Tempest Cellars and Wildcat Wines has long been a dream of the Burgess Family.
The land the winery sits on along the Franklin and Nash County line has been in the family for generations, growing tobacco then lumber. After living in the Northern Virginia area for many years, Vann and his wife, Gayle, decided it was time to move back to North Carolina and start the long process of opening the winery.
While they readied the land, their eldest, Joe Burgess, traveled to Washington state to study Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College receiving the training needed to become the head wine maker for the family business. In the years since receiving his degree, Joe went on to hone his skills as a wine maker at wineries across the country, continuously increasing his knowledge and perfecting his craft. The years of dedication, hard work, and skills are evident in the quality of the handcrafted wines he produces.
Vann and Gayle’s two other children are also involved. Anna is the environmental biologist helping with land management. Kait is the artist and, along with her husband Justin, have created all the labels and branding for the winery.
Come on out and have a taste of wine with Tempest Cellars as a local family and Veteran
owned small business!
