BAXTER – After enjoying nearly 13 years of great success in the Upper Cumberland region, DelMonaco Winery & Vineyards in Baxter has expanded its footprint into the eastern part of Wilson County.
On May 15, DelMonaco Watertown officially opened its doors for business in the heart of downtown Watertown, a small, historic community within an hour drive of Nashville. Now, customers of DelMonaco Winery & Vineyards who live within the surrounding suburbs of Nashville won’t have to travel as far to get their favorite wines, while those who have never tried their award-winning offerings have the opportunity to do so within just a short drive.
“Watertown is such an historic and charming community,” said Michael Neuman, who, along with his wife Cara, own the building at 120 East Main Street in Watertown. The couple partnered with the owners of DelMonaco Winery & Vineyards, David and Barbara DelMonaco, to open up DelMonaco Watertown. “When my wife and I first visited here a few years back, people really embraced us and treated us like family. After meeting David and Barbara, seeing their remarkable winery and tasting their exceptional product, Cara and I began to discuss the possibility of helping them expand into Watertown.”
While the main DelMonaco location in Baxter is a large, elegant venue, perfect for weddings and other large events, DelMonaco Watertown is more of a hip, rustic venue, with a cozy, yet spacious feel. Both locations offer the perfect backdrop for a “day out” wine excursion, ladies get-away, reunion with old friends or time with that special person. The two venues share many qualities; however, each will offer up their own special events.
“DelMonaco in Baxter is such a beautiful facility,” said Neuman. “They have it all; the big ballroom, the vineyard, now there’s a Bistro inside. We knew we didn’t have a location that would offer up all that Baxter does, but we knew we had a spot that could offer the same charm, not to mention the same great products, that you can find in Baxter.”
Since their grand opening, DelMonaco Watertown has featured live entertainment every Saturday night, and will continue to do so. Artists from Nashville and all throughout Middle Tennessee have graced the venue’s stage, and special guests have been known to pop in on occasion.
“You really don’t know who might show up to perform,” noted Neuman. “Watertown has a rich history of music artists performing here and shooting music videos right downtown. Anyone at any time might just walk through that door, sit down and start playing.”
Among the music videos filmed at the current DelMonaco location include Justin Bieber’s One Less Lonely Girl, and Blanco Brown’s The Git Up.
While food trucks occasionally visit the premises, visitors are also welcome to bring their own food in, and many do, from the pizzeria right down the street to the Mexican restaurant just across the road. “We call if BYFF – Bring Your Food & Friends,” Neuman said. For those looking for nearby food option, there’s a pizzeria right down the road and a Mexican restaurant just across the street.
One element Neuman has been focused on since before the opening of DelMonaco Watertown has been increasing the excursion trains to downtown Watertown. Train excursions used to be commonplace at the Baxter location, but due to the track conditions, it is no longer feasible to bring the trains all the way to western Putnam County.
“Watertown is the best train stop anywhere east of Nashville,” noted Neuman, as he spoke of the process of cultivating the excursion trains on a more regular basis. “Mayor Mike Jennings has worked tirelessly to make the railway through Watertown a vital part of the community’s tourism. One of his future goals – and this will be a huge addition for both our winery and the community itself – is the construction of a railroad turntable, which will allow excursion trains from Nashville to turn around in Watertown. It could possibly make Watertown a true one-day, every weekend, excursion for those who enjoy the small-town atmosphere.”
For those who live in and around Lebanon, Mt. Juliet, Murfreesboro and even Nashville, they no longer have to drive as far to get the DelMonaco Winery experience. Just like in Baxter, a friendly staff is always ready to meet, greet and go above and beyond to make each customer’s experience an unforgettable one.
“Whether they simply come in to drink wine or an ice-cold craft beer, or if they want to hang out, listen to music or even play some games, DelMonaco Watertown is a true destination that offers a little something for everyone,” said Neuman. “Just as Cara and I were treated when we first came to Watertown, we want DelMonaco Watertown’s customers to feel like they are among family and friends when they visit. We want them to feel that way every time they come through Watertown and our door.”
