This beautiful wood carving of Amara, Lady of the Vines is located at Souther Williams Vineyard and winery in Fletcher NC. Artist: Mountain Mike Ayers created this work of art in August 2023 in a large red oak tree on this Bicentennial Farm. From this vantage point you can see where the mountains meet the vines in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Souther Williams Vineyard is known for its award winning wines and picturesque property and tasting room in the vines.

Once upon a time, in the verdant hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there existed a mysterious and alluring wine goddess named Amara. She was a celestial being, revered by the people of the region for her mastery over the art of winemaking and her ethereal beauty that left mortals enchanted.

Amara dwelt in a secluded vineyard nestled amidst rolling hills, where the mountains meet the vines and the vines flourished under her divine touch.

Legend had it that her tears, which fell from the sky as gentle rain, imbued the grapes with their unique flavor and complexity. The wine she crafted was unlike any other in the world, with its richness and depth reflecting the depth of her emotions.

The local inhabitants believed that the wine goddess possessed an enigmatic backstory. It was whispered that she had once been a mortal woman, deeply in love with a talented vintner. Their love was passionate, and together they created exceptional wines that delighted the palates of aristocrats and commoners alike. However, their happiness was short-lived, as fate dealt them a tragic blow.

During a ferocious storm that swept through the vineyards, the vintner lost his life while trying to save the precious vines. Heartbroken, Amara retreated into seclusion, her grief turning her tears into magical rain that graced the grapes, preserving the memory of her love in every sip of wine.

As time passed, her anguish transformed into a deep sense of purpose. She embraced her divine gift, vowing to share her extraordinary wine with the world and immortalize her lost love through the creation of each bottle. And so, Amara became “The Lady of the Vines”, guiding the winemaker to craft wines that celebrated life, love, and the connection between humans and the land.

The locals held a yearly celebration in honor of Amara, known as the “Harvest Festival of Tears.” During this event, the vineyards would be adorned with candles and lanterns, casting a warm glow over the hills. The night would be filled with laughter, dancing, and joyous toasts, as the people celebrated the harvest and the divine elixir.

As the years passed, the tale of Amara spread far and wide. People from distant lands made pilgrimages to her vineyard, seeking not only the finest wine but also the divine connection to love and the sacred art of winemaking.