Farm Profile: Knob Creek Vineyard & Winery
A Historical retreat opens New Winery
Introduction: There have been many chapters in the history of this land, now located in the middle of urban Johnson City. For those who have visited the farm, you’ll know how each building tells a story of the history of the region: the Museum; the Log Cabin; the Caboose. In May 2026, Knob Creek Farm has a new chapter in its story: its new dedicated winery building opened in May 2026, including a tasting room for the public, and a kitchen and production floor to expand their farm business.
A steady presence in the center of Johnson City, surrounded by the bustle of shopping malls and new housing, is a 15-acre working farm still preserving the centuries-old history of Washington County, while innovating for today.
Knob Creek Farm & Vineyard (Oakland Rd & Dennys Mills Rd) is a working farm winery, with a tasting room open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
And with your wine, you get a tour back in time. Knob Creek has 3 museum buildings. The vines sit on farmland that has been continuously worked for more than 200 years by the Sherfey family, giving it a “Century Farm” designation.
The museum collections were the work of Margaret Sherfey Holley (d. 2018) and George Holley (d. 2020) and who dedicated their lives to preserving and presenting the history of Washington County and the region. (The Holleys were consistent supporters of the Appalachian RC&D Council since the organization was started, and George in particular gave advice and connections to ARCD Board and staff over many years. They were one of the first Quilt Trail locations in the early 2000’s.)
While sipping your wine you can explore Appalachian artifacts spanning over 250 years, an extensive lithics collection, exhibits on the daily life of settlers, and replicas of key historic buildings. There’s the main farmhouse museum, the red retired Clinchfield caboose which houses train memorabilia, and the oldest log cabin in the area.
The work of farm and history preservation is carried on diligently by their descendants: daughter Deanna Holley Carey, and her daughter Crystal Davidson and son-in-law Paul Davidson.
In recent years, Crystal and Paul have evolved the farm into a working vineyard and winery while preserving its historical identity.
The vineyard grows French and American grape varieties, and produces wines that have received award-winning attention.
“The reason we got into this is because our competition encouraged us to do it. The best part of the winery business is the people,” says Paul.
Their story is one of mutual aid and assistance. Their grape vines were a gift from another vineyard. The bar was a gift from brewery friends. They have been taking their grapes to the professional processing floor of a winery in Virginia for the production side while their own building is under construction.
Not having a dedicated winery building has not cramped their passion or momentum. For several years Crystal and Paul pursued hands on training and community building, learning from others while doing. The Knob Creek Museum porch was turned into the Tasting Room, or Tasting Porch. A suitable blend of historic preservation and agritourism.
But a new chapter is soon to open for the family: their own dedicated winery building is now open as of May 2026. Stop by! experienceknobcreek.com
Open:
Friday 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Saturday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Or give a call to schedule a tour or reserve space for an event.
At left: The Sherfey farm in the 1800s, now Johnson City.