These days in 2020, when it seems like there are so few outlets for entertainment and enjoyment, life can become humdrum and stressful. We must remember that, just like our bodies need food to function, we must also feed our souls to prevent what they call “burn-out.” After the grind has worn you thin all week, treat yourself to a short, scenic drive down Highway 431 from Franklin to Lewisburg, Tennessee where Pickers Creek Winery is serving up music, art, and wine – a recipe for happiness for the soul.
The Story - Phil and Lydia George were living normal, everyday lives in Smyrna where Phil practiced law for thirty-five years when they formed a group made up of six couples that enjoyed tasting and learning about six different wines each month. “I’ve always
been into wine,” said Phil. Eventually, Phil and Lydia began visiting places like Sonoma and Napa, California and expanding their knowledge of wine. While visiting a local winery here in middle Tennessee, Phil became inspired. “We were there one day, and I looked around and thought, ‘I can do this,’” said Phil. They bought the land in Lewisburg from Phil’s parents, Macklin “Mack” George, a local musician and farmer for whom one of the winery’s most popular reds is named, and Elinor George. They started small with a little bottling in their shed on weekends and slowly worked their way up, finally transitioning into retirement and running Pickers Creek Winery full-time. What was once just a hay field is now home to the grapes, to the winery itself and home to the Georges and their dog, Bella. The winery is completely family operated. Phil’s brother, Kenneth George, who also lives on the property is the vineyard manager and music director. He even plays a little music himself some nights. When visiting the winery, folks can taste their fabulous wines while enjoying Lydia’s and family’s artwork from paintings to mosaics found around the property to a beautiful stain glass
window that is displayed as soon as you enter the tasting room. You can make yourself at home as you relax in the swing on the spacious porch or take a stroll through the grapevines and soak up the beauty of middle Tennessee. From spring to fall, you can enjoy live music on Saturday nights as you sip wine by the bonfire or around a table with your friends and loved ones. People come from far and wide to enjoy Pickers Creek Winery. “We have a lady that drives up here from Louisiana, buys three cases of Blackberry Blues, and drives back to Louisiana,” said Phil. Kenneth described a night when there were visitors from France, Haiti, Panama, Finland and the Netherlands all at the same time. That’s easy to believe once you’ve enjoyed the warm, inviting Pickers Creek experience for yourself.
The Wine - Made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, and Muscadine grapes which thrive in middle Tennessee, Pickers Creek wines are second to none. Their selection ranges from whites to reds, semi-sweets, blushes, and fruit wines. One of the most popular bottles is Mack’s Band, a Cabernet Sauvignon named after Phil and Kenneth’s father and his band, the Tennessee Variety Boys. Not only do their wines embody terrific flavors, but many of them have clever names related to classic rock songs which further represent the Georges’ love for music and fun. Some of those include Three Dog White which is a lovely white wine represented on the label by
their white dog, Bella, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vino which is a dry, Tennessee table red wine named after the 1968 hit by Iron Butterfly, and Proud Berry, a strawberry table wine which features a painted strawberry on the label that strongly resembles a leggy Tina Turner singing into a microphone. “It’s all about the music here,” Lydia said who happens to make all the label art herself. Blackberry Blues is another favorite that is so delectable, Lydia recommends topping ice cream or other desserts with it. When it’s time to bottle, Pickers Creek makes a party out of that too. “We strictly use volunteers to help us bottle,” said Lydia. Many of the winery’s regulars come, set up an assembly line, and bottle away. “We’ve got one couple that has come and helped us bottle ten times now. If we bottled without them, they’d be mad at us!” Phil joked. It usually takes around four hours depending on the day and how much they have to bottle, and it sounds like every minute of it makes for a good time.
The Music - Saturday night’s live music is what really makes the winery special. Bands, some bluegrass, some Americana, set up in the pavilion and play out across the grounds for visitors to enjoy along with their wine and their loved ones. Some Saturdays, crowds get pretty big, and an extra wine tasting table is set up outside to accommodate everyone who wants a taste. If you forget to bring snacks that evening, don’t worry. The winery sells light snacks such as cheese and crackers. They also feature a vendor who makes crepes on Saturday nights that Phil says are “to die for.” They take a short break from live music during the winter, but it will be
back to fill the air as soon as spring comes back around in April. Pickers Creek Winery is one of the best outings you can make in a year like 2020. Of course, they have made adjustments where necessary in light of the pandemic. Wine tastings are being held outside, crowds have been lighter, and some of their larger annual events didn’t make it to fruition. However, none of that takes away from the opportunity they afford you to spend a relaxing day out in the fresh air soaking up nature and a bottle of your favorite Pickers Creek Wine.
Pickers Creek Winery – 1986 New Columbia Highway, Lewisburg, Tennessee 37091 –
pickerscreekwinery.com
Pickers Creek Red Sangria
1 bottle Pickers Creek dry red wine (In-A-Gadda-Da-Vino, Mack’s Band or Harmony)
½ cup brandy
½ cup triple sec
¼ cup lemon juice
½ can frozen lemonade concentrate
½ cup orange juice
1 lemon, 1 lime and 1 orange sliced into thin rounds
½ jar maraschino cherries with the juice
Mix all together. Refrigerate overnight for best flavor.