On Saturday, August 23rd, what was forecasted to be a rainy day at SenAmore Vineyard in North Carolina turned into something truly unforgettable. We had the distinct pleasure of hosting our first-ever private event: the exclusive release party for our new wine, Tahlequah.

From the moment the first glass was poured, it was clear this wasn’t just another wine release—it was a deeply personal expression of what makes Slanted Window Wines so special: intentional craftsmanship, Appalachian roots, and a community that cares about the story behind the bottle.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to every one of our guests who made the day so special. For those who couldn’t make it, we wanted to share a look back at the celebration.

🍷 An Experience Rooted in Craft, Community, and the Carolina Mountains

Our philosophy has always been to create experiences that are as memorable as our wines. The release party began with an intimate tour of the vineyard led by our incredible winemaker, Jabe Hilson, who shared his passion for the unique terroir of the Nantahala mountains.

From there, it was an afternoon of culinary delights. We believe wine is best enjoyed with family, friends, and food, which is why every dish was made from scratch and intentionally paired to perfection. Guests enjoyed a refreshing vichyssoise (a cold leek and potato soup) brilliantly matched with our Petit Manseng, Jam Sesh. The main event featured handmade Neapolitan style brick oven pizzas from our brick oven on site, with savory mushroom and peppadew pepper toppings that created a flawless pairing for the new Tahlequah.

Creating this kind of curated celebration is our passion, and we’re proud to offer one of the most unique things to do in Franklin, NC.

🍇 A Wine Rich in Story: The Soul of Tahlequah

For us, a wine’s name must carry meaning. The vineyard is located in Tellico, a name derived from Tahlequah, which the Cherokee people who first inhabited this land used to mean “rare peace.” This release pays homage to that meaning—both in spirit and in taste.

Tahlequah is a sophisticated and delicious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and St. Vincent. It possesses a smooth complexity and an unexpected elegance that truly lives up to its name. We focus on craftsmanship over volume, dedicating ourselves to producing wines that reflect the land, the season, and the soul of our region.

🛠️ Our Home, Our Story: Franklin, NC

Our roots run deep here in Franklin, both in the soil of SenAmore Vineyard and in the heart of downtown. That same spirit of craftsmanship is what drove us to convert a long-dormant gas station into the Slanted Window Tasting Station. We poured our hearts into transforming the space, respecting its past while reimagining its potential. The old canopy now shelters guests enjoying wine flights, making it a landmark among Franklin, NC restaurants.

We are proud to be part of the intentional, authentic growth of our beloved town. We believe what makes this place special is its connection to history, nature, and Appalachian charm. Our goal isn’t to build something flashy, but to reveal the beauty that’s already here.

Join Our Story

What drives us is a simple belief: you don’t have to reinvent a place to revitalize it. We’re planting vines in soil with stories, pouring wine that honors the land, and serving it in a space that used to serve fuel but now serves community. And the best part is, our story is just beginning.

BECOME A SLANTED WINDOW WINES INSIDER Our exclusive, invitation-only events at SenAmore Vineyard are only available to our newsletter subscribers. To be the first to know about future releases and celebrations, sign up for our newsletter: [Subscribe]

VISIT THE TASTING STATION Experience Tahlequah and our full collection of wines at the Slanted Window Tasting Station restaurant in downtown Franklin, NC. It’s the perfect place for a wine flight and a bite to eat.

TAKE TAHLEQUAH HOME This limited-release wine is now available for purchase at the Tasting Station while supplies last. Stop by and grab a bottle of “rare-peace” for yourself.

Come see us! Slanted Window Tasting Station is located at: 587 Harrison Ave, Franklin, NC 28734