Tending the eight miles of vineyards that stretch across the valley floor of Green Creek Winery in Columbus, about 45 minutes southeast of Asheville, is a drastic shift from Alvin Pack’s former life as a real estate professional in San Francisco. An eighth generation North Carolina native, Alvin fell in love with city life and his wife Loretta while serving in the Army overseas.

“I followed her back to San Francisco,” he says with a grin. “We spent 25 years there (but) it just got too busy. So we moved to Sonoma where I started researching vineyards.”

Around that same time back in North Carolina, Alvin’s brother Marvin bought some land, and Alvin was able to convince his brother to try his hand at growing grapes on the property. “From the 1830s to the 1950s, there were actually 22 commercial vineyards in Polk County,” says Alvin. “North Carolina produced more wine than any other state prior to Prohibition.”

Marvin was successful and that prompted the Packs to leave behind their hectic city life for a slower pace on the farm. They loaded up the RV with their dog and a perpetually singing canary, and headed across the country. Thus, the adventure began.

Alvin, Loretta, and Marvin purchased ten acres of unruly pasture in 2002. Right away the three set to clearing the land, preparing the soil, planting the grapes, and building the winery as well as their new home. Alvin had drawn up the plans for both the home and the winery building. The house sits strategically overlooking the vineyard with views from nearly every room. The U-shaped layout of the house creates the perfect courtyard entry with stone walkway and outdoor seating area.

Quite a bit smaller than their California abode, the interior offers cozy one-level living, an easy layout, a screened room off the back, and the shortest commute Alvin has ever had. The main living area is wide open, featuring the living and dining rooms, as well as the kitchen. Comfortable leather seating offers perfect sunset viewing and a great place for Loretta to knit by the fire. The heirloom dining set ironically made in North Carolina once belonged to Loretta’s grandmother and has beautiful detailed carvings. The master suite is to the right and an office, laundry room, and bath on the opposite side complete the 2,000-square-foot interior.

Loretta works full-time as a nurse, while Marvin and his workers tend the vineyard. Alvin manages the winery, which is an estate winery, meaning that the whole process—from grape to bottle—is done onsite. They even have grape stomping parties with contests for the best Lucille Ball look-a-like.

The winery produces 45 tons of grapes per season. The varietals include pinot gris, sangiovise, cabernet franc, chambourcin, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot. Green Creek gained international attention with the invention of its Chardonnay Rosso, a red chardonnay. Marvin has earned a reputation as the premiere grape grower in the region, says Alvin. “People will follow him around the vineyard for hours just to ask him questions.”

The farm keeps them busy with constant pruning, installing netting to protect the vines from birds and deer, seasonal soil treatment, and maintaining the miles of piping for the drip irrigation. These plants are like babies to Alvin and Marvin and they are fussed over appropriately. Although the farm is a lot of work, Alvin explains that it doesn’t feel like work.

“The hours are perfect,” he says. “It’s like being on vacation except the people come to you.” Even Madelyn, their nine-year-old Golden Retriever likes coming to work with dad. “She likes to eat the grapes, too,” he says with a laugh.

The Winery offers American Chardonnay, 2007 Chardonnay Rosso, 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (oak-aged for 16 months), 2006 Chambourcin Rose (bottle-aged two years), and their 2008 Chambourcin Rose. The tasting room is open for events including weddings, business functions, family gatherings, and fund-raisers.

“People will often stop in with their lunch and use our grill on a regular basis,” says Alvin. “We welcome people to come out and enjoy the mountain and vineyard views.”

The Winery is located at 413 Gilbert Road and online at greencreekwinery.com. The Tasting Room can be reached at 828.863.2182.