Historical documents show that the Bowman family owned their land as far back as the 1720s. Adrain and Laller Henderson, grandparents of the elder Bowman siblings were dedicated and hardworking and worked tirelessly on their family farm in rural Colleton County to provide for their family. Little did they know that they were creating a strong legacy of education, service and philanthropy that paved the way for many generations to excel in their careers and eventually build what we now know as Bowman Vineyards.
The family-run business is primarily run by Matt, Sr., a retired serviceman. Staff include family members that span across three generations. They cultivate and harvest several varieties of muscadines on their Oakman Branch Road farmland and the wine is produced and bottled at their Augusta Highway site. The sandy soil and hot weather in the coastal region of South Carolina makes for the ideal environment to farm a wide variety of muscadines.
Muscadine Jelly, Syrup, Muscadine Cider, 100% Grape Juice and Muscadine Barbecue Sauce are all available for sale on site and at several retail locations. Plans for big box retail is also underway. Guests can request tours and wine tasting events on site and, on occasion, the grounds can be reserved for special events.
Kellye Whitaker, NCGrowth-SmartUp SC Program Manager and Project Analyst Adam Noel, a North Carolina State University Masters student in graphic design, are currently helping the Bowmans revamp their existing website and will also develop a long-term strategic plan and implement sound marketing and social media strategies to help support the new website.
For more information on Bowman Vineyards or to schedule a visit/tour, visit their website or Facebook page.