A Judge, his Wine and a Winery!
Just off of Highway 24 in Clarksville, Tennessee sits a vineyard and winery started by Judge William O. Beach. After helping to revive the wine industry in that state, he took his amateur wine making skills and decided to open a vineyard and winery. The result is a wonderful stop that has award winning wines, an active event schedule, and a beautiful display of artwork by a former employee that shows his dedication to the vineyard.
A colorful entrance
Just a few of the 500 awards over 23 years.
The property
Self guided tour explaining the Champagne process
A Labor of Love!
The ends of many barrels were carved by the vineyard pruner! An incredible artist that was able to bring to life the sketches that he drew. It makes an incredible display.
I hope you are inspired to have an adventure and head to Beachaven Vineyards & Winery!
To learn more, please go to http://www.beachavenwinery.com
Quantum Leap Winery is a unique destination in Florida. They do not make wines from the Florida native grape, Muscadine, but focus on creating great tasting wines from around the world. They do this by purchasing wine juice from small wineries in premier growing regions and then age, finish, blend, and package the wine in their facility. Their focus is on being environmentally friendly and reducing their carbon footprint in the process.
Upon arrival to this urban winery, you will notice the eclectic, artsy, vibrant neighborhood. Quantum Leap’s home is a former warehouse building and retains many of its industrial attributes. The interior is very open and inviting. There is a large central bar for tastings and an open area with ample tables, chairs, and couches. The exposed ductwork is visible against the high ceilings with plenty of lighting. Bright artwork adorns the walls, which you can purchase and there is an area in the corner for musical artists to perform. Outdoors, the prior loading dock serves as a covered porch area to sit a spell and enjoy great wine.
The farmer views their vineyard through a special lens. They not only have to see the needs of the coming growing season, but they have to be able to envision what is necessary for the coming years. Cuts made today will impact the health and productivity of the vines. Decisions have to be made about which canes to keep and when a portion of the cordon (lateral growing arm) may need to be replaced by another. If they only had a crystal ball this would be easy, but is anything ever easy?
On my first day, I was given instructions about which canes to cut and why to keep others. I was told how many buds to leave and how to tell when to “lay down” a new vine to replace an old one. There was a lot of information in a short amount of time. After watching and discussing why they chose the cuts they made, I was entrusted with a pair of clippers and was off on my own.
Steve and his wife Karen are owners of Tesla Vintners and The Singing Wine Maker. Their desire is to celebrate, “Truth, Beauty and Goodness through Wine, Music and Art.” This is apparent throughout the indoor and outdoor spaces. You are welcomed by beautifully carved wooden statues and a colorful flower garden that surrounds a lovingly refurbished home turned winery. Inside the bright colors and artwork continue. There is a large grapevine painted on the front of the wine tasting bar and vineyard inspired mural-like artwork adorn the walls.
Carrie Hanrahan Photography 