Sanctuary Vineyards

Sanctuary Vineyards is a wine producer rooted in the Wright family's farming tradition in coastal Currituck County. Original settler Jacob Wright was shipwrecked on the shores of Duck, and the family continues a farming tradition established hundreds of years ago. George Butler is the winemaker.

Ten acres of grapes sit among hundreds of acres of farmland and wildlife impoundments called “The Sanctuary.” The North Block contains two acres of Norton and Sangiovese planted in spring 2002, while varieties grown also include Syrah, Tempranillo, Viognier and Muscadine. Grapes are picked by hand at peak ripeness. Depending on the grape and wine style, winemaking involves slow fermentation on the skins or quick juice extraction, followed by oak barrel aging. After bottling, the wines are stored in cold cellars.