About 40 years ago, Pastor Larry Paulk, and his father, Jacob Paulk, painted a Bible verse on the
side of an old barn at the family farm in Irwin County:
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” -- John 15.5
Today this verse greets visitors at the top of the home page of the Paulk Vineyards website. It is a fitting verse for a vineyard, but it has become much more than that for the Paulk family. It is the through-line for the way they live their lives. Their faith has sustained them as they have grown both a family and a business, while also giving back to their community.
The Paulk family's name is deeply intertwined with the history of Irwin County and its surroundings. Since the first Paulk, Micajah, moved to the area with his family soon after the formation of the county in 1818, the Paulk family has made significant contributions to the community. They are known for their faith, family values, and commitment to farming and leadership.
The Paulk’s family-run farm has been a prominent figure in the agricultural landscape of South Georgia for six generations, nurturing a rich heritage while also embracing innovation. With their roots firmly planted in tradition and a commitment to quality, the Paulks have not only thrived with their muscadine grape farm but have also diversified into the production of muscadine health products and ventured into the art of winemaking, winning many awards in the process.
Today, Chris Paulk proudly continues the legacy that his late grandfather, Jacob, started. It was Jacob's unwavering spirit of innovation that led him to plant the first muscadines on the farm in 1970. The Paulk family had grown traditional row crops like cotton, peanuts, and corn for years when Jacob began considering adding a fruit crop to the mix.
“My grandfather was a pioneer in the muscadine industry in this area,” recalls Chris.
“He went to the local extension agent who suggested blueberries, blackberries, or muscadines, all of which grow well in Georgia’s hot, humid climate. He decided on muscadines and planted a few acres. It took three years before he could harvest the first crop.”
Abiding & Thriving
During its initial years, Paulk Vineyards primarily concentrated on supplying fresh-market grapes, meticulously handpicking muscadines from July to September and distributing them to wholesale markets along the East Coast, stretching from New York to as far west as Texas. In the early 2000s, Chris followed in the steps of his grandfather, bringing his own innovation to the muscadine business.
With the help of grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the OneGeorgia Authority, Chris collaborated with researchers from the University of Georgia to explore the full potential of the muscadine’s health properties in addition to its exceptional taste. Rich in antioxidants, the muscadine has the potential to slow or prevent various types of cancers and is recognized for its heart-healthy properties.
“The muscadine is the super fruit of the south,” says Chris. “It is a type of grape, but when you consume the muscadine it also behaves like a berry, giving you the health advantages of both.” Inspired by their success as a distributor of fresh muscadines, Chris aimed to expand their offerings by creating value-added muscadine products. By utilizing every part of the grape, including the juice, pulp, skin, and seed, Paulk established the Muscadine Products Corporation (MPC) to develop a range of muscadine juices, jellies, and dietary supplements.
Today, Paulk Vineyards is the largest muscadine vineyard in the world, growing over 800 acres of the native grapes and supplying the fresh fruit, juice processing, dietary supplement, and wine industries with muscadines, juice concentrate, extracts, and wine. Chris' father, Gary, manages the estate, growing muscadines alongside his younger brother, JW, while Chris runs MPC and oversees the vital process of transforming these grapes into wine.
A Family Affair
Paulk Vineyards' foray into winemaking began as a partnership with other wineries in the region. For nearly three decades, a portion of their muscadine harvest found its way to wineries that transformed the grapes into their own distinct wines. Inspired by this collaboration and equipped with the necessary equipment for processing the juice, Chris and his family decided to take the plunge and create their own wines. It was a natural evolution, a way to tell their unique story and offer an unparalleled experience to wine enthusiasts.
What sets Paulk Vineyards apart is their dedication to sharing their family's story through the wines they produce.
Visitors to the vineyard are introduced to wines named after family members, such as Jacob and Juliette, Chris's late grandparents. Each wine represents a chapter in their family history, and as Chris guides guests through a tasting, he weaves tales of his ancestors' passions and values.
One story recounts the meeting of Jacob and Juliette when she was sweeping the school auditorium. Jacob was impressed with this smart and industrious girl who would take on such a
chore. Later, he found out that her work was really punishment for chewing gum in class. They became high school sweethearts, and the rest is Paulk family history. At last count, there are 11 grandchildren (plus in-laws) and 14 great-grandchildren in the Paulk family, who lovingly refer to their grandparents as Papa Jacob and Mama Judy.
The aim of these family stories, Chris says, is to inspire others. “We want to honor the memory of our loved ones by letting people know they lived good lives, but we also want others to know that they can live fulfilling lives and leave behind inspiring memories, too.” By connecting personal narratives to their products, Paulk Vineyards offers a truly immersive and heartfelt experience that resonates with visitors.
Faith & Community
Beyond the wines themselves, Paulk Vineyards is committed to fostering a sense of community. Chris's wife, Jorjanne, plays a pivotal role in this endeavor, managing retail and organizing
events. From hosting parties and murder mystery evenings to creating opportunities for people to come together, Paulk Vineyards invites guests to delve into an inclusive and engaging environment. By extending their warm hospitality, the Paulk family ensures that visitors not only savor their wines but also form lasting connections and shared memories.
At the core of Paulk Vineyards' endeavors lies a strong sense of purpose and values deeply rooted in their Christian faith.
Their overarching mission, as highlighted by their subsidiary business, MPC, is to honor God, serve others, pursue excellence, and grow profitably. This commitment is reflected in every aspect of their operation, whether it is conducting wine tastings or fulfilling orders of their muscadine-based health products.
Paulk Vineyards has been the recipient of many accolades throughout the years, most recently receiving the "Agribusiness of the Year” award from the Ocilla-Irwin Chamber of Commerce. When accepting the recognition, Gary Paulk referred to the verse painted on the barn, reciting the words of John 15:5.
“You know, we truly believe that,” says Chris. “This life is lived just abiding in Christ. That's just kind of the way we operate. It applies to the way grapes and vines work, but it also applies to the way God calls us to live in relation to Him. That verse is at the core of everything we do. We are always asking ourselves how we can do the greatest good with whatever we are doing.”
Looking ahead, Paulk Vineyards continues to innovate and adapt, ensuring that their legacy endures for future generations. Chris Paulk and his family remain committed to nurturing their vineyards, exploring new winemaking techniques, and sharing their story with an ever-growing audience. Whether it's through their thoughtfully crafted wines, engaging events, or genuine hospitality, Paulk Vineyards invites visitors to be part of their journey and experience the magic that can only be found within the embrace of tradition and the warmth of community.
With its rich heritage and unwavering dedication to quality, Paulk Vineyards stands as a testament to family and community. Here there is a connection to something greater — a connection that transcends time and leaves an indelible mark on all who visit. From their humble beginnings to their present-day pursuits, the Paulk family has embraced innovation while staying true to their roots.
So come, raise a glass, and celebrate the enduring spirit of Paulk Vineyards, where faith, tradition, community, and exceptional wine converge in perfect harmony.
Muscadines: Nature's Sweetest Secret
Muscadines, scientifically known as Vitis rotundifolia, are a variety of grape native to the
southeastern United States. Whether you savor them fresh, enjoy their distinct wines, or
explore their nutritional properties, muscadines offer a delightful and healthy way to indulge in
nature's sweetest secret.
History
The muscadine grape was discovered in America in 1584 by the early English explorer, Sir
Walter Raleigh. Later a golden, bronze-colored muscadine was found along the Scuppernong
River in North Carolina and thus was named “scuppernong.”
Appearance
Muscadines are distinct from other grape varieties due to their larger size and thick skin. They come in various colors, including purple, black, bronze, and green.
Flavor and Aroma
One of the defining features of muscadines is their intense sweetness, with flavors that can
range from floral and fruity to a unique musky undertone. Some describe their taste as a
harmonious blend of honey and citrus notes.
Nutritional Value
Muscadines are packed with essential nutrients and are an excellent source of dietary fiber,
vitamins C and K, and antioxidants such as resveratrol.
Health Benefits
The antioxidants found in muscadines help fight inflammation, boost the immune system, and protect against oxidative stress. They have also been linked to improved brain function and cardiovascular health. Additionally, muscadines are naturally low in calories and fat, making them a guilt-free snack option.
Versatility
Muscadines can be enjoyed fresh, providing a burst of natural sweetness. They are also
commonly used to produce unique and flavorful wines, jams, jellies, and juices. (Read on for a tasty and refreshing muscadine smoothie recipe!)
Visiting Paulk Vineyards
Located at 1788 Satilla Road in Wray, Georgia, the vineyard offers a unique and immersive wine tasting experience in a picturesque setting.
The tasting room at Paulk Vineyards offers a comfortable space where both wine enthusiasts and casual visitors can sample a variety of handcrafted wines produced on-site.
Wine Tastings
The knowledgeable staff at the tasting room guides guests through the tasting experience, providing insights into the different wines and answering questions about the selections.
Vineyard Tours
During the tour, visitors can explore the vineyards, learn about the grape varieties grown on- site, and gain insight into the winemaking techniques employed at the winery.
U-Pick
U-Pick fruit activities are a great opportunity for both children and adults to engage in a hands- on farming experience, learn about different fruits, and enjoy the satisfaction of picking their own fresh produce.
Farm Market
Alongside the U-Pick experience, Paulk Vineyards also operates a farm market where visitors can purchase freshly harvested fruits, homemade preserves, and other local products.
For more information, visit paulkvineyards.com or call (229) 468 -7873.
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