LEXINGTON, N.C., August 11, 2015 – On Tuesday, August 11 at 5:30 p.m., Childress Vineyards hosted a ribbon cutting to launch the opening of the new Pavilion, an 8400 square feet outdoor venue.
Construction of the detached structure began in November 2014 using materials similar to the existing winery buildings. The Pavilion is positioned on the winery grounds next to the vineyards at the crest of the back lawn. “I wanted to make sure the pavilion looked as if it belonged on the property,” said Richard Childress, NASCAR team owner and vineyard proprietor. “It needed to look like it has always been there, not an afterthought.”
The concept for the Pavilion at Childress Vineyards came about when Richard and his daughter, Tina Dillon, realized how few large venues there are in the area, especially with a dazzling view. The vineyards have always served as a beautiful backdrop for weddings and events. The new Pavilion is an open-air structure built amongst the verdant vines. The focal point of the large 60′ x 120′ main room is the massive stone fireplace. The structure also includes rest rooms and a full kitchen which will facilitate food and wine service for events.
“A significant construction project like this one at a very busy business required constant communication with our event staff, contractors and clients,” explained Bob Burgin, Childress Vineyards’ General Manager. “Mr. Childress wanted to ensure we did not disrupt our current clients and brides-to-be during construction. We also needed to assure our clients that the finished product would be a natural addition to our current event space. The back lawn area is substantially different from when these clients and brides originally envisioned their events and contracted with us.”
The evening sun setting over the vineyard is a gorgeous scene. These sunsets and the beautiful vines make the back lawn the most prized place for wedding ceremonies. Although this space is very popular, the limited seating capacity could not hold large parties. With the new Pavilion, guest counts over 300 can now be accommodated. “There are no other venues like the Pavilion in our area, certainly not one with all we can offer our patrons,” said Childress. “Now, we can accommodate weddings and corporate events with an exceptional view day or night, rain or shine.”
The Pavilion will also allow Childress Vineyards to increase its offerings to winery and bistro visitors. The Music in the Vineyards schedule has been expanded and will be held every Saturday and Sunday, now until the end of October. Wine Down Thursdays, a popular event held a few years ago, have been added to the Vineyards’ offerings again. These evening events, featuring live entertainment, offerings from the Bistro’s kitchen, as well as wine and beverage service, are scheduled for every second and fourth Thursday during the months of August, September and October.
The Pavilion at Childress Vineyards should also provide an economic boost to the region, resulting in more tourism and business spending at area hotels and other establishments. The Pavilion is also a perfect spot for corporate retreats, picnics or other events. “We are excited to introduce our new facility to our community,” stated Childress. “We also hope that by providing this Pavilion, we can entice more people from surrounding areas to visit Lexington and Davidson County.”
CHILDRESS VINEYARDS: Championship race teams and fine wines are two passions of NASCAR team owner Richard Childress. Childress Vineyards is setting the pace among the wineries on the East Coast. Winemaker Mark Friszolowski uses old world production techniques to craft award-winning wines. His wines are four time winners of the NC Governor’s Cup, awarded to the Best of Show wines in annual wine competitions. Located at the southern gateway of the Yadkin Valley American Viticultural Appellation in Lexington, NC, Childress Vineyards has been named one of the Top 25 Tasting Rooms in America by Wine Enthusiast. The winery is open daily for tours and tastings as well as lunch in the Bistro. The winery is available for private party rentals and weddings. Accommodations are available adjacent to the winery at Holiday Inn Express.
