G&G Party Pics

2019 Annual Society Gathering

This summer, members of the Garden & Gun Society gathered for an exclusive getaway at Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee. The weekend, hosted by G&G editors, founders, and contributors, featured three days of exceptional workshops, music, and cuisine. Guests enjoyed live performances from The Watson Twins, riveting storytelling with David DiBenedetto and Matt Lee, sporting dog demonstrations with Mike Stewart, bourbon tastings with Julian Van Winkle III, wine tastings from Bryant Estate Vineyard, and more.

Special thanks to:

Blackberry Farm

Julian Van Winkle III

The Watson Twins

Matt Lee

Mike Stewart

Bryant Estate Vineyard

Moore & Giles

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A cocktail hour and seated dinner, featuring dishes by Blackberry Farm executive chef Cassidee Dabney and wine from Bryant Estate Vineyard, opens the three-day retreat.

Photo: Maggie Armstrong

Stacey and Justin Bingler.

Photo: Maggie Armstrong

On Monday morning, guests join David DiBenedetto and food writer Matt Lee in Bramble Hall for a lively discussion of The Lee Bros.’ latest book, Hotbox.

Photo: Maggie Armstrong

Following the discussion, Mike Stewart of Wildrose Kennels leads guests through a sporting dog demonstration with his famed retrievers.

Photo: Maggie Armstrong

Proprietor Mary Celeste Beall with G&G co-founder and CEO Rebecca Darwin.

Photo: Maggie Armstrong

Julian Van Winkle III of Pappy Van Winkle offers guests a special tasting of the Van Winkle Special Reserve 12-Year and Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15-Year.

Photo: Maggie Armstrong

Guests take notes as executive chef Cassidee Dabney prepares a sauce for the evening’s crab and laurel-aged rice dish.

Photo: Maggie Armstrong

The final products of the Blackberry Farm culinary demonstration: caramelized chess pie and crab and laurel-aged rice.

Photo: Maggie Armstrong

Guests partake in sporting activities around Blackberry Farm such as fly-fishing, horseback riding, clay shooting, and hiking.

Photo: Maggie Armstrong

From left: Julian Van Winkle III, Lindsay Fleege, Sissy Van Winkle, and David DiBenedetto.

Photo: Maggie Armstrong

From left: Joe and Anne Russell and Carole and John Ferguson.

Photo: Maggie Armstrong

At Tuesday night’s finale dinner, each setting is complete with a custom illustrated place card by Markey Mossman of Hatch Cove Designs.

Photo: Maggie Armstrong

The fourth course of the evening: Elysian Fields farm lamb with creamer pea panisse, herb puree, crème fraîche, roasted cauliflower, and carrots.

Photo: Maggie Armstrong

As a memento of the weekend, Society members each receive a personalized leather luggage tag, custom-made by Moore & Giles.

Photo: Maggie Armstrong

The final evening concludes with a live set from The Watson Twins and Carl Broemel of My Morning Jacket.

Photo: Maggie Armstrong

Cheers to an amazing three days at Blackberry Farm!

Photo: Maggie Armstrong