Today we’d like to introduce you to Bart Horton.
Hi Bart, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Century Farm Winery got its start in 2003 as a hobby that got out of control. A small vineyard to produce enough grapes for family and friends turned into a commercial winery that opened in 2007. Almost twenty years later we have grown into a staple for West TN tourism. We offer wine tastings, tours, retail, hosted and private events along with our ever-popular Voices in the Vineyard concert series. Century Farm Winery offers over twenty award-winning wines from dry reds to crisp whites, sweet fruit wines and port-style wines. Our wine slushes and Mulled wines are also a big hit.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s always an uphill climb as you start a business from scratch. In the beginning there were many legislative obstacles that we had to overcome so we began to participate in the Tennessee Farm Winegrowers Alliance to identify and help to overcome some of the challenges that wineries faced. We were successful in getting many laws passed that made it easier for TN wineries to promote and grow our businesses. Covid 19 was a challenge for all of us but since wineries are agriculturally based, we never had to completely shut down. Tastings were temporarily stopped and we were limited to curbside service for a while but there was never a day that we didn’t ring the cash register.
Being in the experience-based retail business you always have to look to new and fun events to host. We offer murder mystery and comedy nights, goat yoga is always a hit, Sip & Shop events, live music and private tastings. Of course, having good wine is critical and we have been fortunate enough to win the Governor’s Cup award for the best wine of West TN for three years.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As the grape grower and wine maker for Century Farm Winery most of my work is done behind the scenes. We were not professionally trained but rather stewards of the land and self-taught masters of wine making. We’ve never wanted to be flashy and make extremely unique wines such as jalapeno flavored dandelion wine. That’s all fine and good if that’s what you like but being that we are located on a TN designated Century Farm our traditions are simpler by nature. Do what you do with what you have and do it the very best that you can. I think if you come see our venue and try our wines you will understand what I’m talking about.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
As I mentioned before, many years ago we joined the Tennessee Farm Winegrowers Alliance which is a membership organization that is made up of many of the state’s wineries and grape growers. I have served on the board for TFWA since 2018 and am currently in my second term as the Treasurer. TFWA allows many networking opportunities and our mission each year is to promote our statewide grape industry through marketing, education and legislation. I would encourage anyone that is considering becoming a grape farmer or winery owner to join TFWA and get involved with the organization.
Pricing:
- Most of our wines are around $20 a bottle with few in the $30 range
- Wine tastings start at 5 samples for $5, max of 10 for $10
- We offer wine flights, wine by the glass and wine by the bottle
- We also offer wine slushes, mulled wine along with craft and domestic beers
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.centuryfarmwinery.com
- Instagram: century_farm_winery
- Facebook: Century Farm Winery
