About us
OUR STORY
Davesté Vineyards is owned and operated by the DeFehr and Carrick families.
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In 2005, Dave and Ester DeFehr embarked on a journey to create the first winery in Iredell County. After purchasing a nearly 60-acre pastoral setting in Troutman, North Carolina, they planted their first vines. The first harvest in 2006 was successfully made into Davesté's first wine. The grounds were manicured to enhance natural features, and later that year the tasting room and art gallery opened.
In 2019, after moving to Iredell County from Scotland, Caroline and Colin Carrick became business partners. Caroline is WSET level 2 qualified with distinction. As wine enthusiasts and entrepreneurs, and previous owners of the oldest licensed whisky distillery in Scotland, the Carricks brought with them a wealth of business experience as well a commitment to continuing the legacy of award-winning wines.
THE DAVESTÉ VINEYARD ARTISTS
Following the artistic methodology begun by founder and artist Estèr DeFehr, our wine bottles feature original work by established North Carolina artists.
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The artists work mainly in the watercolor medium, but also with pastel, oils, acrylics and collage.
Members have studied under the tutelage of Edrie Knight from Statesville; Carol Ann Whitmore-Herring from Statesville; Noyes Capehart from Boone; Sterling Edwards from Hendersonville; Chuck McLachlan from Greensboro; Zolten Zabo, and Ben Long from Statesville/France and many others. You can find work by the artists in the Tasting Room/Art Gallery.
MEG TIPTON, WINEMAKER
While traveling to several of the world's wine regions, Meg developed a natural curiosity for the process of winemaking. During a trip to Sonoma, she had the opportunity to meet several female winemakers, who inspired her to take the next step. After taking time off from her career in marketing communications and brand management to raise her twins, Meg decided to pursue an education in Viticulture and Enology. In 2013, she earned her degree from the Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua, New York. Meg interned at Keuka Spring Vineyards where she became the assistant winemaker. There she helped to make award winning wines including the 2012 Riesling, which won the coveted Governor's Cup Award, signifying the best single wine in New York State.
Meg joined Davesté Vineyards in September of 2020. "Winemaking is such a great cross-section of agriculture, chemistry, and creativity. I'm excited to be part of the North Carolina wine industry and look forward to bringing my knowledge, energy, and enthusiasm to Davesté."
