DOBSON, N.C. — Many veterans have a hard time finding a job after their time in the service. Haze Gray Vineyards in Dobson is helping retired military personnel gain knowledge in farming and building a community. 

Deane Muhlenberg served in the U.S. Navy as a flight officer for 30 years, mainly flying F-14s. 

“I flew over Lebanon, doing reconnaissance missions after the Marine barracks bombing, and I spent a year in Iraq. But the rest of the time was peace time,” Muhlenberg said. 

Deane Muhlenberg pruning his grapes. (Spectrum News 1/Sydney McCoy)

The veteran says flying was something he always enjoyed but once he retired from the service, he explored a new job field he always found interesting. 

“I went to school with a lot of farmers. They really seemed to enjoy the work and being their own boss. And I thought, that sounds like something I wanted to do when I retire,” Muhlenberg said.

In 2015, Muhlenberg and his wife Becky, who also grew up in a military family, planted their first grapes on their vineyard located in Dobson. 

“I had made wine for years in my basement, and I figured it can't be that hard. Well, it is,” Muhlenberg said. 

After taking viticulture courses at Surry Community College, the Muhlenbergs were able to expand their level of operations. 

With more product being made the operation became a family affair with their daughter Ashley helping them wax seal their wine to members of their military family volunteering, working and being a patron of their vineyard and farm. 

“I wanted to basically make a place that veterans could feel welcome,” Muhlenberg said. 

Haze Gray Vineyard is a partner of Boots on the Ground: NC Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship, helping teach veterans farm management and entrepreneurial positions within the state. 

A wall of veteran photos in Haze Gray Vineyards tasting room. (Spectrum News 1/Sydney McCoy)

“Most of them have worked in leadership roles. They've worked in diverse situations, diverse cultures. They're good, very good communicators usually. A veteran normally does whatever it takes to get the job done,” Muhlenberg said. 

Muhlenberg, an eighth-generation veteran, said he did struggle finding a job after leaving the service. The U.S. Department of Labor said in October of this year the veteran unemployment rate was 3%, up from 2.8% the previous year. 

“It’s really important to give opportunities to those veterans to help them learn a new craft, a new skill,” Becky Muhlenberg said.

Haze Gray Vineyards won its third HIRE Vets Medallion Award this year for being committed to hiring, retaining and professional development of vets from the U.S. Department of Labor. 

“Winning this award is very much an honor for us. We really want to give back to our family and the military veterans as they transition from active duty to the next chapter of their lives. And we want them to know that we're here,” Becky Muhlenberg said. 

The 85-acre vineyard and farm hosts events in its tasting room including a Wine Club, cooking demonstrations, educational tours and more. 

Haze Gray Vineyard is a Homegrown by Heroes certified business. Its wine is 100% estate bottled and for every bottle purchased of its blended wines, $1 is donated to veterans organizations.