RayLen Vineyards

Solar Winery ~ RayLen Vineyards & Winery

RayLen Vineyards & Winery has installed a field of solar panels to become the greenest winery in North Carolina.

Three North Carolina based companies worked together to install the 1.4-meter square panels on approximately one-twentieth of an acre of vineyard land. The solar panels were manufactured by Sencera of Charlotte. Through the coordinated efforts of Southern Energy Management and Daetwyler, the panels were installed in September.

The advantage of the thin-film solar panels versus the crystalline solar panels is that energy is produced even on a cloudy day. In just two months, the solar panels installed at RayLen Vineyards & Winery have prevented 3,080 pounds of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the air. The 104 panels, or 26 strings, produce enough energy for 1.5 homes and offset one half of RayLen's annual energy cost.

As wine growers, we are continually seeking and putting into place environmentally friendly practices, such as renewable energy, says Joe Neely, owner and CEO of RayLen. This field of solar panels will allow us to use renewable energy in our winemaking. We are proud to lead the way for green vineyards in our state.

Vintner Steve Shepard is committed to producing first-class wines while remaining mindful of the environment, says Marketing Director Karyn Howard. Consumers who are concerned about the environment and dedicated to purchasing local products will find that at RayLen. This is a thrilling new phase for our winery.

Come by to taste some solar produced wine. RayLen Vineyards & Winery is open Monday through Saturday from 11 am - 6 pm for tours and tastings.
3577 US Highway 158, Mocksville, NC 27028
(336) 998-3100


RayLen Vineyards & Winery was established in 2000 by Joe & Joyce Neely. Forty acres of the 110 acres of a former dairy farm were cultivated with 35,000 European varietal grape vines. Premiere vintner Steve Shepard produces 14 estate-grown wines including Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Viognier, Riesling, Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, and several proprietor blends such as Yadkin Gold, Carolinius, and the pre-eminent Category 5 Cabernet blend. RayLen Vineyards & Winery is open Monday through Saturday from 11 am - 6 pm for tours and tastings.

NC WEEKEND | Vineyards on the Scuppernong | UNC-TV

unctv.org/ncweekend | Vineyards on the Scuppernong. Columbia, NC. Clay Johnson meets and greets the owners of a winery that honors NC's famous grape. | unctv.org/ncweekend