For most people the idea of being able to take your hobby or passion and turn it into a way to make a living is a dream come true. For Tam and Pam Cloer, their dream has become their reality.
For over 20 years, the Cloer family was known for their work in landscaping and their nursery, but in June of 2010, Tam Cloer took his enthusiasm for winemaking and decided to expand the family’s legacy. Thus was born the Cloer Family Vineyard.
With a family history in landscaping, Tam was exposed to the world of horticulture from an early age, but it was his friendship as a young man with an elderly neighbor that began his interest in winemaking. Working side-by-side with his mentor, Tam learned the basic skills of winemaking and his enthusiasm and knowledge grew. After the passing of his learned friend, Tam was bequeathed all of his winemaking equipment, which allowed him to officially take his hobby to the next level.
Starting a vineyard from scratch is a lot more work than simply planting some grapes and stomping them in an “I Love Lucy” fashion. Tam utilized his Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture from North Carolina State University and his previous experience in landscaping and agriculture and began experimenting with different types of grapes. After twelve years, over 3,000 vines, fighting with mold, mildew and pests, Tam was finally able to come up with a solution for success. Together with his fellow NC State researchers, they agreed that the North Carolina native Muscadine Grape was the way to go.
With the success of their vines, Tam and Pam set out to build a place where they could share their wines with friends and family. “I love our customers,” Pam said. “We have had visitors from all over the world and many have become regular customers and have become our family!” Located just ten minutes from downtown Apex, Cloer Family Vineyards makes its visitors feel like they are in the heart of wine country. With its traditional red barn and green tin roof, it is the perfect combination of southern charm and subtle sophistication.
Only the second family-owned farm in the “immediate Triangle that grows its own grapes and produces its own wine on site,” Cloer has six distinctive wines to choose from. Prices range from $16-$18 per bottle.
In addition to selling wine, Cloer Vineyards hosts several gatherings throughout the year, including a Toast & Tunes concert series. Held March through November, local musicians perform on-site and guests are invited to bring lawn chairs and food to enjoy. Wine is available for purchase by the glass or by the bottle. “In the summer we even bring out the wine slushy machine!” Pam said. The events are kid-friendly and are typically held from 2:00pm-4:00pm. Specific dates can be found on the vineyard’s calendar of events.
The vineyards also host ladies’ night out events that incorporate crafts, wine and fun. Although not available for weddings or receptions, the venue can be rented out for private parties such as bridal or baby showers, rehearsal dinners, fundraisers, etc.
Together with their two daughters, Tam and Pam Cloer have created a place where people from around the Triangle and the world can come and enjoy a great glass of wine, some southern hospitality and good conversation, all in the heart of one of the best places to live in America…Apex, NC!
