Deer Creek Winery celebrates 15 years
Denis and Rhonda Brooks never thought they’d own a family business, but with a love for wine and people, things fell into place.
Since 2009, what began as bottling their raspberry wine and selling to local restaurants has led to two wineries and bed and breakfasts, six retail stores and more.
The couple first opened the Deer Creek Winery, Inn and Manor in Shippenville, Clarion County, offering eight private guest rooms attached to the winery and later, The Manor, adding five private guest rooms.
“We started the bed and breakfast in 2016 and it was just a really good pairing,” Rhonda said. “You’ve got wine, live music, a large event space, restaurants… so we began looking for another location that would offer the same type of venues, along with the winery.”
In Uniontown, the Brooks’ newest location, Deer Creek Winery and Watson Estate Bed and Breakfast boasts a history spanning back to the 1800’s and includes 12 private rooms and two cottages.
The gift shop and café are open every day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the on-site winery is open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
“The property is from a land grant given to John Watson. He was in the French and Indiana War in 1769. The area where the winery is located with the tasting room and hayloft barn was all built in 1780,” Rhonda said. “The original house was built in the 1800’s and it’s decorated with antiques. I think people enjoy the history and the beautiful scenery. It’s so relaxing and very inviting for people.”
The rich history has prompted some of the special events offered at the Uniontown location at 234 Balsinger Road.
For example, guests can attend a colonial brunch several times per year, including staff dressed in 1800 period clothing with food served at a typical brunch during that time period.
“There’s four courses and we talk about the food, how they would preserve it or prepare it back then, and we share a special recipe,” Rhonda said.
Other events include dinner shows, live music and entertainment but there’s plenty of space for guests to schedule their own large events as well.
The barn has a capacity for 100 guests and includes a catering kitchen, a private deck and patio. Smaller parties of up to 30 guests can book The Estate Room.
Despite all the wine, dining and entertainment available onsite, Denis and Rhonda Brooks hope local guests will stop by, simply to enjoy a business lunch over a glass of wine or a dinner with the family at the Weston Estate Café.
“I think a lot of people come out for the food,” Rhonda said. “I hope more take advantage of the weekday with the café and a glass of wine. It’s open to the public and there’s plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. On weekends, you’ll likely have live music as well.”
The couple hasn’t ruled out a third location in the future.
“We may open an additional location in the next few years. We have two children who work for us and it’s really a family business – bigger than I had dreamed,” Rhonda said.
This December, look for holiday shows, featuring musician Lois Scott, holiday crafting events and more.
Visit https://watson.deercreekwine.com/ or Watson Estate BnB & Deer Creek Winery on Facebook for upcoming event details.