In 1990, I began a personal research project into the art and history of winemaking. My quest led me to complete my first book on wine and opened the door to another adventure that continues to grow. I went down the backroads of Jonesborough, TN trying to find the winery closest to me. That winery was the Plum Winery. The only thing I found was an old abandon signed and decided the following month to try Countryside Vineyards. After talking with the owner and winemaker, Jim Thomas, I realized that I actually discovered 2 wineries. Jim told me that he and Harry Westcott had owned the Plum Winery some years ago and that Harry and his wife have a wine supply store in Kingsport, TN. My next trip was to Kingsport and it definitely was not my last. For years I went back and forward to the Westcotts to gain knowledge about wine, Tennessee wine history, TVOS, how to make homemade wine, etc. I regret that I was not able to share my first batch with them before their deaths since they tried to get me to begin making wine twelve years ago. So, with that in mind and after making more than 400 gallons in the last 10 years, I dedicated this page to the Westcott's for the time they gave in educating me and teaching me the art of not only wine, but of Tennessee wine. 

So, on January 5, 2010, I entered 20 wines into the TVOS Amateur Wine Competition...one wine for each year of memories.  Bringing home five Bronze Medals, seven Silver Medals and five Gold Medals wasn't too disappointing.  Salut!!!!!