WS Chronicle

By Judie Holcomb-Pack and David Winship 

Nestled in Warren County, North Carolina, is one of only 29 Black-owned wineries and vineyards in the U.S., representing less than 1% of all wineries. Seven Springs Farm and Vineyard, owned and operated by the Preston and Clara Williams family, produces muscadine wines from over 1,000 grapevines on their five-acre vineyard.  

Seven Springs also includes a premiere event venue featuring festivals, concerts and galas, as well as hosting special occasions such as birthday and anniversary parties and family reunions. Cabins and small houses offer overnight stays convenient to concert venues and their event center. The winery’s sweet and dry wines can be sampled and purchased in their tasting room.  

Preston Williams, a carpenter by trade and a pastor for 25 years, calls this “my living miracle.” In 1987 he and Clara were looking for land to build a home in Durham when he received a call from a friend who mentioned there was a 130-acre farm for sale in Warren County, where he was raised. Stepping out in faith, he made an offer and it was accepted. They named the farm “Seven Springs” for the seven natural springs on the property. Preston said, “God opened every door we needed every step of the way. I believe it’s my reward for my faithful service.”  

At his son’s invitation to visit a vineyard in Virginia, Preston experienced his first exposure to the world of wineries and he was hooked. He said he “loved the wine and the people who drank the wine and the whole culture.” He began visiting other wineries and talked with vintners and those who love wine, learning all he could about the business.  

In 2017 he began to plant in the vineyard. He said he planted the grapevines up front where they could be easily seen from the road because people who visited wineries had told him they wanted to see and walk among the vines. He also began developing his wine recipes and partnered with a local producer to crush, blend and bottle his wines. This is a common practice among small wineries, eliminating the need to invest in costly equipment.   

Seven Springs Farm and Vineyard is truly a family-owned and operated business. Along with helping her husband of 45 years, Clara oversees hospitality, checking in guests who rent the cabins and cottages on the property and working with people who rent the event spaces. The Williams’ three sons also help out. Jamal, the youngest, attended WSSU in communications and handles the marketing and social media for the winery. Preston III handles IT and website development. Cornelius handles the gift shop, mementos and tasting room design. There are also part-time employees who serve and assist customers in the tasting room. 

There are 13 varieties of muscadine grapes native to that area, of which Seven Springs uses three: Carlos, Magnolia and Noble. Two new varieties developed by Dr. Nesbitt of N.C. State are being added to the vineyard. Being a farm, they also have animal “ambassadors” that greet guests who wander by their pens. Their main ambassador, Eyeore the donkey, runs up to the fence when he spies a visitor, welcoming them to the farm. The “farm zoo” is popular with urban visitors and city dwellers who don’t often spend time on a farm.  

When The Chronicle visited last weekend, the grapevines were dormant, but the sap was beginning to rise. Preston said that he begins pruning the vines in February to allow budding to begin in the spring and blooming in the summer. In late August the grapes will ripen for a September-October harvest. Seven Springs’ vines are grown without additional fertilizer or irrigation. Most of the labor associated with growing grapes is handled by Preston and Clara, along with their family and part-timers who are familiar with the process.  

Weather conditions, such as rain or drought, cold or frost and freezes, or early warm weather, all can affect the grape harvest and the taste of the wines. Recipes have to be adjusted and developed with consideration of that year’s growing conditions. 

Preston recognized early on that the success of the winery would depend on ancillary activities, such as festivals, concerts and galas to bring in customers. The newly added event center hosts anniversaries, birthdays and family reunions, and he is beginning to add conferences and retreats. An amphitheater and additional parking are in the works for the future. Internet access is not yet available, but plans are in the works to have it installed soon. 

Their calendar is already brimming with events. On April 26 NeoSoul 2025 will feature Angie Stone and other special guests at their outdoor pavilion. DJs, food trucks and other vendors will be at the event. General admission, reserved tables and VIP seating options are available. Summer Jam 2025 is happening June 7 and the All White Affair 2025 with Lakeside and Special Formula will be June 21. Check their website to purchase tickets and to see upcoming events. Guests come from many states and even other countries to visit Seven Springs. From Winston-Salem, it’s an easy drive from I-40 E to I-85 N, less than two and a half hours away. It’s near the Kerr Lake recreation area and the Virginia border. 

Caring for 1,000 grapevines and a 130-acre farm takes a lot of work, but Preston Williams loves what he does. He commented, “I like it when I’m working with the vines and animals because they don’t complain, and they don’t talk back. Whatever I do, they are satisfied and that makes me satisfied.” 

For more information on Seven Springs Farm and Vineyard, go to www.sevenspringsvineyards.com.