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In the late 1970's, Judge William O. Beach pioneered legislation that revived Tennessee's wine industry. His years of successful amateur winemaking sparked the desire to open a commercial winery in his home town of Clarksville, Tennessee. By the early 1980's, Judge Beach and his son-in-law Edward Cooke planted a large commercial vineyard. Then, in 1986, Judge Beach, Ed and Louisa Cooke founded Beachaven Vineyards & Winery LTD. Beachaven quickly established a reputation for wine quality and vintage consistency. Since Judge Beach's death in 1991, the Cooke family has continued to build on the family's dreams and successes. Beachaven is leading Tennessee's winemaking comeback. Every year, Beachaven continues to expand production to meet ever increasing sales. By the mid 1990's, Beachaven needed additional full-time staff to keep up with its rapid growth. Winemaker Kip Summers came to Beachaven in 1994 - originally as an apprentice to Ed Cooke. "As of spring 2004, we have more than tripled our wine storage capacity, crushing-pressing speed, and our bottling line speed since I came here in '94, " says Summers. "I know that our premium quality grapes and our modern winemaking technology combine to make Beachaven wines among the best in the world." Tennessee is in a unique location geographically: far enough south to avoid common severe winter problems that plague the Midwest and northern East Coast; yet far enough north to avoid the sweltering heat and Pierce's disease common to the southern U.S.. "Sure, we have obstacles that we must overcome each year, say Summers. "Nature is a wild partner. However, on the whole, our climate is more than capable of consistently producing award winning wines that people like. Sales and competition awards confirm this. At regional, national and international award competitions spanning 17 years, Beachaven has earned well over 300 awards, including hundreds of gold and silver medals." Beachaven Winery is also known for more than just great wine. "Jazz on the Lawn has become an event with a life of it's own", says Louisa Cooke, manager. "We have grown from a few hundred attendees in 1989, to thousands of picnicking guests! Couples, friends and families come to relax, listen to music and taste wine in a unique outdoor setting." In the coming years, Beachaven predicts continued growth in sales and production. "Our customers have come expect high quality wine at a good price and great personal service," says Louisa Cooke, "and we have every intention of maintaining and exceeding that standard for many years to come!"
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