Abstract:
Jackson traces the early days of winemaking in North Carolina. Much of it can be traced back to what is called the Mother Vine, a strong grapevine that has survived four hundred years on Roanoke Island. Three scenarios are put forth for its beginning: the Indians cultivated it; it grew wild; or it was cultivated by the colonists of the Lost Colony. The vine is a scuppernong, a variety of muscadine grape. The vine was once over a half acre in size, but over the years decay, weather, insects, and diseases have reduced its size to about thirty feet wide and one hundred feet long. Life still exists in the vine, and the Duplin Winery was started with cuttings from the Mother Vine.