3rd Corporate Partner for 2009 Announced: Arrington Vineyards

The 3rd Corporate Partner firm announced for the 2009 Summer Business Institute is Arrington Vineyards. This will be a fantastic opportunity for Accelerator participants to get an immersion in the business of wine production while helping develop a space and logistics plan for this rapidly growing enterprise.

About Arrington Vineyards:

Arrington Vineyards was founded in 2005 by country artist Kix Brooks, businessman Fred Mindermann and winemaker Kip Summers. The vineyards were expanded in 2005 and 2006 – meanwhile – Arrington Vineyards worked with Williamson County in creating a whole new class of county zoning that would allow the winery to have a retail store. The first two vintages of wine (2005 and 2006) were made by Kip at Beachaven Winery in Clarksville, TN where he was winemaker for 13 years. Construction on the Arrington winery began in late 2006.

By April 2007, the winery was officially licensed and the wine and equipment was moved in. Bottling of the first vintage began in June 2007. Arrington Vineyards opened for retail sales on July 1, 2007. A “Grand Opening” was held on August 14, 2007 - which included a concert by Pat McLaughlin. By the fall of 2007, it became apparent that Arrington Vineyards was quickly establishing itself as a first class operation – winning “Best of Show” at the Wines of the South competition for its Syrah and quickly selling out of most of its 2005 vintage wines in a few months.In 2008, Arrington Vineyards continued to expand its vineyards and distribution.

AV wines have been featured in NYC, New Orleans, and at fine wine shops in Oregon and Tennessee.

This summer, our Accelerator teams will complete a space and logistics plan for Arrington Vineyards for it’s next phase of growth.