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With the sun breaking through the clouds this afternoon, it seemed like a good time for a drive to Westbend Vineyards near Lewisville. What a delicious idea, as it turned out.

Westbend, begun in 1972, is the oldest of the Yadkin Valley wineries. Surely, it's one of the best.

And it's certainly visitor-friendly. Our group of three couples was greeted warmly by Nick Kroustalis, brother of owner and founder Jack Kroustalis. Nick also served as dispenser of our complimentary samples and tour guide -- all for no charge. You don't have to spend a dime here, Nick informed us.

We didn't go with the idea of returning empty-handed. Westbend has been one of our favorite North Carolina labels for years, along with Shelton. It offers a nice selection of reds and whites, which range in price from about $7 to almost $30.

Nick was an excellent host, giving us an overview of the winery's beginnings -- Jack's initial wines, which he made himself, were "terrible," prompting him to hire professional winemakers -- and explaining the process of turning different varieties of grape into finished products to suit any taste. All grapes that go into Westbend wines are grown on the 60 rolling acres bordering the Yadkin River. The grounds, and especially the vines, are carefully tended, making this a beautiful place to enjoy for a couple of hours.

After our tour, we sat on the shaded courtyard sharing a bottle of Pioneer Red. It all made for a grand afternoon.