Steve and Sally have built quite the life in the High Country. After meeting in 1977, they knew they had something special. So, since getting married in 1978, Steve and Sally have become pillars of the community. Although they are known in business for Tatum Galleries interior design firm and Grandfather Vineyard, Sally is known by friends for her unparalleled jams and jellies and Steve for his exquisite woodwork. When they’re not making sure business runs smoothly, the Tatum’s like to spend time at their happy place, their lake house, with family and friends.

Grandfather Vineyard serves as a happily ever after for its Tasting Room Manager and Winemaker. Nicole moved to the High Country in 2014 and four days after settling in she met Dylan and their love story began. Soon after, Nicole began working at the winery and three years later in 2017 they had their fairytale wedding on the bank of Watauga River, right here on the property. Now, Nicole and Dylan split their time between being the power duo behind the Winery operations and loving dog parents to the Vineyard dogs, Casey and Willa.

Will is a native of Boone, North Carolina, and attended Appalachian State University. After graduating in 2020, Will secured a harvest internship at Dundee Hills AVA. He was able to go in-depth with learning the process of wine making from vine to bottle. Will thoroughly enjoys the hands-on aspect of working at Grandfather Vineyard, each day bringing a new task while each season looks a bit different. When not at the winery, Will can be found playing the banjo, cooking up a delicious meal in the kitchen or spending time with his girlfriend, Liz, and furry companion, Eddie.

Laurance is a one of a kind mechanic and full of all sorts of knowledge! He has lived in lots of fun places, even including Antartica.

Gavin is our newest hire and is bringing lots of personality to the operations of GV!

Josh, who is from the sea side of Wilmington, went to App state and then found his love for wine here at GV.

Emily Bubnis has been a valuable member of the Grandfather Vineyard team since 2019, and just like our Cabernet Sauvignon, she's a staple here at GV. She graduated from ASU with a Bachelor's in Communication Studies. Emily is an avid snowboarder in her free time, loves her cat Jellybean, and likes to tap into her creative side in her free time. Her favorite part about working here is the chance to meet and talk with all of our customers...so be sure to say hello to Emily on your next visit!

More to come!

More to come!

During the week, Daniel teaches and molds the minds of future generations teaching kindergarten in the Watauga County school system. On the weekends, however, he teaches tasting room visitors about the varietals found in our wines. You’ll often find Daniel at the winery with Sally, his rescued beagle mix! If Daniel were a wine he’d be Grandfather’s Provenance Chardonnay, classic, easy going, a bit of an outdoor side, and enjoyed by all!

Dayna joined the Grandfather Vineyard crew in August of 2020. She graduated from Appalachian State University of May of 2022 with a major in Communication Studies and a minor in Psychology. When Dayna began her journey here at GV, she assisted with winery operations such as labeling, bottling, and driving the shuttle. She has since joined the tasting room
in early 2021, and is now a social media coordinator keeping everyone up to date on events and promotions! When she is not at the vineyard or posting on our social media, Dayna is at home taking care of her guinea pig Peaches and her kitten named Billy! Dayna is most like the Niagara because she is so sweet and peachy!

Alicia joined the Grandfather Vineyard team in July of 2021. She is a student at App State currently studying Recreation Management and Tourism, after previously attending Radford University in Virginia. She has lived in Boone for just over a year, and her favorite place to be is the Blue Ridge Parkway. Alicia is part of the Insprial Fire Tribe, spinning fire hoops, a fire baton, and more!

Madison joined the GV team in April 2021, and just graduated in December 2022 with a B.S. in Biology. She is originally from Charlotte, NC and was drawn to Boone for the scenery and all of the recreational activities the High Country has to offer. Her favorite parts about working at Grandfather Vineyard are her awesome coworkers and the vineyard dogs! If Madison were a GV wine, she would be Pinot Noir (with some ice, try it-you won't regret it!)

Caitlin joined the Grandfather Vineyard Tasting Room team in April 2021. She is currently a senior at App State getting her Masters in Reading Education. In her free time she loves to paint, and one of her favorite paintings is above the fire place in the tasting room. You may also notice her artwork on our vineyard stickers, make sure to grab one! Her favorite aspect of working at GV is the friendly staff and the scenic view! If Caitlin were a GV wine, she would be our Appalachia Bubbles because she's so bubbly.

More to come!

More to come!

More to come!

More to come!

More to come!

More to come!

Meet our “Bordeaux Collie” Casey. She was born in 2010 and spent her puppyhood growing up at Grandfather Vineyard. She enjoys meeting customers at their cars and “herding” them into our tasting room. She spends the rest of her day wading in the Watauga River, playing catch with customers and chasing our four wheeler through the vines. During her occasional days off, she likes to go hiking with her humans and watch the animal planet.

You’re bound to find one ear up and a friendly face with Willa the Wine Dog! Willa was born in July of 2016 and loves to hang out at the Vineyard with her big sister and fellow Border Collie, Casey. During her work days, she spends her time splashing in the creek and charming kids and adults alike with her almost endless energy. When she does get a day off, she prefers cuddling with her humans and looking forward to sunny days in the vines.

Meet the newest member of our vineyard family! Hallie was born in February of 2019 and found a forever home roaming the grounds at Grandfather Vineyard & Winery. Hallie can be found playing with her sisters Casey and Willa on any given day or wading through the Watauga River next to the tasting room.

If Hallie was a wine, she'd be our Orange Muscat because she is sweet!

Meet Zoe-Belle, the fun-loving sidekick to our owner, Steve. Lovingly called “Belle,” Zoe-Belle is a young and mischievous member of Grandfather’s canine mascots. She loves wrestling with Willa and getting into all sorts of trouble – until Steve catches her, of course! You’d be hard-pressed to find our owner without Zo-Belle trotting along at his side, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.