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
RayLen Vineyards Lovers
Welcome to Wine Paradise in NC
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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!
