Mary Ann and Sonny Hardman, owners of Persimmon Creek Vineyards, today announced plans for Savor the South: A culinary and literary celebration, taking place at 7p.m., Saturday, July 26, 2008. The intimate dinner event will feature 2008 James Beard Award nominee and celebrated Southern tastemaker Linton Hopkins of Atlanta’s Restaurant Eugene, and Charles Martin, the award-winning Southern author of Where the River Ends and When Crickets Cry, a book set in Rabun County. 

On the beautiful grounds of Persimmon Creek Vineyards, the Savor the South dinner event will feature Hopkins’ gourmet Southern cuisine with a focus on local produce and ingredients. The extensive menu will be paired with wines from this boutique winery’s newly released 2007 vintage, supporting the philosophy of “what goes together grows together.” 

While dining al fresco, guests will enjoy views of the rolling 110-acre estate, visits with Persimmon Creek winemaker Dr. Sonny Hardman, and Martin’s readings from Where the River Ends.  Vivid tabletop design will include flowers and other bounty gathered from the gardens at Persimmon Creek. 

In addition to the dinner event, a book-signing with Martin will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 26 at the winery’s newly opened shop and tasting room, Persimmon on the Square at 28 East Savannah Street in downtown, Clayton. Prater’s Books will offer Where the River Ends for purchase.

Cost for the Savor the South dinner event is $135 per person, inclusive of wine pairings, tax, gratuity and a signed copy of Where the River Ends. Space is limited, and reservations are required by calling (706) 212-7380.  Persimmon Creek Vineyards is located at 81 Vineyard Lane, Clayton, GA 30525. 

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.