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Fruit of the Vine

By Cindy Hodnett
HomePlace Writer

Patria Properties' Robin Weant knows a thing or two about buying a vineyard. A hobbyist winemaker whose bottles have won gold, silver and bronze medals at the Dixie Classic Fair, Weant has created a vintner's version of nirvana in Lewisville, and she is eager to let select clients benefit from her experience.

"I have been in real estate since 1985," Weant said during an interview at her vineyard. "I love selling land so much that I decided to find a niche in the real-estate market that included land sales. The wine industry is huge in North Carolina, so it was a natural fit."

At her home, Weant has transformed a nondescript ranch into a French Country showcase complete with black perigord truffles growing in the distance and black swans keeping geese away from the on-site pond. Her relaxed version of a menagerie includes an adorable rescue dog, an exotic bird and beloved Scottish terriers who keep deer away from the grapevines. Weant's vines are almost dripping with green grapes on this hot July day, and the energetic Realtor said that her entry into the wine industry took many turns.

"I flew with Piedmont for 20 years and visited vineyards all over the world," Weant said. "After 9-11, I was stuck in Paris for six days and decided then that I would go into real estate full time.

"Originally, I worked with Crowder McChesney, and then Graham & Boles and Prudential. As I worked with clients, I realized that I had specialized expertise and decided to open my own company in March 2007. I know exactly what it takes to grow grapes, and I know how to have the soil tested and what root stocks will work. I can help a client install a vineyard from start to finish."

Weant's marketing materials are an understated black and gold, a design she chose especially for the elegant simplicity. She said that she hopes to eventually have five or so agents working for her, all with his or her own specialty niche.

"I would like to have someone who specialized in downtown properties, someone who does commercial and maybe someone else who focuses on development," Weant said. "And there are plans to create a winery on the lower level of our home, so I will be able to show folks what types of things can be done with existing properties."

Currently, Weant's listings include 400 acres at the base of Stone Mountain and an

82-acre Christmas-tree farm in Alleghany County. She is also working with several vineyard owners and potential buyers, and is looking forward to helping the Piedmont become one of the leading wine destinations in the world.

"The more vineyards you have, the more tourism you have," Weant says. "The potential for North Carolina is unlimited."