Sam Swanson and Fortress BBQ

Sam Swanson and Fortress BBQ come together at Gioia dell’Amore Cellars for an unforgettable afternoon of live music, craft barbecue, and vineyard views on Mother’s Day. Join us on May 10th for a relaxed, romantic experience featuring soulful acoustic performances, regional BBQ favorites, and award-worthy wines—all set against the rolling hills of our 96-acre estate.

What to Expect

Spend Mother’s Day the Gioia way—wine in hand, music in the air, and something delicious always within reach. Join us from 1–6 PM in the heart of our Mayodan vineyard for an afternoon that’s equal parts relaxing and indulgent.

From 2–5 PM, enjoy live music from Sam Swanson, whose soulful sound and reimagined classics create the perfect vineyard vibe—easygoing, romantic, and just the right amount of energy.

Come hungry—Fortress BBQ will be serving from 1–5 PM with bold, flavor-packed barbecue inspired by the best of NC, Texas, KC, and California. Think brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and desserts worth saving room for.

Sip, savor, and celebrate Mom (or yourself) with great wine, great music, and the Joy of Love all around.

Fortress BBQ Menu

About Your Hosts

Sam Swanson is an American singer/songwriter with a soulful croon that occasionally spits bars. He is a full-time solo cover artist, wedding singer, and touring musician with over 2 decades and 15 albums of experience. Sam is known for putting his own unique artistic spin on classic pop tunes spanning the past 6+ Decades using his powerful voice, acoustic guitar, and looping pedal for percussion.

Fortress BBQ Mobile monolith creating regional BBQ from NC, TX, CA, KC in the Triad-area NC. Trained by the best in the business, Pitmaster Adam Harvey is ready to serve up craft BBQ unrivaled in the area. From brisket to Saint Lewis pork ribs to Pulled pork and pork steak, they have a delight for every carnivore. To finish with a little something sweet, try their peanut butter pie or banana pudding!

Gioia dell’Amore Cellars (pronounced: “Joy-A” – “dell” – “Ah more ay”) invites you to savor the Joy of Love in every sip and every step. Nestled on 96 acres of rolling hills in Mayodan, NC, our vineyard is a rustic escape where love lingers in the air and laughter dances among the vines of Autumn Creek Vineyards. Whether you’re toasting in our elegant yet cozy tasting room, unwinding in a romantic cabin, or saying I do at our dreamy wedding venue, every moment here is steeped in romance.