Our Family

JOYCE & JOE NEELY

Joyce, from Rome, Georgia, and her late husband Joe, from Clinton, South Carolina, met in Atlanta after college. They were married in 1970 and then moved to Winston-Salem, where Joe joined Hanes Corp. After retiring from a long career at Hanes and then Sara Lee Corporation who acquired them, Joe and Joyce started RayLen Vineyards and Winery in 1999. Joe served on the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council and NC Winegrowers Association. He left as his legacy an ongoing mission to make quality wine that exceeded expectations and will be remembered for his dedication to the North Carolina wine industry. Joe’s hobbies stemmed from his early years and included boating, fishing, bird watching, and farming. He also enjoyed spending time and sharing these interests with their grandchildren. Joyce enjoys fishing, traveling, and hosting gatherings of friends and family, during which she extolls the virtues of RayLen wines. A true advocate for NC wines, she is passionate about wine and loves interacting with RayLen’s customers.

HELEN “LEN” NEELY PRUDEN

The Neely’s older daughter Len graduated from Emory University and Drexel University, where she received a MS degree in Arts Administration. After many years in the arts, she now remotely assists Rachel and the RayLen team in managing day-to-day operations at RayLen Vineyards and Winery. Len enjoys traveling, reading, and walking around Philadelphia, where she lives with husband Matt, their son, and their cat, Pepper. Matt, a New Jersey native who graduated from the University of the Arts, is passionate about birding, cycling, and camping. Len and Matt like to spend time outdoors and travel with their son, Joyce, and Rachel’s family.

RACHEL JOYCE NEELY JOHNSON

Like her older sister, Rachel also graduated from Emory University but with a degree in business. Rachel met her husband, Mark, a Louisiana native, while at Emory during their freshman year. Their wedding was at RayLen, well before the current pavilion was built. She later received a Master of Business Administration from UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, while Mark attended UNC’s Law School. After many years in banking, Rachel began assisting at the winery in 2015. Now Rachel helps manage day-to-day operations at RayLen Vineyards and Winery. Rachel and Mark live in Winston-Salem with their daughter and dog, Nilla Wafer. They enjoy traveling with their daughter, Joyce, and Len’s family.
RayLen Vineyards Lovers

Welcome to Wine Paradise in NC

I absolutely love this winery. I drive up from Charlotte often because I love it so much. It’s so beautiful and the staff is so nice and friendly. And of course the wines are great. I love that they host jazz Sundays sometimes. Can never go wrong with live jazz and wine combined with great weather.
Cynthia R
What a lovely time spent with the love of my life. Raylen vineyards is peaceful, beautiful, and has a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Great place to stop for a tasting and glass/bottle of wine while overlooking the vines. Just minutes off of I-40.
Kimberly Holland
This was such a fun experience. The staff was very accommodating and nice! I love the wine options and they’re all quite tasty. This is a nice place to enjoy a picnic either alone, with a significant other, family, or friends. We really enjoyed ourselves.
Zaakira Holt
Best REAL winery in NC! John took wonderful care of us. He was knowledgeable and fun. We tried almost everything and left with 6 bottles and some fun souvenirs 💛 we will be back. The pumpkin carving with live music and food truck night was perfect for fall!!!
Suzanne Albrecht

Ready To visit us?

Group Tasting Reservation Form for Groups of 9 or More

Whether you’re coming to us from down the road or across state lines, you’re always welcome at RayLen Vineyards and Winery. From public winery events to private wine tastings, we offer a variety of unforgettable experiences everyone can enjoy. We’ll see you soon!

Questions about visiting RayLen for a tasting? Please call 336-331-5668.
Want to give a guided tasting as a gift? Get a gift card here!