JACKSON TWP. — A woman who likes to make things — edible things — has opened a new business showcasing her products.
Kelly Heater opened the Crowded Table Winery on Oct. 26 in a renovated blue farmhouse with a copper metal roof.
“It’s not your everyday winery,” Heater said. “People can come here and feel like they’re at home.”
The downstairs is light filled and cozy, with wine barrel tables, games on every table and hues of amber and burnt umber.
Heater has been making wine for many years, and is also a canner of pickles, jellies, jams and dips. It began when her uncle taught her how to make wine five or six years ago.
“I made five gallons of Diamond wine because that’s my favorite,” Heater said. “I submitted it to the Troy Fair and it came in second.”
The following year, she made two types of wine and both won awards. The third year, Heater entered three wines and brought home three ribbons.
“It started as a hobby and grew into a passion and people love it,” she said.
The property housing the winery was purchased several years ago by her husband and his father. They sold the house and five acres and farmed the remaining acres.
Initially, Heather planned to open a small roadside stand to sell her wines and canned goods. When a “for sale” sign went up in front of the house, she and her husband took the leap and bought it.
They removed walls to open the area and dug through years of flooring to discover the 1800 wood planks, some measuring almost two feet wide. The ceiling beams are faced with weathered wood from an old grain bin.
In the corner, a metal cabinet used by Heater’s grandfather in his auto repair shop now holds an assortment of her wines. Even after cleaning, the ghostly imprint of her grandfather’s fingerprints are still visible, she said.
“I think the uniqueness of here is we aren’t an average winery,” Heater said. “If you went to the Finger Lakes area, you would not find a place like this. This has more of a home vibe, down to earth.”
Heater said most of her wines are sweet, but she’s expanding to develop more dry varieties. Her first effort already sold out.
Normally, The Crowded Table will have nine wines and 12 when fully operational. She also plans to offer four varieties of hard cider: lemon-apple, apple, apple cinnamon and apple caramel.
Although not a full restaurant, Heater plans to offer food items, including charcuterie boards featuring another of her specialties: canned pickles, jams, jellies and spreads. She’ll also offer soups and soft pretzels.
Visitors can choose a variety of flights to sample: soup, pickles or wine.
“People love fun stuff like that,” Heater said.
Located 15 minutes from Southport and from the intersection with Route 6 and 20 minutes from Troy, Heater hopes to attract visitors who like the comfortable atmosphere and unique offerings.
“I wanted a homesteady, cozy feel where everyone is welcome. I want people to come in, sit down, relax and enjoy,” she said.
Heather is also offering gift items like hand crocheted items and horseshoe art. She hopes to add outdoor seating and events, and possibly live music.
The Crowded Table is located at 6822 Route 549, Millerton. It is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Tuesday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.
For more information, call 607-481 5424, email [email protected] or find it on Facebook.
link