06/28/2024
Here’s an article on Tacky Branch from the Greensboro News and Record today, written by Ed Williams.
Just wanted to share with you! Thanks!
EDEN — On the 10th anniversary of their w**e dream, a father-and-son team is dedicating that journey to the memory of a son and brother who passed too soon.
Tacky Branch Vineyard — the brainchild of Ben Edwards and his two sons Jordan and Blake Edwards — is expanding distribution of its three brands, hoping to raise funds to battle myeloma cancer which claimed Jordan’s life in 2021.
It was Jordan who seized on the idea of planting a vineyard on four generations of family land in northern Rockingham County. On that land meanders the Tackett Branch stream — locals call it “Tacky Branch.”
In 2014, the first step — raising $30,000 in working capital — was completed. The second step was securing the grapes and w**emaking talent to bottle their w**e.
By 2023, Tacky Branch w**e labels won federal approval and the Edwards were issued a wholesale license to distribute their
“This has been a good opportunity to connect with Dad on a regular basis,” Blake says. “It’s been an honor to work on a living memorial for Jordan.”
Adds Ben: “Knowing that both my boys are proud (is reward enough). We pulled it off.”
Partnering with Old North State W**ery in Mount Airy, the Edwards market a Riesling, a red blend and Sweet Jordy Boy, a Vidal-based w**e infused with peach. The w**es, all from Yadkin Valley fruit, retail for $22.
Plans to plant a vineyard are on hold. After all, it’s just Ben and Blake now and they’re keenly aware how much work goes into farming. They’ve adjusted their business model to expand distribution and funnel a porti
on of the proceeds for myeloma cancer research.
In Eden, the w**es are available at The Front Porch, Simply M&K café, and Reynolds Brewery. Dukes Pub in Greensboro also carries the brand as do two outlets in Charlotte and Roxboro.
Each label carries a playful jingle and there’s video evidence of Ben on banjo, singing those jingles with Jordan: “We must have recorded 25 or 30 times. I was getting horse. And Jordan would say, ‘Dad, just one more cut.’"
Sweet Jordy Boy w**e sells out almost immediately. Could be its off-dry style. Or could be it’s the jingle on the back label: “I get better lookin’ when my baby’s sippin’ Tacky Branch w**e.”
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