One of our favorite getaways for the day or the weekend is to visit a vineyard. We have many in our region because the soil, the climate, and the growing season are all agreeable for growing grapes. Voted the best in North Carolina, The Burnshirt Vineyard gets its name from the mountain where grapes are now grown. Folklore has it that long ago, one of the farmers accidentally caught his shirt on fire during the ancient practice of burning the fields to replenish the soil after the harvest. He quickly tore off his shirt and threw it in the fire. That year’s harvest was one of the best. From then on, shirts were torn off and thrown into the fire to bring good luck for the next year’s harvest.
We began our day on the Biltmore Estate by sharing a few local artisan cheeses and a couple of glasses of champagne while seated by the fire, enjoying a view of the mountains beyond.
Try apple butter with your next cheese board. It is delightful!
Navy was the color choice of the day for us.
The sweater jacket is by Ralph Lauren via Dillard’s. The jeans are by Ann Taylor a couple of years ago. The bag is by Tahari via T.J.Maxx years ago. The loafers are by Louise et Cie via Dillard’s. The tank is from Chico’s. The sunglasses are Dolce & Gabbana.
You both look wonderful and, clearly, this was a perfect day outing
The third picture on this blog really shows why a jacket, good fitting clothing and moving the eye UP really really makes a difference in our look. You always look beautiful, Susan.
Looking lovely as always. I really love the royal blue paired with navy, a combination I hadn’t considered. Please plan one of your events in Texas. San Antonio will have three more months of lovely weather. From June 1-September 30, you won’t want to be here.
I try to mimic your style and actually my wardrobe is pretty much in line. I love this site and enjoyed your visit to the vineyard.
When you wear loafers do you wear a ped type sock? I find it difficult to find a ped nylon or sock that doesn’t show with my flat shoes or that is comfortable to wear for the day.
I sometimes wear the sock liners I get from Dillard’s but these loafers are very soft inside. They were comfortable to wear without any socks.
Loving your flats and jeans. This is more my look. You look beautiful as always.
Thank you for a great web site. Being a former bank officer, I love your classic style. I would have chosen a navy flat for this outfit, though. Can you explain your choice so I’ll maybe reconsider mine in the future? Thanks.
Nude shoes always elongate the leg by continuing the ankle color and look appropriate when not wearing socks.
I think it is wonderful that you continue to show how dressy jeans can be. This look is so classy and classic. Looks like you took some nice treats home to extend the enjoyment of your day. You and MM are so fortunate to have each other.
You and Mr Mickey look so nice in navy blue. Your outing looked like a perfect Spring day. Even tho the winter was mild in many places, I think we are all ready for some sunny Spring days.
Beautiful pictures,beautiful couple. I like the look you had on Susan, it’s simple but very elegant.
Thanks for sharing the pictures.
All perfect indeed!!! I love reading about your travels and seeing how you and Mr. Mickey dress for the occasion. I do have one wish. I wish you were also a travel agent. LOL I’m sure you are busy enough. I would love to visit the places you have blogged about close to Biltmore Estates.
Lovely post☺️
Looking lovely as usual. I love the scarf Susan, can you tell me which one it is please
Oh my Susan, today’s blog was a feast for the eyes. As always, you and Mr. Mickey looked wonderful, and I love the Ralph Lauren sweater jacket. Mr. Mickey outdid himself with the photos he took of your day trip. The grounds of the winery are beautiful, the color of the buildings just blended in with the landscape (very peaceful to the eye), and I fell in love with the wine bottle necklace/charm; it was outrageously big, but beautiful. Good job Mr. Mickey.
Thank you, Peggy. I am the photographer unless I am the subject.
Sorry, forgot to tell you that I loved the story on how the Burntshirt Vineyard area got it’s name.
Please help me choose one of your scarves to wear with a bright kelly green t-shirt
Bright orange, yellow or violet, as well as bright blue, would work very well with your t-shirt. Keep size in mind. If you are petite (less than 5’4″) you may want to look for one of the smaller scarves so that it doesn’t overwhelm you.
I wear scarves almost every day now, year-round. I spend six months of the year in a winter coat, so scarves, hats, coats and boots are what count. Other than that, the rest of my wardrobe might as well just be the bottom half of pant legs — that’s all most people see!
Love the pace and the place:) We will try the suggestions in October.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoy your blog!!! You always look so classy and sophisticated. I also love your scarves.
I wonder if you have ever tried any Eileen Fisher clothing? I love the look of it but it is quite pricey!!!
I always feel overwhelmed by the proportions and the lack of structure in Eileen Fisher clothing. I don’t own any.
I completely agree with Susan about the lack of structure. We women of a certain age really have to be stick thin to wear those and the “baggy” look can easily make us look heavier and sloppier.
Susan…you look so pretty! You and Mr. Mickey are so much fun to follow and I wish you both the very best week! Thanks for sharing…
We are headed to the Asheville area to celebrate my husband’s 60th birthday and will also be touring the Biltmore! I didn’t realize you lived so close to this area. It is a new exploration for us, coming from central Illinois and stopping in Nashville along the way.
What are some of your favorite restaurants in the Asheville area?
Thank you!
We love so many! Posana is a contemporary American restaurant in the heart of downtown Asheville on Historic Pack Square. Red Stag Grill at the Grand Bohemian Hotel. The Lobster Trap and The Laughing Seed Cafe are downtown. The Bistro in Antler Hill Village, the Biltmore Estate. I hope you have a grand time!
Thank you for the great information! We’re staying at the Omni Grove Park Inn! Very excited to see this part of the country!
You must have the Sunday brunch in the Blue Ridge Room. Ask for a seat by the window in Juan’s section. Cheers!
Hello,
I am enjoying your posts so much!
Gracious living, beautiful classic style and ‘savoring the art of living’ all in one visit each day!
What a lovely start to my day!
Thank you for sharing…
“Z”
Thank you for sharing your visit at the Vineyard with history and beautiful pictures. A very nice picture of you two in navy blue You are a perfect matched couple !
Susan,
What is the “shed” shown in these pictures? Is it a shop on the grounds of the winery. It looks very interesting. I always love your travel posts. You guys have a great time together.
Yes, it was a shop which featured outdoor cushions and other things for your outdoor areas.
I love the outfit, the colors, the couple, etc., etc. Just wondering about the color of the
shoes — is that for a “pop” color. What a handsome couple.
I often wear nude shoes when going without socks. It extends the color without a break, so I am hoping it makes my legs look longer.
I don’t want to sound critical at all, but I noticed some other people in the background of one of your pictures. (the first one by yourself) I’m not sure the age of these ladies, but you really struck quite a contrast to them. I’m afraid the majority of women “of a certain age” tend to go for comfort when on a tour, or actually all the time! Can you address how a heavier person could dress elegantly? You are so slim and wear your clothes so well. I was just wondering what the lady in the background could do to look more polished! I see myself in her down the road! 🙂 I’m afraid that when some of us reach a certain size, we give up on trying to look nice!
I was there Kim. When I turned forty, I wore a size 18 pants. I ate to fill the void in my life and to comfort my broken heart, but I also did not sleep more than three or four hours, and I never got any exercise. It is a self-destructive cycle that we can’t always see our way out of when we are in it. Changing my choices of food and putting it in its proper place was life changing for me. Avoiding bold prints or too many colors or textures can make all of us look a lot more polished.
Which tank is this from Chico’s? I have several of the contemporary tanks, but they don’t seem to be as loose at the waistline. Thx!
It is the one they offer currently. I did go up in size because I don’t like for tanks to be too snug anywhere, but especially not at the bust.
You were in my neck of the woods! Burntshirt is right down the road from my house.
We enjoyed that visit so much!
You are so cute and stylish. I am 67 (just turned 10 days ago) and I love your style. I have looked through my closet and removed many items I don’t wear now because I have retired. Now it’s time for fun wear! Thank you for your many suggestions. God bless and I look forward to new looks.