Contributor: Jamie Richardson
Cabarrus Weekly is continuing its celebration of Black History Month by spotlighting another up and coming business here in our community and just in time for National Wine Day on February 18th!
Genia Vanterpool and Deidra-Ann Varlack, natives of the U.S. Virgin Islands, launched U.S.V.I. Wine Company on International Women’s Day in 2021.
- Inspired by their homeland, and love of wine, founders, Genia (born in St. Thomas) and Deidra-Ann (born in St. John) met as Girl Scouts at the age of 9.
They attended high school together but went their separate ways after graduation. Interestingly, fate and Facebook would bring them back together years later, in North Carolina of all places!
- FUN FACT: In March, they plan to export their FIRST batch of wine back to the U.S. Virgin Islands!
When asked why they chose to locate their tasting room in Concord, Genia replied, “because it’s a community where everyone knows everybody.” She also shared that many of her customers were driving to Charlotte and are happy to have more local tasting room options right here in Cabarrus County.
Reminiscent of Home
U.S.V.I. Wine makes small-batch, limited-production wines (produced and bottled in Hamptonville, NC) with grapes sourced from all over the United States.
- They have five wines in their collection, and they are all named after things and places that remind them of home. Their Magens Bay Cabernet was the first wine they produced, followed by Trunk Bay Chardonnay and then Moko Jumbie Muscato, which is their number one seller.
Since then, they have added a Pinot Noir and a Rosé.
Meet Us at U.S.V.I. for a Night to Remember!
U.S.V.I. is making a name for itself by hosting a variety of events from food pairings to poetry nights and painting classes. Here is a list of what’s happening in February and March, but follow them on Facebook and Instagram so you don’t miss anything that they have going on!
🎤 “SHE IS” A Tribute to Black Women: Poetry & Art Exhibition
Feb 17th at 7pm
A Celebration of African American Poetry and Art Hosted by Award-Winning Poet Coach Jah Smalls
🍷 National Drink Wine Day Celebration
Feb 18th at 6pm
Guess the varietals of wines while blindfolded.
🕵️♂️Terror In The Tasting Room! A Murder Mystery & Dinner Affair
Feb 24th at 7pm
A night of fun, role-playing, great wine, and dinner curated by our private chef.
🍰 National Pound Cake Day & Wine Pairing
March 4th at 7pm
Pair samples of five wines with cake bites together to delight your palette.
🎷 Second Sundays Brunch with Mimosas & Live Jazz
March 12th at 11am – 3pm
A brunch buffet with carefully curated items by Chef Flii and live music by Platinum on the sax from noon-3pm.
🎨 Sip & Paint the Italian Countryside
March 18th at 6pm
Canvases will be pre-sketched for ease and accuracy.
🧀 Taste of Tuscany
March 31st at 7pm
Explore authentic small plates with perfectly paired wines to accompany them.
Planning to visit? Tell ’em Cabarrus Weekly sent ya!
