The true success of the wines comes from Steve and Sally’s son, Dylan Tatum. In the early 2000s, Dylan left home to study viticulture and oenology at Surry College down the mountain. After earning his degree, he moved back to the Banner Elk area and enrolled at Appalachian State University to complete the Business and Entrepreneurial program. Equipped with a new understanding of business and wine, Dylan was approached by his dad with the idea to sell our estate-grown grapes to local wineries. Dylan, however, found himself enamored with the process behind wine, and thus the Winery was born. With over a decade of operations, our Winery has surpassed all expectations. 

Nicole Tatum plays a vital role in the ongoing growth and success of GV. As Tasting Room Manager and a key leader on our team, her expertise and dedication have been central to elevating the winery’s operations and guest experience. Nicole is always there to greet visitors with a warm smile, making every guest feel like part of the family from the moment they arrive. Since relocating to the High Country in 2014—and meeting her now-husband Dylan shortly after—Nicole took on full responsibility for managing the tasting room, developing the Wine Club, and overseeing all accounting and administrative functions. In 2017, Nicole and Dylan were married on the winery grounds, reflecting their deep personal and professional ties to this special place. Together, they share their home—and much of their workday—with their three border collies, Casey, Willa, and Hallie, affectionately known as the “Bordeaux Collies,” who are not only beloved companions but also the inspiration behind our Hair of the Dog wine labels.

Additionally, our winery’s story is rooted in the relationships we've built along the way. From the very beginning, the heart of our success has been the incredible team that’s grown with us—more than employees, they’ve become family. We've shared early mornings in the vineyard, long nights during harvest, and countless memories that have shaped who we are today. It’s through their hands, hearts, and hard work that our vision has come to life, and we wouldn’t be who we are without our people.