New Muskogee Winery Already Winning Awards

Pecan Creek Winery is relatively new in Muskogee, but it’s already winning some awards.

Co-owner and winemaker, Bob Wickizer, said it all started as a hobby that eventually took over their home.

"My wife and I used to make small batches of wine for years," he said. “Then it took over the garage with 600 gallons. After that, we knew we were committed."

Wickizer, his operations director, Gary Ketchem, and his daughter, Laura, showed us around what happens when a hobby becomes a business.

"We have about 4,000 gallons of total tank capacity; almost 100 gallons in barrels," he said.

If they continue to grow they'll need even more room.

But the winery business is so difficult in Oklahoma, and Wickizer knows it.

"Four of them have gone out of business within 50 miles of here," he said.

But, despite being relatively new, they are already producing award-winning wines; six entries in an international competition in Dallas produced four medal winners – two silver and two bronze.

The busy time for them is just ahead. In August and September, they expect to process 11 to 12 tons of grapes into more award winning wines.

Pecan Creek is open Thursday through Sunday. You can find information on hours and directions here.