At the end of a busy day, there is nothing more relaxing than a glass of fine wine shared with a friend or loved one.
According to the Wine Institute, statistics show that wine consumption in the US is rising. In 2010 the consumption was 2.54 gallons per US resident, up from 2.01 gallons a decade ago. In addition, the number of wineries is increasing steadily as well. In California in 2009 there were 2,972 wineries and in 2010, 3,364.
You may not know that North Carolina is also a producer of fine wines. In fact, North Carolina was the leading producer of wine in the US at the beginning of the 20th century.
Home to more than 100 wineries, the number has more than quadrupled since 2001. Most are located in the western or piedmont regions of the state. 
This photo shows the harvest at RayLen Vineyards and Winery, Mocksville, NC.
Visitncwine.com is a wonderful resource to learn about North Carolina vineyards and gives the following story. Did you know NASCAR's roots had to do with moonshine?
They say every wine has a story. Wait till you hear ours.
Not long after Sir Walter Raleigh landed in what would become North Carolina, the grape vine was first introduced and cultivated in the New World. In fact, by the dawn of the 20th Century, NC was the leading wine-producing region in the nation.
It seemed nothing could stop us.
But we hadn't counted on an act of Congress. 1919. Prohibition. Suddenly, products from distilleries in undisclosed locations in the Piedmont hills and dales were rather more lucrative than those from the gnarled grape orchards of yore. When we spoke of fruit, it was shriveled in white lightning. When we packaged, it was in Mason jars rather than Chardonnay bottles.
Other pursuits followed. Often at high speeds. The sudden professional interest of G-Men and revenuers gave rise to moonlit, midnight chases across the humble countryside, engendering a motorized pastime that became a sport that became NASCAR.
But other things permeated our viticulture, too. Our wines evoke not just oaken barrels, but local flavors and connections, whether of barbecue or mountain trout or tailgate parties. And our vineyards summon samplings not of wine alone, but wine with festivals, with arts and crafts, with our own music and local culture. And always, with the state's natural beauty as a backdrop.
Our land is rich and many-textured. The vines are wide in variety. And the people who grow them are as interesting and diverse as the state itself and, led by pioneers, farming families and glorious chance-takers, North Carolina has returned to its original roots.
That said, since we are enjoying wine more and more with a glass or two in the evening (and maybe with lunch as well), let's look at some fun, whimsical wine bottle holders. 
This dark bronze and verdigris finished cast brass monkey in his top hat is holding your bottle, ready to serve. He stands on a black waxstone base.
Next a playful cast brass bear with dark bronze verdigris finish carries your wine bottle in a basket on his back.
Lastly, an antique brass and dark bronze finished penguin formally dressed in tails waits with your wine bottle in a leather-inlaid bucket.
These are just a few examples of wine accessories that are certain to be conversation starters with your guests. Visit your local wineries to learn more about wine and, most importantly, to taste and sample their offerings.
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