Just a short drive from downtown Boone, Mill Camp Wines & Ciders officially opened its doors this past September, bringing a new family-owned and community-focused establishment to Boone.
Father-son duo Mark and Chris Jolley have dedicated themselves to bringing Mill Camp to life, from planting the vineyard and orchard to designing and helping construct the tasting room and cellar.
Mill Camp has a small team of just five people, including wife and mother Karen Jolley, tasting room manager and sommelier Taylor Zinda and farmer Emilian McNally, who are dedicated to providing guests with the best experience possible in both taste and atmosphere.
Originally from Michigan, the Jolley family was first drawn to Boone for its beauty and climate, which is not only advantageous for
growing grapes and apples but also for the way it distantly reminds them of home.
“I was living down in Chapel Hill when I first passed through, and it reminded me a bit of home just because it’s cooler and just that mountain town vibe,” Chris Jolley said. “It was too hot down in Chapel Hill, and we wanted a change and just kind of fell in love.”
Before moving to Boone and building their home along with Mill Camp, Mark and Chris Jolley had no experience with farming, vinting or cidermaking. Mark Jolley attributed the decision to pursue this new venture to a desire for a deeper connection with nature, like with his grape vines and apple trees.
“I like that it’s a perennial plant and it’s gonna continue to live,” Mark Jolley said. “And year after year, I get to take care of it for the rest of my life.”
After purchasing the farm in 2020 and moving to the area in 2021, the Jolleys had to set to work clearing the forested land it now resides on. When it had been cleared, they spent the rest of 2021 and 2022 planting, which Mark
Jolley said was “no small undertaking.”
In 2024, construction on the tasting room and cellar was started and finished this past year.
The vines and trees planted by the Mill Camp team are still young; therefore, all current wines are made from grapes sourced from the Yadkin Valley and the apples locally from Coffey Grounds Orchard. The Jolleys are hopeful their vines will yield this year, and they expect the trees to follow in the next two to four years.
Despite their new presence in the Boone community, Mill Camp has already made itself known, with Chris Jolley saying he thought
their opening was successful. Since then, Mill Camp has hosted several private parties and events, as well as community events such as a Tai Chi class for improving balance.
“We’ve been able to have a place almost like a community center, in a way. It’s great to be open and sell wine, but it’s been fun to see the extent to which the community has kind of rallied around us,” Chris Jolley said.
Bringing Mill Camp to life was a learning experience for the Jolleys. Mark Jolley said the whole process from learning to plant grapes and apple trees to producing and selling wine and hosting guests has been extremely enjoyable.
“As it’s turned out, it’s actually fun, you know? It’s fun to see the folks come in and enjoy themselves. It is fun to get to be a part of that,” Mark Jolley said.
