The Joel Benjamin Hauser House at Westbend Vineyards.

The History of
Westbend Vineyards

Westbend Vineyards is located in Lewisville, North Carolina. The 60 acres of prime vinifera vineyards are neatly tucked into the gently rolling countryside in the northwest corner of Forsyth County, where the Yadkin Valley begins. The name Westbend refers to the Yadkin River, which takes a bend to the west in this area and has given the name to the region.

Portrait of Jack Kroustalis

The first vineyard at Westbend was planted in 1972, against the advice of some rather heavy agricultural authorities. But the owner, Jack Kroustalis, was not discouraged by the naysayers. He began planting vinifera varieties that are used to produce fine California and French wines. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc are now thriving along the banks of the Yadkin.

As the vines flourished, more acreage was planted and, by 1986, Kroustalis found he had a 70-ton grape harvest, which was sold to other wineries. Westbend became a bonded winery in 1988. The first Westbend wines were released in June 1990.

The entrance to the winery

Today, Westbend wines are winning national and international awards. Gold medals have been awarded to the Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, the Cabernet Sauvignon, the Merlot, the Chambourcin, the Riesling, as well as many others.