As pandemic restrictions have started lifting, more and more local businesses and organizations are getting the word out: come and join us this summer.

The region’s only winery, South Ridge Wines, is hosting an event at its scenic location overlooking Live Oak Road this June.

The inaugural “Kickoff Summer” Arts and Crafts Festival and Wine Tasting is slated for Saturday, June 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 3297 Live Oak Road (Honoraville Road past Fuller’s Crossroads) near Luverne.

Winery owners Tonya and Matthew Pippin had originally hoped to hold a similar event in early 2020, but COVID-19 had a different idea.

“Due to the pandemic, we actually had to shut down operations here for six months. That gave us plenty of time to think about and talk about plans for the future with the winery,” said Tonya.

One of the decisions they made was to plant 300 blackberry bushes. The bushes should produce enough berries next year for interested folks to come to pick their own for canning, freezing and baking.

“We always wanted to have a festival at the winery, and we thought, why not go ahead and do it this year. We are hoping that the berries will be ready to harvest during festival time next year,” Tonya added.

With the abundance of talented artists, craftspeople, and small business owners in the area, the Pippins were sure they would be able to offer wide array of crafts and wares to attendees.

There are already 30 vendors and food concessionaires signed up to participate in the June 12 event.

These include: Andalusia’s Coral Cactus—door hangers; Wetumpka’s Hensley Creek Candles—candles, melts, soaps and more; Rutledge’s Fluffy Butts and Udder Farms—handmade soaps and lotions; Brantley’s H & A Designs—sublimated t-shirts, tumblers and more; Scentsy—wax warmers, body care and cleaning products; Paparazzi—fashion jewelry; Brantley’s Initially Yours by Lorrie—door hangers, signs, keychains and more; Luverne’s Barn and Bins— special events, possibly furniture for sale; Luverne’s Light, Love and Life Co.–shirts; Luverne’s Created with Purpose—assorted jewelry and keychains; Andalusia’s Sweet Barn— all varieties of fudge; Style Dots—interchangeable jewelry and accessories; Calera’s Purple Heart Wood Products—tables, trays and candleholders; Prattville’s The Little House Studio—paintings; Kate’s Creations of Prattville—handmade jewelry; Greenville’s Mary Croley and Sarah Still—original artwork and handcrafted candles; Highland Home’s Southern Tumbler & More—epoxy tumblers, pens and keychains; Wetumpka’s TH Creations—jewelry; Glenwood’s 29 Castles—hand-sewn aprons, purses, keychains and more;  Glenwood’s Circle G Bath and Body Products—bath bombs, beard oils, soaps and more; Dothan’s Earlie Mae and Ruth—handcrafted polymer clay earrings; Brantley’s White Willow Boutique—clothing; Luverne’s Cake It—cookies, funnel cakes, cupcakes and beverages; Leisa’s Door Decor of Kinston—wreaths; Troy author Nicole Copeland—books and paintings; Luverne’s Confectionary Blessings—baked goods; Papa’s Place of Brantley—fresh fruit and vegetables; Mama’s Lovin’ of Luverne—clothing and P-Flickers of Luverne—boiled peanuts.

The cost of admission to the festival will be $5; the wine tasting is free. Wine slushies will also be available to purchase for a welcome cool-down on a south Alabama summer’s day.

“We are looking forward to making this a great annual event for our area and hope to see lots of you here in June,” said Tonya Pippin.

For more information, call (334) 429-0572 or visit the South Ridge Wines page on Facebook for updates.