Today on Consuming the Craft, I welcomed back Jeff Frisbee from Addison Farms, a returning guest and the driving force behind one of our region’s finest family-run wineries. We caught up over a glass of wine—okay, maybe more than one glass—while sharing laughs about the unique problems that accompany running a vineyard, especially as harvest season approaches. From creative deer deterrent tactics to the intense workdays of grape picking and pressing, we dove into the realities, challenges, and joys of small-scale winemaking. Jeff also gave me a fascinating wine-mead blend to distill for student projects, sparking a discussion about fermentation, distillation, and the pursuit of crafting something truly unique.

Jeff is the owner and winemaker at Addison Farms, a limited production winery nestled in the rolling hills of Western North Carolina. Hailing from a background rooted deeply in local agriculture, he and his family have worked tirelessly to not only keep the farm in the family but also to evolve it into a celebrated destination for wine lovers. Jeff’s ethos centers on stewardship of the land, a commitment to quality, and a willingness to experiment—all grounded in a love for community and a touch of self-deprecating humor.

“This time of year, we have to stop worrying about esthetics and start worrying about practicality—because the deer can decimate very quickly.” ~Jeff Frisbee

Today on Consuming the Craft:

·     Addison Farms’ 2023 and 2024 red wines are still in barrel, while their whites have already been released and are almost sold out.

·     The fruit from the past couple of years has been fantastic, and prospects for the coming harvest look strong—if the deer can be kept at bay.

·     Creative methods (wind socks, RVs, noise makers) are essential for deterring wildlife and protecting the vineyard’s livelihood.

·     Harvest days are long and intense, starting early in the morning, featuring manual grape picking and immediate processing.

·     As a “limited production winery,” Addison Farms operates smaller than most and relies heavily on family and community help.

·     Consistent fermentation is a key to quality, especially when annual crop conditions can vary drastically.

·     Jeff donates wine and mead blends to support student distilling projects, believing in the value of experimentation and education.

·     Protecting farmland is at the core of Jeff’s mission—keeping agricultural spaces safe from development is a personal and community priority.

Guest Contact:

Jeff at Addison Farms

 Website: addisonfarms.net

 In-person: 4005 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester, NC 28748 (Open Thursday–Sunday, 2–7 PM; Saturday tours at 2 PM)

Resources Mentioned:

·     Addison Farms Vineyards

·     Student distillation projects at AB Tech

·     Bas Armagnac (as a tasting and discussion point) • Madeira and its historical estufagem process

Stop by Addison Farms, lend a hand, or join Jeff for a tour—you’ll get a real taste of North Carolina’s agricultural legacy, and maybe even a story or two you won’t hear anywhere else.

This episode is brought to you by…

McConnell Farms - Taste the Way You Remember. Enjoy homemade ciders and ice cream made from only the best produce on the market. Visit the McConnell Farms website to learn more about our seasonal inventory and the delicious creations you can make with our homegrown produce.

Consuming the Craft

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