On May 8th, 2025, the Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University warmly welcomed 90 guests to ‘The Garden Uncorked,’ a unique wine-tasting experience. The Botanic Garden connects people with plants and inspires environmental stewardship, and this special event honored the legacy of Dan and Catharine Bland, whose deep love of nature and hospitality transformed their family farm into the cherished public garden it is today.
Despite the day starting with heavy downpours, the Garden was well-prepared for any weather, a rain-or-shine event. Guests were greeted with perfect weather with NO rain in sight!
Wine tasting stations were strategically positioned in close proximity (and fully covered), allowing guests to stroll comfortably through the garden while exploring a wide selection of wines. The Heritage Pavilion and Lawn provided ample covered space, set with linen-covered tables, cabaret style, to enjoy the ambiance and beauty of the garden in comfort.
Smooth Jazz Melodies from the MayBelles (Brandi Harvey and Micah Bonn) filled the evening air, setting the inviting atmosphere to mingle and enjoy socializing.
Each tasting station offered a distinctive wine experience, with curated selections ranging from vibrant whites to complex reds and sparkling wines. Knowledgeable wine guides, at 6 tasting tables, shared insights into each wine’s story. Guests received engraved wine glasses and a personalized ‘Guide to Discovery’ passport to enhance their journey through the garden.
Blue Mile Catering provided perfectly paired bites at each wine station and a central gathering area with heavier pours. The menu there included various sliders, a beautiful fresh fruit platter, and fresh vegetables, as well.
The journey of six tasting stations:
- Florals Table: Paul Dolan Sauvignon Blanc, 12 e Mezzo Chardonnay, and Gerberas Garnacha with a caprese skewer (mozzarella, basil, tomato, balsamic glaze)
- Sake Table: Koji Sake, One Sparkling Sake, and One fruit-flavored Nigori sake (cloudy, unfiltered) with spring rolls
- Mead Table: Southern Origin Cherry Berry Ginger, Southern Origin The Culler (this is a cotton blossom mead!), and Monks Mead Peachin' to the Choir with watermelon feta skewers
- Still Pond Muscadine Table: Notchaway White, Farmhouse Peach, and Savannah River Red with charcuterie skewers made up of pepperoni, genoa salami, provolone and muenster
- Oak Table: Parducci Chardonnay, Vina Robles The Arborist, and Hwy 12 Carneros Pinot Noir with steak crostini
- Korbel Table: Brut, Brut Rose, and Sweet Cuvee with baklava
Todd M Beasley, Ed.D, director of the Garden, added, “In another lifetime, I designed ‘Posh Cottage Gardens’ and would convey to people that their garden should be a place to walk daily and piddle with a glass of wine to make light work. This is that exact experience minus the work!”
‘The Garden Uncorked’ was more than a wine event. It was a celebration of nature, legacy, and community creating an unforgettable tasting adventure!
You can visit the Botanic Garden at 1503 Bland Avenue in Statesboro. Visit their website for more upcoming events.
