Catawba

Catawba was the first widely planted winegrape in North America with over 30,000 acres growing along the Ohio River in the 1800's. Catawba wine was exported to Europe with great success. The Illustrated London News wrote, "a finer wine of the hock species and flavor that comes from the Rhine" and about sparkling Catawba, "transcends the Champagnes of France."

We planted Catawba in Creekbend in 2001 with the goal of setting a new standard for this variety. We believed that our climate and site were ideal for this grape, and that if we gave it the attention it deserved, we could create a remarkable wine.   

Our efforts have paid off. With careful attention to crop load and canopy management we have grown fruit with outstanding maturity. The bright crimson berries are bursting with exotic flavor.

Cool fermentation allows us to retain these incredible flavors. But this is a story of grape growing rather than winemaking. Creekbend has shown to be a great spot for this classic American variety.