After college, Gene Renegar of Allison Oaks Vineyards worked in several different professions, but coming from a farming family, he missed working with the land. Out on business one day, he spotted an old grass airstrip. It was a beautiful piece of land, perfectly situated for raising grapes.

He and his wife bought the land and set about starting the winery. The first thing they did was name it after their daughter Allison, and then they planted the grapes. The grapes were planted in 1999, and they bottled their first wine in 2004.

From those humble beginnings, the vineyard has grown to include over 6 acres of grapes. The variety of grapes they grow is astonishing; Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Blanc all thrive at their vineyard.

Of all those, there is one grape in particular that Gene is excited about-the Zinfandel. Currently, Allison Oaks is one of only two vineyards in the Yadkin Valley to grow Zinfandel grapes. That is because the Zinfandel, while a beautiful grape, is notoriously hard to grow.

Gene explains that as the Zinfandel grapes ripen they become extremely fragile; at their peak, it is possible for rain to pop them like a balloon. Therefore, the Allison staff harvests the grapes early to ensure enough grapes for Zinfandel production.

To encourage relatives to help in the harvest they name wines after them. D Z Drew’s Zin is a named after Gene’s son. A full-bodied Zinfandel with a hint of honeysuckle, it has a taste of raspberry and strawberries on the finish.

Mimi named after Gene’s wife; is a blend of Chambourcin and muscadin. It is an old-fashioned sweet red wine. Recently, the Reneger’s welcomed a brand new grandson to the family and they already have plans to release a wine next year in his honor-Apple Jaxson.

New Specialty
Gene is especially proud of the Proprietor’s blend, a blend of reds that in its first year of release won a medal. They also produce a white blend-Orchard White. According to Gene, the red blend is the perfect wine to share with friends and family at Christmas time. The blend combines four different wines including Merlot and Red Zinfandel. This wine is complex with a little more fruit flavor.

If you are hosting a dessert party at the holidays, consider Allison’s Choice named after their granddaughter. A great dessert wine pairs well with dark chocolate; it will be the talk of your party.

The tasting room is located in downtown Yadkinville, just a short drive from the vineyard. The Reneger’s chose downtown for their tasting rooms in hopes of bringing revitalization to the downtown area. It seems to be working, several other wineries are moving in and there are shops and galleries to browse.

Events

Allison Oaks hosts local artists work in the tasting room and they have a large 900sq ft banquet room. The banquet room is not only for tasting dinners but is also available for any large event like a wedding or holiday party.

Allison Oaks is ringing in the New Year with a New Year’s Eve party that pairs their wines along with food prepared by Apple Wood Bistro. Live music by the band Cheap shot rounds out the festive evening. 

The winery is open for part of Christmas Eve for all those last minute shoppers and if you are looking for something fun to do with out-of-town guests, the winery will be open the week between Christmas and New Years.