Drama in the Delta: The Tantalizing Tale of Mississippi’s First Winery

An Unprecedented Beginning

After earning their degrees from Mississippi State University in 1976, the young couple, Di and Sam Rushing found themselves at a crossroads. With 350 acres of inherited land in Merigold and no clear vision of their future, the Rushings made a groundbreaking decision. They resolved to open the first winery in Mississippi.

Within six years, their winery was complemented by a quaint eatery. By 1990, the family business boasted eight national award-winning wines, a thriving restaurant, and a lush vineyard. However, a string of unfortunate incidents soon began to unravel their successful narrative.

Unforeseen Turmoil

The trouble began with the discovery of an employee, Ray Russell, dealing drugs on the winery premises. Once caught, he was immediately terminated. However, rather than moving on, Russell waged a fearsome vendetta against the business.

In a sinister pre-dawn break-in, he emptied their entire wine storage — nearly a quarter of a million dollars’ worth — into the drain. Although he proceeded to shatter every window with the intention of igniting the gas from the kitchen stove, his plan was thankfully foiled. Damage aside, this incident marked the beginning of a harrowing ordeal for the Rushings.

The Aftermath and Harrowing Escalation

Despite the supportive community rallying to their aid, Russell’s terror persisted, forcing the Rushings to shutter their thriving business of 14 years. The family was eventually driven to seek refuge in Ouray, Colorado, away from the constant threats. While establishing their new lives miles away, the story took an even more sinister turn with the shocking murders of Ray Russell, his wife, and father twenty-five years later.

The Delta in the Rearview Mirror: An Insightful Read

Woven into the tumultuous tale of the crime narrative, Di Rushing has penned her poignant memoir, “The Delta in the Rearview Mirror: The Life and Death of Mississippi’s First Winery”. This book explores the author’s journey navigating this harrowing ordeal. It expertly presents her experiences while growing up in Greenville during the 1960s, her college years, extensive travels, and the robust relationships that shaped her life along the way.

Di Rushing’s Presentation: A Peak Into the Past

Off Square Books is set to host Di Rushing on Tuesday, March 12 at 5:30 pm. Born and raised in the Mississippi Delta, Di was instrumental in establishing Mississippi’s first winery alongside her husband in 1976. Following this, she introduced the “Top of the Cellar Tea Room” and also published a cookbook comprising the signature recipes of her unique establishment. Despite the tumultuous turn of events leading her to relocate to Colorado, she fondly confesses to still missing the Delta sunsets.