Cowart Named Georgia's Outstanding Young Farmer
started Still Pond Distillers, which produces distilled product from the fruit we grow,” Cowart said. Still Pond Vineyard has 180-acres of Muscadine grapes, which is no small accomplishment. It is the largest in the Southeast that produces wine and spirits distributed throughout Georgia. They also supply other wineries with fresh juice used to make their wines. Still Pond Vineyard continually increase its value by expanding product development.
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outhwest Georgia is the home of a number of treasures, one in particular is Still Pond Vineyard located in the heart of Arlington, Georgia. One will find a variety of prize wines for the choosing. A visit to the award winning vineyard is to experience a piece of paradise. It is no wonder that Charlie Cowart was named Georgia’s Outstanding Young Farmer! Rural Leader Magazine had the opportunity to visit with Cowart and to learn more about his distinctive recognition and Still Pond Vineyard. The Georgia’s Outstanding Young Farmer award is sponsored by John Deere, U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce, Outstanding Farmers of America Fraternity, and the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. The award was presented at the annual banquet at the Lake Lanier Islands Resort in North Georgia in November 2013. Cowart was nominated by county agents Paul Wigley and Jay Hathorn from Calhoun County. “I accepted the award giving most of the credit to my family. My interest in agriculture began at a very early age by spending time with my grandfather, Charlie Cowart Sr. on the farm (vineyard). Once my grandfather passed, my dad continued to feed my passion by working with me and allowing me to help out on the family farm,” Cowart said. Still Pond Vineyard, Winery and Distillery is owned and operated by Cowart’s family. “The vineyard was started in the late 1960’s by my Grandfather, supplying wineries and grocers with fresh Muscadine grapes. In 2003, three my mother and father started the winery, which gave me a job upon graduating college. In 2012 my father and I
“We add value to what we grow by producing more products,” Cowart said. “We are proud to say at this point, we have no waste and utilize every part of the berry, even the skin and seed is sold to produce a nutricutical product. Still Pond is currently the only winery and distillery in the Southeastern United States in which all products are produced from what we grow,” he said. Despite winning the distinctive honor, Cowart continues to remain humble. “I thank my wife for gladly coming back home with me to work after graduating college and my mother for teaching me the importance of a positive attitude as there have been plenty of trying times. I would also like to give a huge thanks to our retired county Ag agent, Paul Wigley. Ever since I was just of my grandfather’s knee, he has been around to help with the more scientific problems we face in growing Muscadine grapes. He always has taken the time to answer questions, in addition to making it fun. Mr. Wigley always has an answer and usually one you will not forget. I would also like to thank my son, Weston Cowart. Like all parents, he is the driving force behind everything I do,” Cowart said. For more information about Still Pond Vineyard, click here. RuralLeaderMagazine.com 55
