“Out in the country, past the city limits sign,” of Nashville, Tennessee, sits Kix Brooks’ Arrington Vineyards, where he and his team have been “boot scootin'” and cranking out award-winning wines since the early 2000s.

Co-owned with Kip Summers and John Russell, the country music superstar’s estate is one of just 77 in Tennessee. And it all started with a Christmas present from wine-loving friends Faith Hill and Tim McGraw.

Knowing Kix enjoyed wine but wasn’t an expert, they gifted him a wine club subscription that would introduce him to a range of international bottles. It wasn’t long before Kix was totally hooked and began trekking out to Napa to indulge in the wine country lifestyle.

Someone from church would later introduce him to Kip, who had recently turned a 25-acre hog farm in Arrington, Tennessee into a vineyard. When the property across the street went up for sale, Kix jumped at the possibility of creating an all-out winery destination—wine country with a twang, if you will.

Arrington Vineyards officially opened in 2007, with current winemaker Chase Vienneau taking the production reins from Kip and John jumping in to help expand business operations a year later.

The bold red blend showcases their Southern roots and commitment to viticultural excellence in perfect measure. After maturing in oak, it’s transferred to Tennessee whiskey barrels for additional aging.

“It’s this process that makes Antiquity unique,” says Kip. “We don't source dry, empty barrels from the internet and ‘run the wine through them’—we source wet, just-emptied barrels from local distilleries.”

The resulting wine is irresistibly smooth, with warming tobacco and cherry licorice aromas giving way to a palate of red fruits, star anise and a distinct kiss of whiskey.