The Southern Gateway Wine Trail is located in Lexington’s Barbecue Country. Lexington-style barbecue is generally juicier, smokier, sweeter and milder than its counterpart in eastern North Carolina. When traveling on the Southern Gateway Wine Trail might you want to look for wines that pair well with barbecue.

If you’re serving hamburgers, steak, barbecued ribs, or beef tenderloin, only the big red wines will do. Cabernet Sauvignon pairs perfectly with BBQ meats, Cabernet Franc pairs well with barbecued ribs, or a Petit Verdot pairs well with a juicy rib eye steak. However, if the spice turns the dish hot, zero in on or a Red Zinfandel or a similarly spicy Merlot, Shiraz or Malbec. Or maybe, serve a chilled Muscadine. These wines are perfect paired with spicy, ethnic foods.

White wines are undoubtedly suited to grilled fish and chicken, and some barbecue pork recipes. The high acidity in Sauvignon Blanc pairs impeccably in this role. Or a Rosé served chilled will enhance the grilled flavors of the food. But when barbecue pork is on the menu, Pinot Noir is best.

The Southern Gateway Wine Trail is located about 20 minutes from Winston-Salem, 40 minutes from Greensboro or an easy hours’ drive from Charlotte. On the Southern Gateway Wine you will enjoy 15 miles of picturesque country, world-class wines, and quite a few famous Lexington-style barbecue joints as well.

Most Shallow Ford wineries are open Friday through Sunday, although winery hours vary seasonally. Please call ahead to be sure the vineyards you want to visit will be open when you arrive. Please drink responsibly. Designate a driver.