Month: April 2023

Sommelier Wine of the Season Pick: Natural Wines

What is “natural wine” according to a sommelier?

It’s a hands off approach to wine making, simply letting the grape juice make wine as it naturally would with zero additives and no manipulation. It starts in the vineyard, where the vineyard manager does not use any synthetic materials to treat concerns such as pests, mold, or mildew, but instead uses natural ingredients or biodynamic methods of farming.

Once the grapes are harvested and the wine making process has begun, nothing additional is added. No sugar, no acid,no sulfites. Once the wine is made, it’s aged in a naturally occurring material such as an oak barrel or clay amphora.

Natural wines are ones that are made in a way to allow the grapes speak to who they truly are without the manipulation of man.

The next time that you’re at The Greystone, ask to see our natural wine list. Our collection boasts a variety of natural wine options for you to enjoy.

The Greystone in Bloom

See what’s coming to life this season on the shores of Lake Toxaway.

It’s a season of rebirth as the brilliant colors surrounding us in the Blue Ridge Mountains and on Lake Toxaway are awakened. Step outside and breathe in deep. What can you smell? The scent of flowers blooming from the tulip, daffodil, and hyacinth bulbs that we planted last fall; the sweet aroma of trees beginning to flower, like the dogwood trees; the smell of freshly cut grass at our hotel; and the subtle smell of fire pits in the evening as guests gather around to roast marshmallows.

Take a moment to look around outside. Vibrant, beautiful colors are coming back as the leaves begin to grow on trees and blooms pop up in the garden. Look closely and you might be rewarded with the sight of the wildlife that likes to call our property home. You can see baby deer, bunnies hopping along, and even the elusive white squirrel.

Bees are flitting from flower to flower, pollenating as they go and keeping our flowers looking stunning. It’s a time when everyone wants to be outdoors! You’ll hear the hum of a boat’s motor as one cruises by, enjoying the warm sunshine and the splendor of Lake Toxaway. You’ll see kayakers dropping their kayaks into the water and heading out for a leisurely paddle or an afternoon of fishing. Guests are taking their morning coffee outside as they look over the lake, and next door, the Lake Toxaway Country Club is busy preparing for their opening weekend in April.

All of your senses are engaged with the coming of spring as all of The Greystone and Lake Toxaway begins to bloom. Winter has come to an end and we’re excited to welcome Spring.

Flora and Fauna you can spot at The Greystone:

• White squirrels
• Rabbits
• White-tailed deer
• Geranium
• Marigold
• Jasmine
• White Lilly
• Ranunculus
• Mint
• Spearmint
• Chamomile
• Rosemary
• Sage