Spirits and wine along the Natchez trace have
a long and treasured history. Landlocked farmers needed a
port to ship their produce to markets. Corn and grapes were
too precious to make the two month long, wet journey by river
raft to Natchez. Corn was made into liquor, or white lighting
and grapes were turned to wine, both out of necessity and
its fabled medicinal benefits. Barrels of spirits were easier
to transport than hundreds of pounds of easy to spoil corn
or the ever fragile grapes.
These barrels were off loaded and sold at the notorious Natchez
under the Hill and the Spirits added to the reputation of bawdiness
of this river town. Once sold, these barrels of spirits turned
into hard to come by currency. Now the adventure took a dangerous
turn; a three month long trek home along the Natchez trace. Outside
the long arm of the law, highwaymen and criminals knew those
heading north had money in their pockets and were easy prey.
For those that made it home the money went to plant more corn
and grapes.
Today the adventure continues along the Natchez Trace Wine Trail.
Relive the history and romance of the trace while enjoying the
same wine that added to the reputation and traditions from this
unique chapter in American History.
Littering a dark and dreary back roads of our past are the relics of beer and whisky. As wondering hunters espired to a better life they longed for a warm place to sleep at nite. They yearned for the comforts of home. As they foraged the forests and plains for food and comfort they discovered grapes. The sweetness and heavenly flavors quickly gave them reason to frequent these wild vineyards. As time and discovery played out their fateful hand another wonderful unearthing evolved. Wild yeast played it's part and the stored grapes began to reveal the nector of the gods - Wine. A gift so grand was not taken lightly. As they came to a greater appreciation of this accidental wine, they began to understand the value of caring for the vines all year. They greatfully left their their wondering past behind and become vintners and conisours of fine wine.
It is now clear our civilation is built on the solid foundation of Wine.
Many articles have been written regarding the possible health benefits of wine. Multiple studies have indicated that "resveratrol", a natural compound found in grape vines as well as in the seeds and skins of grapes, is especially beneficial for protection against cancer and cardiovascular disease by acting as an antioxidant, antimutagen and anti-inflammatory. Red wine, because it is fermented on the skins, is particularly high in the resveratrol compound. These studies have led many physicians to recommend drinking a moderate amount of wine each day.