Alexander Blanton bottles wine Wednesday at DeBarge Winery. The winery uses grapes from its own vineyards as well as from other locations in the U.S.Wines available now• Chardonnay• Riesling• Pinot Noir• Cabernet• SyrahComing soon:• ChardonoogaComing next year• A variety of local blends• Local strawberry sparkling wine• Local peach sparkling wine• Meade made from local honeyPlanned• PortSource: DeBarge Vineyards and WineryName: DeBarge WineryWhere: 1617 Rossville Avenue, off Main StreetWho: Dr. Ray DeBarge, eye surgeon and winemakerWhy: DeBarge is working to create a variety of local wines that compare favorably with those from the Western U.S. and Europe.What: The winery is currently open for wine tastings, events and purchases.When: Monday through Wednesday, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.Source: DeBarge Vineyards & Winery
Ray Debarge, owner of newly opened DeBarge Winery in Chattanooga, says there’s a wine for every meal, mood and mindset, for every person and for every palette.
He should know.
In the process of creating Chardonooga, a blend of Chardonelle and Cayuga grapes, he’s tried hundreds of wine varieties.
“We’ve been slowly but surely building up momentum,” DeBarge said.