A Century In The Making
Visitors to the Century Farm Winery may experience true-life West Tennessee farming through the rows of cotton and corn, as well as the timeless allure of the vineyard. Ancestors of the Century Farm Winery came from North Carolina in 1830 and cleared the land on which the present-day winery exists. Roses, antique Daylilies and the state flower, the Iris, are scattered throughout the scenic grounds.
Century Farm Winery, located in Jackson, Tennessee, was founded by Jo and Carl O’Cain. It is now operated by Jo’s son, Bart Horton. This fully functioning farm has been growing a full gamut of horticultural crops since Jo’s family started farming the land over 150 years ago.
Originally the Spivey Farm, it now gets its name because of its designation as a “Tennessee Century Farm” by the Center for Historic Preservation. Farms receiving the designation are required to belong to the same family who has been farming the original acreage for at least 100 years. “Just like my mother, I was born in the house on this land that was built by my grandparents in 1910”, says Jo.
A Passion for Winemaking
The winery came about because of Carl’s passionate hobby for making wines. A small vineyard of grape vines “for my own use” soon extended to 13 acres. “I found myself sharing my hobby wines with close friends and neighbors”, said Carl, and later decided to share his passion with interested wine enthusiasts by opening a commercial winery.
Visitors to the winery are glad that he did. Wine enthusiasts enjoy the warm and inviting atmosphere of tranquil farm life coupled with the exciting tastes of award-winning wines. At Century Farm Winery, the entire vine to wine process is executed. Grapes are harvested in the gall and go through crushing, de-stemming, pressing, fermenting, aging, bottling to eventually tasting and selling of the finished product.
Award Winning Wines
Century Farm Winery was among the elite winners in the 2010 Indy International Wine Competition and from the 2009 Wines of the South Competition. The winery brought home four medals out of four entries in the Indy International Competition including a coveted Gold Medal and Best of Class for it’s Chambourcin, 2009 Vintage. Eight entries in the Wines of the South Competition received seven awards which included a Double Gold for its Traminette.
Century Farm wines include Dry Reds, Semi-Sweet Red, White and Blush wines, Sweet and Fruit wines as well as a Dessert or Port Style wine. We also offer seasonal items such as Mulled wine which is served warm in winter months or slushes such as Sangria and Peach Bellini for the summer season. Our Cranberry wine made from 100% cranberry juice has always been a big hit for Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.