CityView Magazine

56 | October 2015 it speaks to the innovative, fun-loving family that created it. Lu Mil is named for Lucille and Miller Taylor, whose son Ron Taylor now owns the vineyard. Along with a passion and appreciation for the land, Taylor inherited a multi-generational legacy of inventing, patenting, manu- facturing and selling farm equipment. Aer the tobacco buy out, the Taylors got out in front of the Muscadine crop boom and invented an East coast vine harvester and pruner, both of which they sell to other vineyards. e Muscadine grape is famous for its sweet flavor, but as Ward points out, it's more versatile than that. By know- ing when to pick at just the right time, winemakers create wines that appeal to every palate. In honor of their Cumber- land County customers, Lu Mil added the semi-dry Old Cumberland to their repertoire. "Old Cumberland is one for people who think they don't like Muscadine wines. ey think it will be too sweet, but they try it and love it," Ward said. In addition to wines, Lu Mil grapes are used in a wide range of jams, jellies and other products. Aer unsuccess- fully searching for a local company to process their fruit under their private label, Taylor started D'Vine Foods to fill the need himself. "We source fresh fruits and vegeta- bles from local farmers here in North Carolina to make all our products," Ward said. eir salsas and relishes are included in the wine tastings and an alcohol-free tasting ensures everyone is included in the fun. In the spirit of invention, Lu Mil wine slushies provide a popular twist on an old favorite. With a "You Pick" section in the back of the vine- yard and all day fishing in the stocked pond, Lu Mil encourages families to make a day of it. "Lucille and Miller would be so proud of their son. He's made sure their land stayed a working farm, viable and full of joy. His main focus is shar- ing their love of the land and creating healthy products for others to enjoy," Ward said. CV 438 Suggs-Taylor Road Elizabethtown, North Carolina www.lumilvineyard.com Open Monday to Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. WINES White Wines Old Cumberland: Soft, dry wine made of early harvest Muscadine grapes Taylor Divine: 100% semi-sweet mid harvest blend of Scuppernong & Carlos grapes Harmony Hall: Smooth, sweet and fruity white wine made from Magnolia grapes Red Wines Cape Owen Red: Sweet traditional southern red wine with a mild acidic finish Sir Walter Raleigh: Mellow, sweet blend with an intense fruit taste Blended Wines Bladen Blush: Blend with a full sweet taste and mild, pleasant finish Merry Christmas: Sweet red wine for sipping next to the fireplace Lu Mil Vineyard in Bladen County

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