Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Betsy Ramsbotham

For the Enterprise

After searching for a beautiful outdoor place for their 2014 wedding, Teresa and James Heath chose Misty Creek Vineyards on rural Wyo Road in northern Davie.

The vineyard and winery had been established in 2001 by the Nichols family. It was a popular place for wine enthusiasts to enjoy a picnic or live music while taking in the beauty of the rolling hills.

Eventually, the Heaths moved to Davie County from their home in Hamptonville as a result of their interest in buying and flipping houses.

The church they attended delivered meals to the sick and homebound during the Covid shutdown, and they volunteered to help. Ironically, one of their assigned delivery spots was familiar: Misty Creek Vineyards.

The meal recipients there were Barry and Kathy Nichols, founders of the business, and Barry’s mother Marge, who was nearing her 100th birthday. Despite Marge’s age, she was a caregiver for Barry and Kathy who were both quite ill.

Barry and Kathy died and Marge was left with a 56-acre property and winery that she was unable to manage.

One evening she mentioned to the Heaths that she was going to sell Misty Creek.

Although they had never even considered owning it, the seed of an idea was planted, and after much prayer and deliberation, they purchased Misty Creek with the intention of creating a wedding/events venue.

The new name they chose was similar but with a nod to nature’s gift to the property: Sunset at Misty Creek.

In 2021, the new owners rolled up their sleeves and got to work. One of the first tasks was clearing the overgrown grounds and redoing landscaping.

Another early task was upfitting the tasting room into The Carriage House, a building for ceremony or reception that can accommodate up to 120 people.

They rejuvenated the main pavilion, a large outdoor space with a rock fireplace and fire pit where a wedding party and their guests can view the countryside, creek and pond.

“The pond is a favorite location for brides’ photos because of the beautiful reflections in the water. As one bride told me, it’s all about the photos,” said Teresa Heath.

“The recently completed bridal suite is another one of the brides’ favorite places because of its photo opportunities. We designed it to have an elevated style, gold accents and an abundance of natural lighting. The brides love our lighted vanity mirrors and white velvet stools,” she said.

Nazli Gharraee, an August bride, said that her favorite part of her Sunset at Misty Creek wedding was the bridal suite. “We had the best time getting ready,” she said.

While weekend weddings are the main focus at Sunset at Misty Creek, Teresa Heath said that their facilities are ideal for weekday social and business gatherings as well as elopements.

“Some brides opt for elopement since it is less pricey and less stressful and puts more emphasis on an intimate celebration with just close family and friends,” she said.

The Heaths are happy that no matter what kind of wedding a couple wants, they can provide the services to help achieve their dream wedding.

When they are not preparing for an event and have some moments of down time, the Heaths enjoy fishing in the pond and spending time with their grandkids. They are grateful they can experience the natural beauty surrounding them at any given moment since their home is on the property.

“It is simply perfect, and we love it,” said Teresa.

She invites former patrons of Misty Creek Vineyards to take a tour. She also invites those who would like to know more about Sunset at Misty Creek or its services to take a tour or to visit sunsetatmistycreek.com.