances are up to code, so there are comfortable and safe modern conveniences.
Just up the hill from the cottage is Burntshirt’s Tasting Room. Originally, this brick building was built by Kathleen Hammett’s parents, Clarence and Daisy Pace, as their own home. The Hammett family moved in with Clarence Pace after the passing of his wife. There’s so much more history to uncover during your stay, from apples, to grapes, to other buildings found on the grounds. We highly recommend exploring all that you can of Burntshirt Vineyards while you stay at the cottage.
Make sure to:
- Taste the wines from two flights. The Estate flight is more like an everyday type wine (even though the aromas and flavors are unlike other wineries). The Reserve flight is a bit more sophisticated and more dry. Tasting times are 12:00–6:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 12:00–7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. *All wines are grown and bottled on the estate!
- Tour the grounds and state of the art winery at 2:00 p.m. daily or by appointment.
- Relax with Wine Down Fridays from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the Tasting Room.
- Check the Event Calendar to see what special events might be taking place during your stay. Annual events include Blessing of the Vines, Blending Classes, Fall Foliage Tour, Live Music, and more!
- Wander the grounds to find all of the hidden estate treasures: swings, gardens, picnic areas, cornhole, and cozy gazebos.
- Shop The Shed and the Tasting Room for quaint wine mementos and gifts, some of which are made by local NC artisans.
- JOIN the Summit Club to enjoy even more discounts on wine and invitations to special events and unique wine tasting opportunities. There are a few pretty exciting events that are in the works for later in the year, which you will not want to miss!
Wine Carolinas 
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