Grape Goddess, Catherine Fallis, recently reviewed the Seyval Blanc in her blog on planetgrape.net.

She claimed to be "charmed" by the Seyval, "soft perfume of peach, apricot and hay. On the palate it was light, creamy, and very slightly sweet with notes of peach and white nectarine. This is the kind of wine that is perfect for warm weather outings, such as a concert in the park. "

Visit Catherine's blog at http://planetgrape.net/WP/?cat=4

In the May issue of Atlanta Wine School's newsletter Connect With Wine, wine writer Jane Garvey discusses pairing wine with salmon. In the article, "Wines with Slammin Salmon," Jane writes about trying "Salmon Three Ways," a new dish on the menu of Woodfire Grill, whose noted Chef Michael Tuohy specializes in local, sustainable foods. Jane writes "Of the half dozen or so wines we tasted, the best with the dish was Georgia's own Persimmon Creek Seyval Blanc." Thanks, Jane!

To subscribe to Connect With Wine, visit www.atlantawineschool.com

Saturday, July 26, 2008; 7 PM

A truly Southern celebration- Join us for an intimate dinner, prepared by Atlanta Chef Linton Hopkins, owner of Restaurant Eugene. Our special guest for the evening will be award-winning author Charles Martin, whose book When Crickets Cry is set in Rabun County.

While dining al fresco, guests will enjoy views of the rolling 110-acre estate, visits with Persimmon Creek winemaker Dr. Sonny Hardman, and Martin’s readings from his latest books Where the River Ends. Vivid tabletop design will include flowers and other bounty gathered from the gardens at Persimmon Creek. 

Before the dinner, a book signing will take place at 11 AM, at Persimmon on the Square, Persimmon Creek's new shop and tasting room on 28 East Savannah Street in downton, Clayton. Prater's Books will offer Where the River Ends for purchase.

Cost for the dinner is $135, which includes wine pairings, tax, gratuity, and a signed copy of Where the River Ends.

Space is limited and reservations are required. Please call 706.212.7380 to make a reservation, or for further information. 

Wednesday November 14th, chef Alice Waters spoke at the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta to an audience of about 400 chefs, farmers,  and local fans. Credited with starting the movement towards sustainable agriculture and local food, Waters opened Chez Pannise in Berkeley, California in 1971 and has been a celebrity in the culinary world every since. Alice focused much of her time speaking about the need for nourishment in the public school system, and breaking the cycle of the "fast-food nation."

Mary Ann and Claudia were invited to pour Persimmon Creek Wines at the event, and after listening to Ms. Waters speak, were given the opportunity to meet her. She graciously accepted a bottle of the Persimmon Creek Ice Wine.

Persimmon Creek Vineyards is now offering private luncheons and
dinners. Menus, handwritten in calligraphy, home-made meals and a beautiful
vineyard setting are only a few reasons to have your next outing at
Persimmon Creek. Whether it be an intimate dinner for a few friends, or a
casual lunch for a group, we can help you decide a menu that will fit
everyone's taste, and pour the perfect Persimmon Creek wines to match.
For more information, contact Mary Ann Hardman at 706.212.7380 or
hardmanathns@aol.com

AJC Business writer Michael Kanell spent a day at Persimmon Creek, and wrote a wonderful article reflecting his visit. The story, published on May 11th, can be read at the following link:

http://www.ajc.com/search/content/business/stories/2008/05/11/upclose.html

In the May/June issue of the Piedmont Review,  Doc Lawrence writes about Southern food and Persimmon Creek Wine

In 2007 Mary Ann attended the International Wine and Spirits Festival in London, England. Shortly afterwards, the Dulwich Wine Society of London served Persimmon Creek Cabernet Franc at their July dinner. Graville Havenhand, wine afficionado and member of the Dulwich Wine Society featured Persimmon Creek in a article he has written for Dulwich on View. Dulwich on View is a website run by the Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery, the oldest public art gallery in Britain. The article "Which Wines: Coming of Age of American Wine" can be read at the link below.

http://dulwichonview.org.uk/2008/03/07/which-wines-coming-of-age-of-american-wine/

By now you have probably heard about the "great freeze" which damaged many Georgia vineyards last spring. Some lost almost all of their grapes. Many have asked, "how has the drought affected grape growing?" Georgia author Greg McCluney's latest article "Georgia's Perfect Storm" has the stories of five Georgia vineyards and their battles against the ever-changing weather.

Click on the following link to read the article and learn more about the ingenious use of Persimmon Creek's wind machine

http://www.winesandvines.com/template.cfm?section=features&content=52161