(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Augusta Press.)
JOHNSTON, S.C. – Ladies + gentlemen, the moment has arrived for you to take a deliciously cool detour from your typical path to cocktail hour. About 30 miles northeast of Augusta in neighboring Johnston, South Carolina, you’ll find 95 acres of muscadines + scuppernongs (and peaches, plums, and Asian pears) known as Three Star Vineyard and Orchard. Owned and operated by the Hutchins family for the past 30 years, Three Star is the largest grower and shipper of muscadine and scuppernong grapes in the Palmetto State.
This time of year, when summer’s beat ticks more slowly and fall’s briskness creeps into the air, is ripe for harvesting these bronze + garnet-colored jewels known so well in the South. Aside from jellies + jams, there’s no better way to put this sweet, juicy fruit to use than to make wine.
Or is there?
You may say to yourself, “Wine is wine, how exciting could this vineyard possibly be?” Allow me to shush you right there before you continue with your silly notions. Sure, in the gift shop you’ll find bottle upon bottle of wine produced from Three Star’s fruits, but you’ll also find a room full of flavorful wine slushies just waiting to please your parched palate. And trust me when I say slushies just might be the tastiest way to drink the harvest.
Three Star’s Tasting Room, which opened in February 2020, hosts 10-12 different slushie flavors, such as mango, peach, black cherry, cotton candy and pomegranate. Slushies and wines are available as full pours or as part of a flight of five sample-sized glasses. Non-alcoholic slushies are also available, as well as light food options.
Aside from delightfully fruity wines and slushies, you’ll also find a great outdoor space for gathering your pals or office staff. Adjacent to the tasting room is a wine garden set amidst the lush grapevines. This expansive covered patio space provides seating-o-plenty for parties of any size (and ideal for private bookings) and is graced with a stage for live comedy or musical performances.
Some upcoming events include:
Saturday, Sept 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. hosts The Palmetto Car Show and Social with food trucks from Marie’s Creole Cuisine, R&L Vending (Super Daddy), and Lil Mama’s Desserts.
Friday, Sept. 30, 6 p.m., is Food Truck Friday with live music by Keven Mack and Jason Sikes as Elvis at 8 p.m.. Beer stations, wine, and wine slushies will be available. CASH ONLY for beer, wine, and wine slushies. Purchase tickets 803-275-3200.
Saturday Oct. 8, 1-4 p.m. is a beach party with shag music by Two Loafers.
There’s always a lot of excitement at Three Star Vineyard and Orchard, and I can’t wait to hear about your visit! While you’re there, don’t forget to tell them nakedepicurean sent you. 💋
Three Star Vineyard and Orchard
172 Holmes Pond Road
Johnston, SC 29832
(803) 275-3200
Open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Ann Beth Strelec is known around town as the Naked Epicurean, sampling the finest cocktails known to Augustans. Find out about adult beverages at The Augusta Press on the first and third Friday or on Instagram @NakedEpicurean
