Thursday, December 10, 2020

Location: Tennessee Valley Winery - 15606 Hotchkiss Valley Rd E, Loudon, TN 37774

https://www.tennesseevalleywinery.com/

5:00 pm Executive Committee Meeting (All members welcome)

5:30 pm Program - Tennessee Valley Winery Tour

No Alcohol Will Be Served During the Winery Tour

6:30 pm Travel to Aubrey's for Dinner, 401 Town Creek Rd E, Lenoir City, TN 37772

7:00 pm Dinner – Pay for your own meal (Please use Eventbrite in advance so that we may reserve enough table space. There is no charge for the program or PDH Certificate)

Tennessee Valley Winery Tour

Abstract - Early 1984, Delta Pilot Jerry Reed took what had been just a hobby in winemaking and applied for a license to open one of the first wineries in the state of Tennessee. Throughout the years, he maintained a small family vibe only allowing his family and closest friends be a part of what was turning into a hugely successful business. Earning just over 900 medals and accolades during our 36 years open, our most prestigious was being the official wine in the Whitehouse during the Clinton/Gore presidency. Deciding to retire, Jerry sold his shares in the business to his partner John Smook and a new era began mid-2013.

Italian born and South African raised John Smook and family have been in the entertainment industry the majority of their lives. A quick Google search of your tour guide, Paulette Pierotti, John's younger sister and you will see the winery's vice president in pictures with Sharon Stone as well as many other Hollywood elite. Paulette was Sharon's producer for just over 30 years setting in motion the family's departure from South Africa 20 years ago.

General Manager Jenny Bradford, who will host your tasting, is a native of Loudon Tennessee and a name popular amongst regional musicians as someone with an ear for talent. And not to be left out, owner John Smook once bass player for internationally renowned band Leeman Ltd ties us all together, where the entertaining we do these days is through our presentation of what we like to call "Southern Magic" some of the best wine this side of the Mississippi. We stay strict to rules and regulations incorporating science and chemistry to make sure our product is always the best of the best. In your tour we hope to show you all the work it takes to produce a bottle of wine from grape to sorbate to bottle.