Over two decades ago, a generous friend from Millington’s table grape vineyard gifted Perry Welch an abundance of grapes. Reflecting on the past, Welch recalled, “I ended up with around 200 pounds of grapes. I took matters into my own hands, extracting their juice, adding sugar and yeast to carboys, and unfortunately, I produced what might have been the world’s worst wine.”
United by passion, Perry and his wife, Carrie, inaugurated the Old Millington Winery 22 years ago. What initially began as a personal endeavor has since matured into a cornerstone of Tennessee’s wine culture. Amid the state’s 69 wineries, Old Millington stands tall as West Tennessee’s longest-operating winery.
Post the inaugural grape gift, accompanied by a series of trials, errors, and an educational jaunt to California, Perry Welch recognized the limitations of using table grapes. These grapes, primarily meant for consumption rather than winemaking, didn’t align with his aspiration to craft “the world’s best chardonnay.” Perry wisely noted, “You don’t necessarily need a California-style winery in Tennessee. Our sweet wines are a hit.”
Old Millington Winery crafts around 2,400 cases annually, translating to roughly 600 gallons. Carrie Welch shared insight into the local palate, indicating a preference for sweetness in both iced tea and wine. Their clientele consists primarily of loyal regulars who appreciate their offerings.
Operating with efficiency in mind, the Welches minimize overhead costs. As the sole employees of Old Millington Winery, Carrie and Perry manage every aspect of production – from grape harvesting and fermentation to bottling and hosting tastings. This streamlined approach empowers the winery to offer reasonably priced products, ensuring accessibility to quality wine for all.
Carrie Welch further emphasized their distinctiveness within the industry. She highlighted the uniqueness of their wines, some of which boast seasonal variations. Beyond their winemaking, the Welches have nurtured strong bonds with both the grapes in their vineyard and the Millington community.
Henry Jones, owner of Jones Orchard in Millington, attested to the Welches’ integrity, recalling their commitment to follow through with their promises. Having known them for a decade, Jones praised Old Millington Winery for its contributions to the local community. Their wine names reflect local legends and quirks, such as “Old Millington’s Crying Angel,” a dry red wine crafted from Chambourcin grapes, named after a local statue with its own poignant tale.
During the pandemic, the Welches’ connection to the community proved invaluable. Their dedication to maintaining a cozy boutique ambiance ensured a steady flow of customers, even amidst challenging times. Perry Welch reflected on the surprising outcome, “People asked us if the pandemic hurt our business. Actually, our business increased. It was crazy.”
For a period spanning 15 months, from March 2020 to June 2021, Old Millington conducted all sales from their porch. As Perry Welch explained, “With limited options for going out, people flocked here to stock up.”
Despite their growing success, the Welches remain a two-person operation. Perry’s steadfast work ethic endures, with only occasional breaks during rainy days. He acknowledged the demanding workload but admitted the challenge of stepping away while the business remains profitable.
Peering into the future, the Welches foresee prosperity and growth for Millington and their winery. Their optimism stems from the forthcoming completion of Ford’s BlueOval City plant in Stanton, with Perry Welch anticipating transformative changes for their Mid-South corner. He envisioned, “Millington just blew up. It’s gonna be a giant city here in the next year.” This potential expansion has even led Perry to reconsider his future plans, contemplating staying in the evolving landscape.
Old Millington Winery invites visitors to their location at 6748 Old Millington Road in Millington. They operate from Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.