Blackberry grower turns central Georgia into wine country

SPARTA - For years, Beau Courson was the largest producer of blackberries in Georgia. But competition from large corporate farms in south Georgia forced him to diversify. <br> <br> Now the Sparta farmer is one of the only producers of blackberry and muscadine wine in central Georgia. <br> <br> Courson&#39;s wine-making venture started in 1998 as a home experiment with excess fruit. <br> <br> But wine making regulations are so strict that just getting permission was a two-year process. <br> <br> Since then, Courson&#39;s concentration has been working on the first four muscadine and blackberry wines he plans to unveil December 15th called: Governors Mansion, Beaulah Red, Courson&#39;s Blush and Mill Creek.