North Carolina’s Native Muscadine Grape Shines on Global Stage
North Wilkesboro, NC — Stardust Cellars, North Carolina’s first wild meadery and winery, proudly announces that their "Sweet Caroline" mead has won the Gold Medal for Sweet Session Meads at the prestigious International Mazer Cup. This award marks a significant achievement, as "Sweet Caroline" is the first mead ever to feature North Carolina's native muscadine grape, bringing the state’s beloved fruit into the global spotlight.
This victory is a major milestone for the muscadine grape, a Southern treasure long associated with sweet wines. However, Stardust Cellars’ success suggests that mead—rather than wine—may be the perfect future for this native fruit, giving it a new platform to thrive in the mead world. With its unique flavors and rich history, muscadine is now poised to take its place among the most revered ingredients in mead-making.
Packaged in convenient 16oz can four-packs, "Sweet Caroline" is a refreshing and accessible session mead, offering a light, bubbly experience similar to cider or beer. Session meads like this are driving the growth of North Carolina's mead industry, giving on-premise retailers a versatile beverage that can be served on tap or in cans and enjoyed in a variety of settings.
A Celebration of Biodynamic and Wild Fermentation
Stardust Cellars is renowned for its commitment to biodynamic agriculture and wild fermentation practices. As the only biodynamic grape grower in the South, they cultivate a small plot of Black Beauty and Noble muscadine grapes, which are grown in rows of male and female plants and rely on pollination by honeybees to produce fruit. These grapes play a key role in the unique flavor profile of "Sweet Caroline" and are a testament to the winery’s dedication to sustainable and traditional growing methods.
In addition to their grapes, Stardust Cellars specializes in producing wild-fermented mead using artisanal honey from the North Carolina Foothills. The honeybees gather pollen, carrying indigenous yeasts back to the hive, which then naturally ferment the mead. This ancient, hands-on process creates a one-of-a-kind beverage that reflects the natural beauty and terroir of the region.
Expanding the Reach of North Carolina Mead
Stardust Cellars is the largest meadery in the South by volume, and their session meads, including "Sweet Caroline," can be found in a variety of locations. Visitors to the North Wilkesboro meadery can sample their meads in person, and the products are also available at regional farmers markets across the Foothills. For online purchases, customers can order through Vinoshipper (via the link at stardustcellars.com).
Additionally, Stardust Cellars meads are distributed by Ocean South Imports and Skyland in North Carolina, Cardel and Comer Distributing in South Carolina, Cutting Edge Selections in Ohio and Kentucky, Beverage Control Inc. and Delirium Wine and Spirits in Tennessee, and Crown Tap Systems in Maryland and Washington, D.C.
About Stardust Cellars
Stardust Cellars is a North Wilkesboro-based meadery and winery, known for being the first wild meadery in the South. Their artisanal, spontaneously fermented meads and wines reflect a deep connection to the land and the ancient art of fermentation. With a strong focus on biodynamic and sustainable practices, Stardust Cellars is a leader in the growing mead industry, producing award-winning meads that celebrate North Carolina’s native ingredients. The N Wilkesboro meadery and tasting room is located at 4780 Statesville Rd. in N Wilkesboro, NC.
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