Amateur winemakers from Rutherford County recently proved that great wine doesn’t have to come from a commercial vineyard. At the annual competition hosted by the Tennessee Viticulture and Oenological Society, several local hobbyists earned top honors—many of them students of Prohibition Home Brewing.

Seven of this year’s competition entries were submitted by individuals who had taken winemaking classes through Prohibition Home Brewing. Six of those wines earned medals; three of the winners were first-time winemakers. Michelle Buster won four medals and the Kit Wine Maker of the Year award. Bob New, Amanda Howell and Susan Young, all first-time winemakers, all also won medals at the 2026 honors. These results demonstrate how quickly beginners can develop the skills needed to produce award-worthy wine with the right guidance and enthusiasm.

The local hobbyists learned the fundamentals of fermentation, sanitation and blending through hands-on classes taught by Prohibition Home Brewing. The classes are designed to take students step-by-step through the winemaking process—from grape to finished bottle—while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and fun.

Classes are currently held in Murfreesboro at Hop Springs and in Nashville at Coco’s Italian Market & Restaurant, giving aspiring winemakers convenient opportunities to learn the craft close to home. For many participants, the experience begins as a fun class or new hobby. But as the TVOS competition results show, it can quickly grow into something more rewarding. With a little patience, the right instruction, and a passion for wine, beginners can discover that crafting an award-winning bottle is well within reach.

Those looking to take up winemaking as a new hobby can find more information on upcoming classes by visiting prohibitionhomebrewing.com or calling 615-455-9796.