Stonefield Cellars Winery
About Stonefield Cellars Winery-
The Location and the Relevant Market Area:
Stonefield Cellars Winery is a quaint and captivating winery located just north of Greensboro, NC in a vibrant and growing suburban area centered on the small town of Stokesdale. The winery is only 2 minutes /2 miles from the I-73 interchange with Highway NC-68—making it extremely convenient for visitors as well as daily commuters from the greater Greensboro/High Point/Winston-Salem Metropolitan Areas—known as The Piedmont Triad.
The Triad is connected by Interstates 40, 85, 73, & 74 and is served by the Piedmont Triad International Airport. Long known as one of the primary manufacturing and transportation hubs of the southeastern United States, the Triad is also an important educational, healthcare, and cultural region with high professional, management, and executive employment levels and matching relatively high levels of discretionary income—all supportive to hospitality venues, including wineries and event centers such as Stonefield Cellars.
As of 2021, it is estimated that there is a population of 1,711,000 in the Triad—and Stonefield Cellars is only about 30 to 40 minutes of drive time from even the most distant points in the Triad. For reference, downtown Greensboro is only 28 minutes away, downtown Winston-Salem only 30 minutes away, and downtown High Point is only 35 minutes away.
The small town of Stokesdale itself has about 5,400 residents and since 2020, has grown by just over 12%—a very strong growth rate. Moreover, Stokesdale is very highly ranked by Niche.com and their “Best Places to Live” which ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and expert insights. Here is the link to their ranking of Stokesdale:
https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/stokesdale-guilford-nc/
In adjacent Rockingham County, NC the county zoning board has approved rezoning for a 190 acre site to allow for commercial development to include a gaming casino and other hospitality related businesses. This approved site is only about 6 miles distant from Stonefield Cellars Winery, and has the potential to attract more visitors/customers to other hospitality related businesses in the vicinity—such as Stonefield Cellars, which would be in the direct line of travel for those utilizing I-73 to visit the casino. Moreover, for those visiting the casino who may desire to engage in some local estate wine tasting and enjoy the wine in a casual, relaxed setting away from the casino hustle and bustle, Stonefield Cellars would present the perfect opportunity to do so!
The Overall Property:
Stonefield Cellars Winery is situated on a parcel of 10.622 beautiful acres at the confluence of NC HWYs 65 and 68 (part of the Hwy 68 Scenic Corridor) and the acreage is gently rolling to flat, which maximizes usability for a winery enterprise. It is zoned AG Agricultural District as per the Town of Stokesdale zone description and the associated small vineyard and related wine-grape production allows the property to be operated as a winery under current zoning.
Approximately 70% of the overall parcel is open and contains the main entrance drive, commercial delivery access drive to rear of winery building, vineyard area, parking areas, tasting room/winery site, and the existing home site. The remaining 30% of the parcel acreage is in light forest with an established pathway leading to a natural open area under a very pleasant tree canopy. This area could easily be developed further as an additional outdoor wedding venue and/or could also accommodate a new home-site if new ownership were so inclined.
The Vineyard and the Wines:
There is a well-established and nicely sited vineyard of approximately 1.5 acres with the following varietals under vine and producing:
The original planting of the vineyard was in 2004 and was comprised of 12 different European grape varieties and two American varieties. After 18 years, six rows of the American variety, Niagara, are the only viable vines still producing. Trellis for another 18 rows of replacement grape vines or other suitable crop is in place.
All of Stonefield Cellars’ wines are produced on site- from crushing and pressing to fermenting, aging and bottling. While they do utilize the grapes produced in their own small vineyard on the property, most of their fruit and juice is currently being sourced from contract growers/suppliers in NC and beyond.
This virtually represents an “urban winery” model— which provides for significant operating advantages by minimizing any negative effects and risk of aberrant weather events in the vineyard, while also providing the ability to offer a wide array of great, award-winning wines for their customers to choose from—and which can be changed from season to season, and as wine consumer tastes/preferences change.
Current offerings are divided into three broad categories (with some selected examples):
- Dry Whites (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rose’ of Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer)
- Dry Reds (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Petite Syrah & special blends)
- Off Dry, Sweet & Dessert (Moscato, Peach, BellaSelena: Riesling & Strawberry Blend)
There is an established wine club which is currently free to join, and members commit to purchase 12 bottles of wine-maker selected wines over the course of a year (4 bottles in February, June, & October. An established wine club is an important contributor to top line sales which are predictable and reliable throughout each year as each member provides in advance shipping (or winery pick-up) and credit card information.
The Winery & Tasting Room Building:
The centerpiece of the enterprise is a large commercial-grade building steel-structured consisting of 3,994 sq. ft. heated and cooled space. The building is essentially a single story, but with a 750 sq. ft. second floor mezzanine area above the bathrooms, hallway, and storerooms that can accommodate additional office area and/or storage space. The building is air-conditioned using three ground-mounted heat pumps. And having the HVAC ground-mounted, allowed for the building to be modified during original construction with an asphalt-shingled, wood decked, pitched roof with four dormers—which added substantial architectural and visual appeal to the building.
Overall, the building interior is configured with a very spacious and well-appointed wine tasting room with plenty of space to accommodate both the casual enjoyment of Stonefield Cellars great wines along with space for related gifts, crafts and prepared food items.
Adjacent to the tasting room area, are two luxuriously appointed accessible restrooms and an office/storeroom area. Directly behind the tasting room bar area, there is a very large wine production and wine case storage space. This room also is referred to as the ‘Barrel Room’ for use involving the public (see Barrel Room description below).
The winery building also has an additional open air production area configured as a full production crush pad, with all the necessary lighting, power and water facilities and is easily accessed by a gated gravel driveway leading to the pad area and the adjoining staff parking area—which is sufficiently wide to permit large commercial trucks to enter and complete turn maneuvers, and back up to the pad area for loading/unloading.
The Farm House (circa 1925):
The second major structure on the property is the very quaint and charming “Farm House” which is now nearly 100 years old and which lends much warmth and character to the overall setting at Stonefield. It is quite spacious with 2,332 sq. ft. heated and cooled and is of two-story construction. The house has been well maintained over the years, and has also been updated with attractive vinyl siding and air conditioning.
Currently, the main level of the Farm House is utilized for office and storage space. The charming upstairs/ second level may be rented for wedding party preparation, and includes a 2 room suite with full bath (typically for the Bride and Bridesmaids) and a separate room across the main upper hallway (typically for the Groom and Groomsmen).
Depending upon the needs of new ownership, the Farm House could easily serve as an owner’s residence either on a long term basis—or over a short term basis while building a new home within the forested area of the property. It could also be utilized entirely as a short-term lodging rental via Airbnb, VRBO, or similar platform.
The Indoor and Outdoor Venues:
The Stonefield Cellars Winery property and overall enchanting setting provides for a truly beautiful and unique venue for weddings, receptions, bridal showers, birthday parties, anniversaries, corporate dinners, and many other types of special events. Within the property there are multiple venues that can be rented separately, or on a combined basis to suit the vision and scope of any particular event. Those venue areas are as follows:
INDOORS:
Barrel Room: The Barrel Room, also known as the production room, is where Stonefield wine is aged in barrels or in stainless steel tanks (for non-oaked wine), where the wine is bottled, and where wine tasting boards are prepared. The mobility of much of the equipment in this space has afforded the flexible use to include use by the public for private party rentals and winery ticketed events such as wine education seminars, wine-making classes, special event dinners, and intimate ‘barrel room’ concerts.
Buffet Hallway: The Buffet Hallway is the hallway joining the Barrel Room and Tasting Room together and can be setup as a Buffet Line for larger parties dining in the Barrel Room.
OUTDOORS:
Lower Patio: The Lower Patio with Gazebo provides a focus for ceremonies, shade for dining, or can be used as a stage for a band, with room on the sides for dancing. For smaller private parties the lower patio has bistro table seating for 24, plus a 6 person glass-top table, for a total of 30 available seats. Complimentary umbrellas are made available
depending on the season.
Party Pavilion (covered upper patio): This space can be used as a photo booth spot or as a staging place for caterers during weddings. For smaller private parties, the Party Pavilion can seat up to 20 guests at five 4-person bistro tables and includes one additional 6ft table for food/gift use. This area provides midday shade and light rain protection.
Terraced Lawn: The terraced lawn is comprised of two three tiered, terraced lawn sections divided by a gently sloping walkway (perfect for weddings and concerts). The six sections total can accommodate between 100 and 150 depending on chair size/spacing.
Upper Garden: The Upper Garden, near The Farm House, is a tree-shaded wood chipped area surrounded by greenery and flowers and lit with bistro lighting during the evening. Picnic tables provide seating for 36.
Front Lawn: The Front Lawn next to the winery building is the perfect spot for rental tents or larger outdoor parties. Dance floors are allowed and work well if they are placed under a tent and are removed within 48 hours (to prevent grass kill).
All in all, Stonefield Cellars Winery has many venue options to offer and the special events revenue stream can be a significant contributor to top line revenue and, with their typically high margins, can very positively impact bottom line profitability. It’s all up to new ownership as to how intensively they wish to engage in expanding this aspect of the enterprise—and the vibrant growth profile in the relevant market area would likely be very supportive of expanding the special events revenue stream at Stonefield.
Overall Site Improvements and Landscaping:
There has been extensive civil engineering and site improvement activity carried out over the years by the owners as follows:
- Extensive, attractive, and well-maintained landscaping
- Attractive entry way and associated signage
- Asphalt paving of main parking area
- Gravel driveway and 2 gravel parking lots established
- Concrete sidewalks and patios
- Renovated tobacco barn for equipment and tool storage
- Extensive outdoor lighting arrangements
- Water well and well house (independent of and in addition to water sourced from the Town of Stokesdale)
- Two septic fields
Summary:
Stonefield Cellars Winery represents an outstanding opportunity for new ownership to hit the ground running in the small estate winery and special events business.
All the planning, execution, and “heavy-lifting” has been done—and done very well. It’s all here—great and convenient location, name and brand recognition for quality wine and customer experience, full array of equipment, furnishings and fixtures for all aspects of the operation, and owners who will be remaining in the area and willing to work out smooth transition and consulting arrangements to help ensure your success.
Stonefield Cellars just awaits your vision, your energy, and your commitment to continued growth and excellence!
ASKING PRICE: $1,695,000 (Exclusive of Wine Inventory)
Please call or email today for more information:
Tyler Williams, SVP, Business Broker & Intermediary
Cell: 703-850-4914 Email: ptylerwilliams@gmail.com
See what customers are saying about Stonefield Cellars (From Google)
“Loved this winery. They had a great outdoor area that is suitable for parties and celebrations. The wines was so good and the service was amazing!”
“I absolutely LOVE my experience to Stonefield every time! There are events year-round and staff are incredibly funny and knowledgeable of what they do. Support Small Businesses!! Everything, from start to finish, is created in this winery.”
“Had a Girls day, came here for wine tasting. Loved the scenery workers were awesome the wine was great. I had a good time.”
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Listing Courtesy of Virginia Estates Inc