As co-owner of the celebrated Persimmon Creek Vineyards in Clayton, Georgia, Mary Ann Hardman is determined to put Georgia on the map for the art of high quality winemaking.  She is involved in nearly aspect of the family-owned and -operated business, but places professional focus is on sales, marketing and outreach. In addition, she oversees the winery’s tasting room, soon opening in a dedicated retail space in downtown Clayton.

A native of Macon, Georgia, Mary Ann is known for her southern hospitality, attention to detail and dedication to Persimmon Creek Vineyards’ wines.

Steadfast in her support for local farming, chefs and products, the philosophy of “what grows together goes together” guides many of her efforts to place the wines in top restaurants, inns and, firmly in the glasses of individual wine enthusiasts around the Southeast. She is opening doors for highly recognized wine experts to realize Georgia’s winemaking potential and, for everyday wine lovers to experience something new in Persimmon Creek wines.

Since the founding of Persimmon Creek Vineyards in 1999 with husband and winemaker, William “Sonny” Hardman, Mary Ann has introduced Georgia wines to a range of internationally-known experts including Stuart George, Roger Dial and Hugh Johnson. In turn, the wines have earned recognition from Wine Spectator, Food & Wine, Napa-based wine journal Appellation America and London’s Dulwich Wine Society, among others.   A former elementary school teacher, Mary Ann is a graduate of Presbyterian College. She earned her teaching certification at Mercer University.  Mary Ann pours her heart and soul into several community endeavors in almost equal portions as to the wine business and to her family. She and Sonny are loyal supporters of Atlanta’s Carter Center, Share Our Strength, Emory’s School of Medicine and FAITH, an organization to combat domestic violence.  She is also active in the region’s culinary community as a member of the Atlanta chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier, Commanderie de Bordeaux and the Southern Foodways Alliance.

 

Mary Ann and Sonny have three sons, Mitchell, Brigham and Hamilton, The family (who until recently split their time between homes at Persimmon Creek Vineyards and Athens, GA) is now living at the vineyard full time.