Savannah Lifestyle: Watermelon Creek Vineyard

Great wine doesn’t have to come from Napa. There are several vineyards around the Savannah area, but my favorite is Watermelon Creek Vineyard, located about 45 minutes away in Glennville, GA. (It’s just on the other side of Fort Stewart.) Watermelon Creek is relatively young in terms of years of production, but that hasn’t stopped the vineyard from developing medal-winning wines. Internationally know winemaking consultant Tom Payette has assisted proprietors Charles & Deborah Tillman in developing a variety of wines specializing in the muscadine grape. In March of this year, each of the six wines currently offered won medals in the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.
The first releases of wines comprise the Heritage Series and includes: Lower Mill White; Ohoopee River White (semi-sweet Carlos grape wine); Mill Pond Blush (my favorite, with the combined sweetness of the Carlos & Noble grapes); Altamaha River Red (Noble); Lane’s Bridge Red (semi-sweet Noble); and Stafford’s Ferry White. Free tastings are offered and can often be enjoyed with raw milk cheeses, fresh fruit, and bruschetta from Flat Creek Lodge. The Tasting Room and Vineyard Store offer all kinds of wine-related accessories and fun items. However, that is just the beginning of what’s available at Watermelon Creek.

Watermelon Creek has been in the same family since 1820. Over the last century, the property has been home to a sawmill, grist mill, turpentine still, barrel making business, general store, and post office, as well as remaining the homestead of the original Padgett family. Charles Tillman, the ninth generation of the family, has carved out a new future for the land, centered on its rural heritage. In fact, the label of the Heritage Series pays tribute to the historic and geologic landmarks of the area. The front label includes a likely of Charles’ great grandfather, Charles Columbus Padgett, as well as a General Merchandise invoices from his turn-of-the-century general store, and Lane’s Bridge that once spanned the Altamaha River nearby.
The Tillmans have a great vision for Watermelon Creek Vineyard. The Vineyard is already being sought out as a destination venue. Parties, family reunions, and weddings are becoming routine. However, it doesn’t take a major life event to choose to visit the Vineyard. Dropping in is perfectly acceptable. Group functions for 10-16 can usually be accommodated with a week’s notice, and there are five menus from which to choose. The 15-acre site includes The Barn Yard, The Pond, The Mill House, The Vineyard, Watermelon Creek nature area, and the Winery Complex. Larger venues for functions include the Bud Break Banquet Hall and Vineyard Terrace, which seats 144 and 30, respectively. The spaces are unique and are decorated with historic memorabilia. Wedding packages are offered via all-inclusive packages. You can even arrive in style by buggy.