Northfield Vineyards: Tennessee Farm Finds New Purpose Down a few winding lanes, tucked back in the hills of White County, Tennessee, is the Ray family farm. Since 1904, five generations have farmed this soil, and you can feel the connection between the family and their land when the farm dogs run to greet you. ItâTMs a homey, welcoming atmosphere, and the perfect spot to sit awhile and sample some Tennessee country wine. In 2013, the family opened Northfield Vineyards. The rustic, barn-style winery building sits right across from the original barn and is a perfect example of old meets new. Previous generations raised dairy cows, crops and tobacco; now the only things farmed are grapes and straw, all overseen by the stars of Northfield, two Percheron draft mules, Burt and Rube. They are also the inspiration for the wineryâTMs distinctive label. Mark RayâTMs passion for making homemade wine started with his grannyâTMs overabundance of muscadines; he turned them into five gallons of wine and thus a new chapter in the farmâTMs life began. The wineryâTMs motto is âTennessee Wine with a Tennessee Attitude,â and the offerings include country flavors such as Mule Shoe Muscadine, Northfield Red, Parched and Pale, Shag Nasty, RuBark, Bubbly Mule and OlâTM Black Izzy. Many of the Concord grape and muscadine wines will remind you of the jams and jellies your memaw used to make. In addition to wine and hard cider, the winery serves up several special events throughout the year; hosts weddings and family gatherings; features live music in the summer; and is part of White CountyâTMs annual Art n Ale Trail in the fall. In addition to their own creations, the Rays also sell local craft beer and other locally crafted goodies in their shop. âThe best thing about the winery,â says Mark, âis being able to work right on the farm and meeting so many amazing people!â Northfield Vineyards is open seven days a week: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. www.northfieldvineyards.com