Local Food: Holly Hill Farmer's Market

Just chatted with Jim--he's got a full bounty of summer vegetables at the market, and his muscadines are looking great. I'm headed out there later this week and will take pictures.

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Take a close look at the bounty this vineyard has to offer

Tucked away on Sixth Street in a residential area of Holly Hill lives an impossible dream. Four years ago, Jim Wilson planted muscadine grapes in the Vineyards of Holly Hill, preserving a bit of agricultural green amid modest homes right off of Nova Road.

Then the 2004 hurricanes came and, with them, the rains. And the "feet" of Jim's plants rotted in the standing water. Then everything came to a near standstill when Jim was injured and confined to bed.

Some might have taken these setbacks as a sign. Others may have been discouraged by the naysayers who pooh-poohed the idea of a winery in Holly Hill. But Jim's perserverance at rebuilding his dream has brought him to today.

Four years after that horrendous start, the Vineyards of Holly Hill is making its first batch of wines from the replanted muscadine grapes on the 14-acre property. And Jim's offered wine-making classes and pick-your-own opportunities. And he is enhancing the property to sell local produce in a daily farmers' market-type of operation, with the help of foreman Eugene Ferns Eugene's wife Connie who is the market co-manager, Charlotte Tzabari the market co-manager and assistant vintner Janet Del Valle.

Contact:

Vineyards of Holly Hill

WHERE: 649 Sixth Street, Holly Hill

WHEN: Farmers' Market is open to 9-5 p.m. every day, except Sunday. Call to find out what produce is available for picking.

CONTACT: (386) 503-1109.