Bannerman Vineyard marks 50 years of legacy and muscadine grapes in Burgaw

BURGAW, NC (WWAY) — One of North Carolina’s oldest vineyards is celebrating its 50th anniversary.  

We went to Pender County to meet with a third-generation farmer who reflects on the farm’s past and its future.  

“We’re one of the oldest Muscadine Vineyards in North Carolina and that’s something to take pride in,” third generation farmer Michael Bannerman said. 

From overseeing pruning and training vines to harvesting grapes, it’s a labor of love to keep his grandfather’s legacy alive.  

After retiring from the air force and a career as a commercial pilot, Michael’s grandfather returned to his hometown of Burgaw and started Bannerman Vineyard in 1973.  

“He decided to come back and plant some roots and basically see what happens and here we are 50 years later. So, it’s definitely something unique. You don’t see that very often especially come third generation. So, I find that to be very special and something good to be a part of,” Bannerman said. 

In 2004, they started making wine but since then they’ve scaled back their production. 

“At the time we were producing at least 10,000 liters of wine per year. That number has scaled way back to around 1,000 liters per year. When the farm all the original fields were put in we had about 16 acres of grapes, that number is down to about 9 or 10 right now,” Bannerman explained. 

But cultivating grapes hasn’t been easy. There have been a number of hardships and most recently, Michael’s father died.  

“We’ve been doing the best we can and I think we are on track for more success. There’s just a lot of work to be done as always in front of us,” Bannerman shared. 

As they celebrate this milestone anniversary, Bannerman says they’re hoping to try new things with the fields that aren’t being used now.  

“We’re going look to venture out and try new ideas. Whether it be agricultural or something in the entertainment industry. I think that’s something that will part of the success for the next generation,” Bannerman shared. 

Bannerman said he is one of four brothers, and they all help alongside their mother at bannerman vineyard. 

Currently they are in season for people to come pick their own muscadine grapes.