The influential insider’s wine guide, Wine Report 2008
(DK Adult), by Tom Stevenson has recognized Georgia’s own Persimmon Creek Vineyards with a notable “top ten” placement.

Persimmon Creek Vineyards stands out as the Georgia’s only vineyard and winery on the list of 10 “Fastest Improving Producers” in the book’s section entitled “Other U.S. States.” (Large winemaking regions such as California and the Pacific Northwest have their own sections.) The list is written by internationally celebrated wine expert Doug Frost, one of three individuals in the world to have achieved both Master of Wine and Master Sommelier status.

“We are elated to see Persimmon Creek Vineyards recognized in the 2008 Wine Report,” says Mary Ann Hardman, co-owner. “It shows that the consumer and academic wine communities are taking Georgia’s wine industry seriously and it’s much-appreciated recognition for the high quality of our wines.”

Wine Report 2008 is a compilation of reviews of and news from winemaking regions around the world. In the introduction, author Stevenson calls the “Top 10 Fastest Improving” list the book’s “most useful” of the guide’s top lists. He tells readers about the Fastest Improving list: “While the rest of the market lags behind, you can benefit from the insider knowledge of Wine Report, buying up top-performing wines before others cotton up and prices increase.”

Wine Report 2008’s full list of Fastest Improving Producers (Other U .S. States) is as follows:

1. Ste. Chapelle Winery (Idaho)

2. Childress Vineyard (North Carolina)

3. Bookcliff Vineyards (Colorado)

4. Holyfield Winery (Kansas)

5. S. Rhodes Vineyards (Colorado)

6. Kiepersol Estate (Texas)

7. Crown Valley Vineyards (Missouri)

8. Fredericksbury Winery (Texas)

9. Persimmon Creek Vineyards (Georgia)

10. Llano Estacado (Texas)

Persimmon Creek Vineyards sits at 2100 feet elevation on 110 acres in Clayton, Georgia. It is privately owned by Mary Ann and William “Sonny” Hardman. Persimmon Creek produces four varieties of wine: Riesling, Seyval Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The wines are served in more than 25 leading restaurants and hotels in Atlanta and the southeast including: Bacchanalia, Restaurant Eugene, The Cloister at Sea Island, The Ritz Carlton Hotels Buckhead, Atlanta and Reynolds Plantation, Old Edwards Inn in Highlands, NC, Bluepointe, Chops Lobster Bar and many more. The wines are also featured on the wine lists at Quince in San Francisco, Apropos in New York and have garnered national and international acclaim. They are available retail at Sherlock’s Wine Merchants and Whole Foods Markets.  Persimmon on the Square, the enoteca-style shop and tasting room in downtown Clayton, GA, serves as an extension of Persimmon Creek Vineyards: a welcoming outpost for Clayton area visitors and residents.  Winery and vineyard tours are offered during special events and by appointment. More information is available at www.persimmoncreekwine.com.