Exploring Cleveland County's Hidden Gem Baker Farm and Winery at Buffalo Creek

Cleveland County is home to Baker Farm and Winery at Buffalo Creek. The winery gets its name from the creek that flows through the property.  The property has been in the Baker family for 5 generations and previously was a dairy farm.  Charles and Ann Baker Edwards after visiting their daughter in northern California made the decision to plant grapes.  They first planted grapes in 2003.  Their perseverance and hard work have paid off with award winning wines and one of the most welcoming atmospheres.  Last year his daughter, Elizabeth, and her husband, Morgan, moved back to North Carolina to continue the legacy started by Charles and Ann.  Elizabeth and Morgan bring with them 25 years in the wine and food industry. 

Baker Farm provides a diverse selection of wines to satisfy everyone in your group. Their offerings include dry whites and reds, as well as semi-sweet wines. A new addition to their wine selection is Friends of Baker, crafted from grape varietals not grown on the farm. Tastings are offered in flights of four wines of your choice, allowing you to enjoy them at your own pace. The venue features outdoor seating with Adirondack chairs and tables scattered throughout. They've also introduced local craft beer to the menu.

Baker Farm boasts some of the most stunning views in North Carolina. From their iconic red barn to the serene vistas of the museum and walking trails, you are sure to enjoy a relaxing afternoon sipping award-winning wines. If you're lucky, you might have the chance to meet Charles and Ann, who remain actively involved in the winery. They take pride in the winery and enjoy showing visitors around the property.

We recently visited to discuss all things wine and food with Elizabeth. Our visit began with a tasting led by Pam, who is not only knowledgeable about wine but also one of the friendliest people you'll meet.

After the tasting, we enjoyed a bottle of their rosé. We had the pleasure of meeting a lovely couple, Arnold and Nancy, who joined us as we toasted to their 55 years of marriage. We discovered that the key to a long and happy marriage is humor and patience. One of the joys of visiting wineries is meeting wonderful people, and Arnold and Nancy are among the nicest we've encountered.

What impresses me about Elizabeth is that, while she takes pride in Baker Buffalo estate wines, she isn't hesitant to feature wines from other regions and even around the world, allowing people to compare them. She has numerous plans to elevate Baker Farm wines, which might include food and wine pairings, chef-inspired dinners, and visits from Friends of Baker winemakers. With many exciting and creative plans in the pipeline, we encourage you to follow them on social media for the latest updates.