Not Just Sweet Tea and Budweiser in Mississippi
When people find out I am from Mississippi, they inevitably ask how I got into wine. My standard response is, “Just because we don’t make it… doesn’t mean we don’t drink it.” Drink it, we did…and those back home still do. True, some people consume a large quantity of the inexpensive stuff, and I’ve certainly had my fair share. Except we southerners have also been known to drink the fancy bottles, as well, including some that I’ve yet to see in stores here in California. So don’t get this southern girl riled up– unless you can stand the heat and a more pronounced southern accent.
Mississippi is not just folks sitting on the front porch with a glass of iced sweet tea, fanning themselves in the sweltering humidity. It’s not just old men fishing off a bridge with cold cans of Budweiser. There’s that, true, and times it shouldn’t be any other way. But there’s also art and music and literature. Fine dining and little boutiques. Air conditioning, even. Besides, if the International Ballet Competition and exhibits like the Splendors of Versailles choose to show there, why wouldn’t you be able to get a good glass or bottle of wine?
So if you’re moving to MS or passing through, don’t fret. It’s not the wine wasteland some make it out to be. Here’s the rundown on where to dine or buy if wine is your brown bag. I have to mention Bravo because not only was it like a second home to me but it was also where I discovered tasty treats like Ridge Monte Bello and Joseph Phelps Insignia. Other restaurants in Jackson include Shapley’s, where I finally had the classic pairing of Sauternes and foie grois, Walker’s Drive-In, and Elixir. A special sidebar to my friends Patrick and Mary Kelly: their restaurant Julep has a great wine list with the best prices in town.
As for retail, three liquor stores divided a large portion of my income. The first was Briarwood, which has now been bought by another set of wine-loving couple friends: Lesley and Nathan McHardy. Always with a great selection. Another is Kats’ Wine Cellar, beneath an Irish pub called Fenian’s. Tasho and his staff are always very knowledgeable about their substantial collection. Newer to town, but just as notable, is Joe T’s in Ridgeland.
Outside of the capital, try KC’s in Cleveland or City Grocery in Oxford for restaurants with impressive wine lists. The casinos also have great selections (especially on the high end).
I must give a particular recommendation to Purple Parrot Café in Hattiesburg, where I worked during grad school. The wine list is probably even better than when I was there; Dusty has been working diligently. The food is fantastic as well, thanks to Chef Linda Nance.
That is my love letter to Mississippi, when it comes to wine anyway.
May it help to alter any negative attitudes about our southern palates.
*This post is an older one from my other blog, but since I’m about to go pick KB up from the airport, it seems appropriate to return to it here and now.
Related Stories
POSTED IN: they love wine down south
0 opinions for Not Just Sweet Tea and Budweiser in Mississippi
No one has left a comment yet. You know what this means, right? You could be first!
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: