When In Warsaw

As part of our honeymoon vacation, Tina and I decided to stop off on our way to Oak Island in Warsaw, NC, deep in the heart of Duplin County. The Duplin Winery there has a long tradition of excellence and, while they are perhaps most famous for their Scuppernong, the variety of the wines they have for taste testing and purchase is impressive.

Since we were staying in the little town of Warsaw, which is about 15 miles or so from the Duplin winery, we decided to look into other area wineries and, sure enough, not five miles away, just outside the Warsaw city limits, is the wonderful Country Squire Inn and Winery. Parts of the building date back to the 1700s and their labyrinthine dining rooms and banquet halls - all done in dark paneling and lit mostly by flickering candlelight -  can seat upwards of 500 on special occassions. Not only did we do another taste testing, but - after getting a guided tour of the premises (including a beautiful sunken garden) by the daughter of the current owner - we sat down to a phantasmagorically satisfying meal. One of the most atmospheric dining experiences I think I've ever had - and I know Tina agreed. 

So if you ever head on Down East - maybe on your way to the glories of sea and surf around Wilmington, and you have a powerful taste for fine food and fabulous native wines, you owe it to yourself to stop on in and sample their wares. You won't be sorry that you did.