Meet Dr. Claire Livingston! Claire is the owner of Cavender Creek Vineyards in Dahlonega. She was born and raised in Dublin, Georgia and now lives in Dahlonega as an entrepreneur and vineyard owner! I want to thank Claire for spending time with me recently and sharing her adventure over the past three years of moving to North Georgia and purchasing Cavender Creek Vineyards. I pass by the Vineyard weekly and love all the changes she is making and watching her journey unfold.
Question: How did you choose your current career?
Answer: It has been an interesting story. I had visited Dahlonega and North Georgia many years ago and I just had a dream of someday living in North Georgia and I also had this dream of wanting to own a winery. At the time, I was a professor teaching anatomy and cell biology and had no experience at all with wines or entrepreneurship. However, it somehow just seemed to fall in place once I got serious and started looking for a winery to purchase. It really was a dream come true and I am living the dream!
Question: What is your favorite movie?
Answer: What Dreams Are Made of with Robin Williams. (A good “dream movie!)
Question: What is your favorite restaurant in Dahlonega?
Answer: Honestly, I can’t just pick out one. I love Spirits, Shenanigans and Capers. That will just have to do it. Oh, and I have to add Johnny B’s for wings. YUM…
Question: Who is one of the most interesting people that you have met in Dahlonega?
Answer: I would have to say Raymond Castleman, the previous owner of Cavender Creek Vineyard. I was introduced to Raymond and although his winery was not for sale, after meeting him and getting to know him I ended up purchasing the Winery. He had a dream and now I am sort of moving a part of that dream forward. Raymond is really a gentleman, an adventurer and really engaging.
Question: If you could travel anywhere in the world, right now, where would it be and why?
Answer: It would have to be Italy. Why? Wine of course and just the ambiance and beauty of Italy.
Question: What is it you like most about Dahlonega?
Answer: The people first. I have met so many great people and made new friends! I love the culture of Dahlonega. There are such a variety of things to see and do and I also adore the small town atmosphere. It is just a delightful place to live AND to have a business!
Question: What is something about you that most people don’t know?
Answer: I am an avid bird watcher and really enjoy deep sea fishing.
Question: What three bands would you want to see in concert ( Dead or Alive)?
Answer: The Beatles, John Denver and Elton John.
Question: Can you name three words that mean family to you?
Answer: Love, Acceptance, Friendship
