A group of girlfriends and I decided to take advantage of a fabulous Groupon deal (winery tour, wine tasting, commemorative glass and a bottle of wine for $20) and check out the Crown Winery on a recent Friday evening. We didn't really know what to expect, but hey, if there was wine tasting involved, we were in.
What we actually got, was more than we bargained for. We started our evening with a brief tour of the vineyard.
Crown Winery and HRH Vineyards occupies some 65 acres. They grow 7 varieties of grapes which they use to craft 12 different wines.
Crown Winery is owned and operated by a lovely British gentleman named Pete and his wife Rita.
Pete was apparently a gas physicist before he decided to make wine. Just between you and me, I think this was an excellent career path for him to take. His explanations are scientific, but easily understood (and I now know why you'll never make a good pinot noir with grapes grown in TN) After the vineyard, we got to see the inner sanctum where the wine is made.
First of all, this place is spotless. Secondly, we got to sample wine-in-the-making (that is, wine straight from the barrels)
Pete didn't even get upset if we poured out something we didn't like.
We got to see all of the thinga-ma-bobs that Pete uses to bottle and package his wine.
And then we got to go to the wine bar and taste the good stuff from the bottles.
Then we purchased scads of wine, along with some sausage, cheese, chocolate and freshly made French bread and settled on the patio to hear the Bluesberry Jam Band and enjoy our spoils.
Crown Winery is less than 90 minutes from Memphis in quiet Humboldt, Tennessee and would make an excellent destination for one-day excursion. They also offer facility rentals for weddings, banquets and parties. Crown's wines range from super dry to tart and sweet; there's something for every palate. And there are hotels nearby, in case you don't want to make the trip back to Memphis after indulging. Make sure to take advantage of the live music on the patio every Friday this summer from 7 to 10 p.m. Also, call ahead to ensure that the vineyard hasn't been rented before you make your drive.
Crown Winery & HRH Vineyards
3638 East Mitchell Street
Humboldt, TN 38343
731-784-8100
Operating Hours
Tuesday-Saturday 11:00am-6:00pm
Friday (Wine Down - Summer Only) 7:00pm-10:00pm
Sunday 12:00pm-5:00pm
Recent Comments