It was the early 1860s in Arlington, Georgia, where an intriguing tale unfolded. Sitting on the banks of an isolated pond was a liquor still. This notorious still worked tirelessly, churning out peach brandy that offered solace and relief to weary Confederate soldiers seeking refuge from the chaos of war. This gave rise to the name “Still Pond,” a moniker woven into the local lore and whispered with reverence.

As the echoes of history lingered, the legend of Still Pond continued to evolve, enriched by the stories of various “keepers of the still”. One particularly vivid memory comes from Charles Cowart II, the current owner of Still Pond Winery & Distillery. “When I was a kid, the Hunt brothers were the local moonshine maestros of Still Pond. One vivid memory he shared was stumbling upon one of the brothers in the woods under a pine tree one winter morning, his beard covered in frost. It turns out that their sack of moonshine had been indulged in a bit too liberally during deliveries, leaving one of the brothers in a slumber under the tree instead of making it all the way home.”

There’s also a tale of a local tree stump off a dirt road nestled nearby. Legend has it that if you placed $2 on this Still Pond stump and returned later in the day, a mysterious jar of moonshine would materialize as if by magic—a spirited touch to the already enchanting history of Still Pond.

The passing years witnessed the transformation of Still Pond from a clandestine refuge into a legitimate legacy. It was Charlie Cowart Sr. who planted the seeds of this new chapter over 45 years ago. With a vision and determination, he set out to cultivate muscadines, a variety of grapes native to the Southern soil. Thus, Still Pond Vineyard came into being—a modest beginning that would blossom into something extraordinary.

Charlie Sr.’s venture wasn’t just about growing grapes; it was about nurturing a connection to the land and the rich traditions of the region. Each vine he planted was a testament to his commitment to quality and authenticity. The muscadines thrived under his care, and as the vineyard expanded, so did the legacy of Still Pond.

After the passing of Charlie Sr., the reins were passed down to the next generation. Charles II and his wife Susan embraced the responsibility, carrying forward the vision that had taken root decades ago. The transition wasn’t just a change of hands; it was a continuation of a family tradition deeply rooted in Southern soil.

The present-day Still Pond is a testament to the dedication of the Cowart family. Charles II and Susan, alongside their son Charlie III, his wife Stefanie, and a devoted team, work tirelessly to ensure that the legacy endures and expands. What was once a spot for war-weary soldiers has now become one of Georgia’s largest vineyards, recognized for its excellence. Still Pond provides fresh Muscadine juice not only to wineries across the Southeastern United States, but also as the proud foundation of its own acclaimed wines and spirits.

The journey from a hidden refuge by a pond to a thriving vineyard reflects the resilience and spirit of Still Pond. It’s not just a vineyard, winery or distillery; it’s a living testament to the Southern tradition of hospitality and craftsmanship. As the pages of history turn, the Cowart family remains committed to the Still Pond tradition. Even the younger generation, with Weston and Willow Rose, eagerly carries the torch forward, ensuring that the story begun by a secret still remains vibrant, authentic, and filled with the flavors of the South.