At the Wine Garden Inn, we take great pride in our homegrown ingredients and the care we put into cultivating them. From the lush grape vines that stretch across our estate to the thriving garden beds that burst with flavorful produce, our commitment to sustainable, local sourcing is woven into every dish we serve.
Vine-Grown Produce
Our muscadine and scuppernong grapes are the stars of the show, showcased in a variety of ways throughout our menus. These indigenous North American grapes boast a unique flavor profile and sturdy, slip-skin texture that sets them apart from their European counterparts. We delight in finding new ways to highlight their versatility, whether it’s in a refreshing summertime sangria, a decadent grape hull pie, or a savory focaccia bread.
The grape harvest is just the beginning, though. Our garden beds burst with an abundance of other homegrown treasures, from juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers to fragrant herbs and vibrant edible flowers. We take great care in nurturing these plants, using organic methods and water-wise techniques to coax out the fullest expression of flavor.
Herb and Spice Varieties
Herbs and spices are the unsung heroes of our culinary creations, adding depth, complexity, and a signature touch to every dish. Our herb garden is a veritable oasis, overflowing with fragrant varieties like rosemary, thyme, and basil. We also take great pride in growing more unique offerings, such as fennel, lemon balm, and the earthy, citrusy goldenrod.
Beyond the herb garden, we cultivate a selection of specialty spices and seasonings that lend our dishes an extra layer of intrigue. Our homegrown garlic, onions, and peppers (including the fiery Datil and Scotch Bonnet varieties) find their way into everything from our signature jerk sauce to our pickled vegetables.
Locally-Sourced Essentials
While our own gardens provide an abundance of flavorful ingredients, we also source select items from trusted local producers to round out our offerings. Artisanal honeys, farmstead cheeses, and free-range eggs are just a few of the exceptional local treasures that grace our tables, complementing the homegrown bounty.
Our relationships with these nearby providers are invaluable, allowing us to ensure the highest quality and freshness in every bite. We take great joy in showcasing the diverse culinary landscape of our region, celebrating the hard work and passion of our fellow food artisans.
Culinary Creations
With such a wealth of homegrown and locally-sourced ingredients at our fingertips, the culinary possibilities are endless. Our chefs work in tandem with our gardeners to craft menus that reflect the bounty of the seasons, highlighting the unique flavors and textures of our estate-grown produce.
Farm-to-Table Dishes
Whether it’s a vibrant salad showcasing our freshly harvested greens and edible flowers or a rustic vegetable tart showcasing the sweetness of our homegrown tomatoes and eggplant, every dish tells a story of our land. We take great pride in the provenance of our ingredients, sharing their origins and the care that went into their cultivation.
Homemade Preserves
The abundance of our harvests means we get to enjoy the flavors of the season well beyond their peak. Our kitchens are abuzz with the activity of canning, pickling, and preserving, transforming our fresh produce into jars of jewel-toned jams, zesty chutneys, and tangy fermented delights.
Signature Recipes
Some of our most beloved menu items are the direct result of our homegrown ingredients. Our renowned muscadine grape hull pie, for instance, is a testament to the ingenuity of our ancestors and the versatility of these unique grapes. Likewise, our Jamaican jerk sauce, crafted from our own fiery peppers and aromatic spices, adds a bold, flavorful punch to everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables.
Sustainable Gardening
Maintaining the health and vitality of our gardens is of the utmost importance to us. We follow organic principles in our cultivation practices, eschewing synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in favor of more sustainable, earth-friendly methods.
Organic Cultivation
Our compost, made from the nutrient-rich waste of our kitchens and gardens, nourishes our soils, replenishing essential minerals and promoting robust plant growth. We also incorporate cover crops and crop rotation techniques to keep our beds thriving, year after year.
Water-Wise Techniques
Water conservation is a key priority in our arid climate. We employ drip irrigation systems and strategically time our watering to minimize evaporation and ensure our plants receive the hydration they need. Additionally, we rely on resilient, drought-tolerant varieties whenever possible, reducing our overall water usage.
Composting Practices
No scrap goes to waste in our kitchens or gardens. We meticulously sort and compost every bit of organic material, from vegetable trimmings to spent grape pomace. This rich, nutrient-dense compost is then reintroduced to our beds, completing the cycle of renewal and regeneration.
Artisanal Craftsmanship
Beyond the plates, our homegrown ingredients find their way into an array of artisanal goods that showcase the unique character of our estate. From handcrafted preserves and fermented delights to bespoke floral arrangements and herbal tinctures, we strive to elevate the humble into the exceptional.
Handcrafted Goods
Our muscadine grape jelly, infused with the earthy sweetness of our estate-grown fruit, is a perennial favorite, while our roselle tea and goldenrod tinctures offer a soothing taste of the seasons. Even our fragrant, long-lasting floral bouquets incorporate edible blooms and herbs, blurring the line between beauty and bounty.
Unique Presentations
When it comes to presenting our homegrown treasures, we approach each dish and display with an artist’s eye. Vibrant hues, bold textures, and thoughtful arrangements come together to create visually stunning compositions that celebrate the inherent beauty of our ingredients.
Artful Displays
Whether it’s a rustic still-life of our latest harvest or an elegantly composed charcuterie board showcasing our local artisanal offerings, we strive to capture the essence of our estate in every presentation. It is our hope that each plate, each jar, and each bouquet not only delights the senses but also tells a story of the care and craftsmanship that went into its creation.
At the Wine Garden Inn, our homegrown ingredients are the heart and soul of our culinary experience. From the vine to the table, we are committed to celebrating the bounty of our land and the artistry of our craft, offering our guests a truly one-of-a-kind taste of our sustainable, flavorful estate.