We had the good fortune of connecting with Josh Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Josh, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
As a former mechanical engineer, I often got bored of being stuck in a “box” with little to no creative flexibility. I chose to pursue winemaking for many different reasons. Winemaking was not merely a career choice for me; it was a way to leave a lasting legacy. I wanted to create wines that told stories, that transcended time, and that would be cherished by generations to come. It was about more than just crafting a product; it was about infusing each bottle with a piece of my heart and soul.

Sharing my wines with others brought me immeasurable joy. Witnessing the pleasure on someone’s face as they savored the complexities and nuances of my creations filled my heart with a sense of fulfillment that words cannot describe. I felt connected to people through the shared experience of savoring something I had poured my heart into.

Through winemaking, I discovered my purpose—to express my creativity, to honor the land, and to touch the lives of others through a medium that bridged the gap between art and science. It wasn’t always an easy path, but the challenges were worth it, as they pushed me to grow and refine my craft.

In the end, winemaking was more than a career; it was a lifelong journey of self-discovery, passion, and artistic expression. And as I continue to follow this path, I look forward to each harvest, each blend, and each bottle that allows me to share a piece of my soul with the world.

What should our readers know about your business?
It all started on a cold, rainy day in the fall of 2009. Stuck inside on the couch with nothing interesting to do, we started to be plagued with a condition that we loathe most in life called “boredom.” We decided to confront the issue head on and started to brainstorm some creative things to do.

Our minds went to the thought of making beer as we knew plenty of our other friends did this. Even though we do occasionally enjoy a beer on a hot day, we didn’t want to be like everyone else. Then we thought “how about wine?” The moment we had this thought, we knew it was meant to be. Being raised near the Finger Lakes wine region in New York, we both really grew to have a passion for wine over the years. After doing some research we decided that we were ready to make our first batch at home!

We were delighted to find that there was a local winery and winemaking supply store near our home in Greenville, South Carolina. We pulled up to “City Scape Winery” and were we first learned about how to make wine. Hours later, we walked out with the proper wine making supplies and our first wine making kit. Little did we know that this action would change our lives forever.

Six years later our little hobby had turned into more of a lifestyle. In 2012 we made ten different types of wine for our wedding (125 bottles). With it being a big hit, we decided to make even more, even converting one of our guest rooms into a makeshift wine cellar, complete with floor to ceiling wine racks and separate HVAC.

In late 2015, God gave us the opportunity to step into the wine business full time. It was absolutely terrifying, but we quit our full-time jobs, took out a giant loan, and decided to purchase that little winery we had grown to love over the years. Since then we have grown City Scape Winery to become known for amazing wines, beautiful surroundings, and a place to find rest and solace from the pressures of everyday life.

No matter your background, we invite you to come to the winery and experience for yourself what we are all about here at City Scape Winery.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Greenville, South Carolina, is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene and plenty of exciting attractions to explore. Here are some of the most fun, interesting, and exciting things to check out in Greenville:

1) Falls Park on the Reedy: This stunning urban park features beautiful waterfalls, gardens, walking trails, and a picturesque pedestrian bridge. It’s a great place to relax, have a picnic, or take a scenic stroll.

2) Greenville Zoo: A perfect destination for families, the Greenville Zoo is home to a variety of animals, including giraffes, lions, primates, and more. It offers educational programs and interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages.

3) Greenville Swamp Rabbits: If you’re a sports enthusiast, catch an ice hockey game played by the local team, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

4) Artisphere: This annual art festival showcases works of talented artists from across the country. Artisphere features a wide range of visual arts, performing arts, live music, and delicious food.

5) The Peace Center: Experience the arts and entertainment at The Peace Center, which hosts concerts, Broadway shows, dance performances, and other cultural events in its world-class venues.

6) Greenville Drive: For baseball fans, attending a Greenville Drive game at Fluor Field, a mini replica of Fenway Park, is a delightful experience.

7) Swamp Rabbit Trail: This 22-mile long multi-use trail is perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling, offering scenic views of the city and connecting various neighborhoods.

8) BMW Zentrum Museum: Car enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the BMW Zentrum Museum, where you can learn about the history and innovation of BMW automobiles.

9) Upcountry History Museum: Explore the history and culture of the Upstate region through interactive exhibits and engaging displays at this fascinating museum.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people I would love to give credit to!

1) My Lord – I have a tough job, and there is no way I could do it without God’s direction and insight.
2) My Wife, Debra – She works each day to help run with winery as well as managing our incredible team of 47 people.
3) My Parents – They have worked tirelessly over the past seven years to help build the winery and support us even when no one saw what was possible.

Website: www.cityscapewinery.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cityscapewinery/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cityscapewinery

Image Credits
J. Jones Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.