Malvern Daily Record

Malvern Hill Vineyards

- Special to the MDR

Malvern Hill Vineyards, located at 551 Thunderbir­d Loop out in Traskwood, is a gorgeous 20-acre farm and vineyard that features perfectly lined rows of fruits and vegetables, gently sloping hills, a spacious green lawn, and a new but quaint white wood building painstakin­gly built by owner, John Cook.

John and wife, Melanie, specialize in muscadine and produce at the Vineyards, but the property has plenty more to offer, with expanding operations and activities each year.

This beautiful expanse has been painstakin­gly planted and sown over the last few years and is maintained full-time by John, who retired from a corporate career as Security Director with Stephens, Inc. and now gives his all to the vineyards. Melanie does her fair share when she’s done each day with her telecommut­ing duties for Revolution Bag, a plastics manufactur­er.

Melanie and John have poured their heart and soul into the vineyards, and it shows in the manicured landscape, the bountiful harvests, the fresh white paint, the thoughtful decoration­s, and the easy smiles on their faces as they greet each visitor.

The small white farm house has a sturdy covered wraparound porch and is decked out right now in impressive Christmas elegance and illuminati­on— as is the interior, in keeping with the holiday season. The inside features a gorgeous wood plank ceiling and hardwood floors, a sophistica­ted mix of new and antique furnishing­s, and exquisitel­y rustic crafts, some on simple display and others available for purchase.

The little white farm house at MHV is a perfect scene for a ladies’ afternoon tea service, which Melanie said they look forward to hosting, as well as more weddings on the beautiful and spacious grounds.

The Cooks have been married for 12 years and have worked hard the last couple of years to get Malvern Hill Vineyards up and running. They had a fat, colorful pumpkin patch ripe for the picking last fall and hosted a scary Haunted Farm House. They also hosted a Farmhouse Christmas event along with numerous local vendors who brought delicious baked goods, holiday platters, farm fresh items, seasonal decor, handmade cards and crafts, toys, ornaments and other special items.

Visitors to the vineyards will witness an awesome explosion of color when over 16,000 daffodils bloom on the grounds very soon. The Cooks planted the daffodils as an enduring way to honor cancer patients each year.

Spring at Malvern Hill Vineyards will be followed by the long and fruitful growing season, and all the blessings it is sure to bring. John and Melanie are extremely grateful for support from the community and hope to host more of their neighbors through the coming year.

Malvern Hill Vineyards is open for business every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., excluding Thanksgivi­ng. For more informatio­n, call 501-366-2140

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