New Vineyard Coming to Lancaster

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 25, 2022

CONTACT:
Jenna Bice
Owner
Laurel Haven Vineyards
3341 Taxahaw Road
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 203-7656
jenna@laurelhavenestate.com
LaurelHavenEstate.com

 

Lancaster, South Carolina — Laurel Haven Estate has recently begun the planting of its new vineyard in lovely Lancaster, South Carolina. According to Jenna Bice, Laurel Haven’s owner, 750 vines will be planted on a rolling back acre adjacent to the lake. As the initial vines grow, additional varieties will be added on an annual basis.

The grape variety chosen to start this undertaking is the Crimson Cabernet, which blends the drinkability of European varietals with the hardiness of American grapes, allowing them to flourish in South Carolina. This provides a grape with disease resistance, winter hardiness, and all while creating a high-quality wine

Vineyard planting will conclude in mid-summer.

The vines, which are fully developed and individually rooted, were ordered in October 2021 from Davis Viticultural Research. They are green growing plants housed in biodegradable containers that are personally delivered in an air-conditioned van by the growers.

Laurel Haven’s staff, along with friends and family members—20 people in total, will be planting the vines in a single day in early June. After planting is complete, a celebratory meal and christening ceremony for the vines will be held.

Bice, who has owned the estate for 4 years says, “Establishing a South Carolina vineyard has been a dream of mine for years. Everyone involved with this vineyard has roots in South Carolina and fully believes in this project. Growing these crops will require years of investment and won’t be easy, but we wouldn’t do it anywhere else.”

“Beyond the addition of new white and red varieties”, says Jenna Bice, “we are planning construction in 2024 for a cozy and welcoming tasting room to feature our wines, along with a production and storage facility. We want to welcome everyone to our new adventure.”

The new vineyard, which was previously a pasture of Coker Ranch, has rolling hills on a south-facing slope which makes it ideal for grape vineyards. Irrigation will be pulled directly from the nearby lake and will create a natural ecosystem for their growth.

The first grape harvest will be in 2025 and will be used to make the inaugural batch of Cabernet.

About Laurel Haven Estate:

Laurel Haven Estate blends country charm, artful design, modern elegance, and world-class service, creating a premier event venue. Our beautiful private country estate sits on 37 unspoiled, impeccably landscaped acres with captivating and picturesque natural scenery providing the perfect backdrop for a country-casual or high-end wedding, corporate gathering, peaceful weekend getaway, holiday party, or other celebratory events.

Laurel Haven Estate is located at 3341 Taxahaw Road in Lancaster, South Carolina.

Visit LaurelHavenEstate.com for directions and hours of operation. For questions email Jenna@LaurelHavenEstate.com.

Source: United States Department of Agriculture

Source: National Association of American Wineries

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

Exchange Vows Amidst the Vines: A Guide to Carolina Vineyard Weddings

Planning a wedding at Laurel Haven Estate is about more than securing a venue; it is about curating a sophisticated, timeless experience for you and your guests. Located in the heart of the Carolina Piedmont, our estate provides a picturesque backdrop where rolling vineyard rows meet the serene beauty of our lakefront property. Our approach to vineyard weddings is centered on Southern elegance, offering multiple outdoor seating areas and event spaces that allow your celebration to flow seamlessly from a sun-drenched ceremony to an al fresco reception. Whether you envision an intimate gathering or a grand affair, our team works closely with you to integrate the charm of our vineyard with bespoke luxury. By choosing Laurel Haven, you are not just booking a date; you are inviting your guests to enjoy a complete destination experience, featuring our estate-grown wines, manicured landscapes, and the signature hospitality that defines our property. We invite couples to tour our grounds to see how the unique topography of our Lancaster location creates the perfect romantic setting for your special day.

A Symphony of Flavors: Handcrafted Wine and Bistro Pairings

The culinary journey at Laurel Haven Estate is designed to elevate the natural characteristics of our wine selections. We believe that the best dining experiences are rooted in balance, which is why our bistro menu is carefully curated to complement the nuanced profiles of our handcrafted wines. Imagine relaxing on our outdoor patio, overlooking the vineyard as the sun sets, while enjoying a glass of our Crimson Cabernet paired with locally inspired artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. Our staff is dedicated to helping guests navigate these pairings, suggesting selections that highlight the robust notes of our reds or the crisp, refreshing finishes of our white varietals. When you dine at our bistro, you are participating in a holistic experience where the terroir of our land is reflected both in the glass and on the plate. We invite you to spend a leisurely afternoon exploring these pairings, ensuring that every sip and bite tells the story of our commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and the art of Southern fine dining.

Celebrating the Seasons at Laurel Haven Estate

Laurel Haven Estate is a vibrant destination that evolves with the rhythms of the seasons. Our calendar is carefully crafted to invite guests back time and again, ensuring there is always a new reason to visit our Lancaster sanctuary. Spring brings the awakening of the vines, marked by our community planting days, while summer is the season for live music sessions and long, languid afternoons spent in our sprawling outdoor seating areas. As autumn arrives, the vineyard transforms into a golden landscape, serving as the perfect backdrop for harvest celebrations and private evening events. Winter invites a cozy atmosphere, where guests can retreat to our indoor spaces to enjoy themed tastings and holiday gatherings. By hosting a diverse range of seasonal festivals and intimate cultural events, we transform a simple trip to a winery into a full-scale destination experience. We encourage our guests to keep an eye on our event calendar, as each season at the estate offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and luxurious spirit of our property.

Rooted in the Land: Our Commitment to Agritourism

At Laurel Haven Estate, our passion for viticulture is deeply intertwined with a commitment to sustainable South Carolina agritourism. By cultivating our vineyard, we are contributing to the regional agricultural identity, preserving the beauty of our Lancaster landscape for generations to come. Our farm-to-table philosophy extends beyond the grapes we grow; we actively source local ingredients to feature in our bistro, ensuring that every meal served on our property reflects the bounty of the Piedmont region. This dedication allows us to offer guests an authentic connection to the land, where you can see the vines from your table and taste the local landscape in our offerings. When you visit us, you are engaging in a movement that honors tradition, soil health, and local heritage. We take pride in being a steward of this land, inviting you to experience the educational and sensory benefits that only a working vineyard destination can provide. It is this authentic, grounded approach that positions Laurel Haven Estate as a premier agricultural destination in the Carolinas.

Crafted with Intent: The Laurel Haven Brewery Philosophy

Complementing our viticulture program is our dedicated craft brewery, an essential part of the complete beverage experience at Laurel Haven Estate. Just as we are meticulous in the development of our vineyard, we apply the same philosophy of patience and craftsmanship to our brewing process. Our brewery is designed to offer a variety of flavor profiles that cater to both the wine enthusiast and the beer aficionado. We believe that the heart of a great destination lies in diversity of experience; our brewery operations allow us to provide a comprehensive menu that pairs perfectly with the relaxed, social atmosphere of our outdoor seating areas. From hop-forward ales to seasonal stouts, our craft brews are produced with the goal of consistency, quality, and creativity. By integrating craft beer alongside our vineyard offerings, we ensure that every guest finds a beverage that resonates with their palate. We welcome you to visit us and enjoy a flight on our patio, where the art of brewing meets the tranquil beauty of our estate.

Your Ultimate Carolina Piedmont Weekend Escape

A single afternoon is often not enough to fully embrace the serenity of Laurel Haven Estate. To maximize your weekend getaway in the Carolina Piedmont, we recommend a slow-paced itinerary that touches on every aspect of our destination. Start your journey by settling into your accommodations, allowing the quiet of the estate to set the tone for your stay. Dedicate your Saturday to exploring the vineyard grounds, taking advantage of our comfortable outdoor seating to enjoy a flight of our latest vintages or a pint from our brewery. For those looking for local adventure, the surrounding region offers a rich tapestry of historical sites and natural trails that complement the luxury of our estate. Return in the evening for a curated dining experience, followed by a quiet walk under the stars near the lake. Whether you are looking for a romantic retreat or a restorative break from the city, our estate provides the perfect basecamp. We recommend planning your visits around our seasonal music and event schedule to truly capture the vibrant energy of the Laurel Haven experience.

The Laurel Haven Legacy: A Tradition of Southern Hospitality

Southern hospitality is not just a concept at Laurel Haven Estate; it is the foundation upon which our property is built. Our history is rooted in a deep respect for the land and a genuine desire to create a space where people can gather, celebrate, and disconnect from the busyness of modern life. When you visit our Lancaster estate, you are entering a space where the warmth of our welcome is matched only by the quality of our amenities. We see ourselves as hosts in the truest sense—ensuring that every detail, from the layout of our outdoor seating to the service in our bistro, reflects a commitment to comfort and elegance. This philosophy of hospitality has been cultivated over our years of operation, driven by our love for this land and our neighbors in the Carolinas. We continue to build on this legacy by expanding our vineyard and venue offerings, always with the goal of making Laurel Haven Estate a place where memories are made and guests feel like family. We invite you to become a part of our history.

While many look to distant regions for a high-end winery experience, Laurel Haven Estate offers an unmatched level of accessibility for residents of the greater Charlotte metropolitan area. Located just a short, scenic drive from Uptown, our estate serves as the premier destination for those seeking a tranquil escape without the hassle of long-distance travel. By positioning ourselves as a local sanctuary, we provide an authentic alternative to the often overcrowded or overly commercialized vineyards found elsewhere.

Guests can easily transform a standard afternoon into a luxury getaway by enjoying our expansive outdoor seating areas, which overlook the rolling hills of our vineyard and the serene lakeside. Unlike competitors that focus solely on wine, Laurel Haven Estate provides a cohesive, multi-experience destination. After exploring the vines, visitors can transition seamlessly into a relaxed evening featuring craft beer selections, or find comfort in our upscale on-site lodging. Whether you are visiting for a curated wine tasting, live music events, or an intimate weekend retreat, you will find that our grounds offer the perfect balance of Southern hospitality and modern sophistication. Our property is specifically designed to facilitate easy transitions between active exploration and peaceful leisure, making it the ideal spot for day-trippers to unplug and recharge.

Planning your visit to Laurel Haven Estate is a seamless process designed to ensure every guest enjoys a personalized, world-class experience. Whether you are arranging a romantic afternoon of wine tasting at our outdoor seating areas, booking a serene weekend stay at our B&B, or scheduling a private tour for a future wedding or corporate event, our team is dedicated to curating the perfect itinerary. For day-trippers from the Charlotte area, we recommend checking our seasonal calendar online to coordinate your visit with our live music performances, agritourism workshops, or intimate seasonal festivals.

We invite you to reach out directly through our website to secure your table in our garden, inquire about our wedding packages, or explore availability for a weekend getaway. Our concierge team is available to assist you with every detail, ensuring that your time at the estate is stress-free and memorable. By contacting us in advance, we can tailor your experience, whether you are interested in a private vineyard walk-through or a customized event package. Do not miss the opportunity to be among the first to experience the evolution of our vineyard as we expand our facilities. Visit LaurelHavenEstate.com today to book your visit and discover why we are the premier destination for those seeking elegance, natural beauty, and unmatched Southern hospitality. We look forward to welcoming you to the estate soon.

Beyond the vineyard, guests can enjoy our signature winery with outdoor seating, designed to offer picturesque views of the rolling South Carolina landscape. Whether you are planning a visit from nearby Charlotte, NC, or seeking a serene escape within Lancaster County, our estate provides the perfect atmosphere to enjoy fine viticulture. The tranquil environment, complemented by the gentle breeze off our private lake, makes this an ideal destination for those who appreciate the intersection of artisanal winemaking and natural beauty.

We envision our grounds becoming a premier destination for intimate gatherings and special occasions. Our expansion plans include customizable event spaces suited for elegant vineyard weddings and corporate retreats, ensuring that visitors can experience the full hospitality of Laurel Haven Estate. By integrating sustainable agricultural practices with high-end guest experiences, we are building a landmark that celebrates both the rich heritage of the Palmetto State and the sophisticated art of modern enology.