Chestnut Trail Vineyard began as the retirement project of John and Claudia Ellis, a movie studio musician/oboe teacher and a Peruvian Paso horse enthusiast. Now it’s a family operation with two of their six children and spouses joining them in their venture, along with many other family members’ support. Chestnut Trail Vineyard is about 15 miles south of Clemmons.

Overlooking 50 acres of rolling hills and horses grazing in the pasture, they invite you to sit on their front porch, sip wine and stay awhile.