Augusta became the location of Fruitland Nurseries , one of the most successful nurseries in the 19th century . Belgian horticulturists , Prosper J . Berckmans planted millions of peach trees and his Fruitland Nurseries helped Georgia become famous for its sweet Georgia Peaches . But following his death the nurseries were sold . In 1931 , they were transformed into one of the most famous golf courses in the world .

Back in 1853 farmer Dennis Redmond named the property “ Fruitland ”. He grew peaches , apples , grapes , strawberries and other trees and shrubs . Redmond also began building a large house he called “ Fruitland Manor ’ and it still remains . Surprise : The old manor house is actually the clubhouse at the Augusta National Golf Club .

In 1857 father and son Louis and Prosper Berckmans emigrated from Belgium to New Jersey and then chose Augusta as the perfect location to build their nursery . They liked the climate and soil ,

and Augusta ’ s location made it an ideal hub for transportation via water , road and rail . That year , they acquired 50 percent ownership of Redmond ’ s farm , and a year later Prosper became the sole owner of Fruitland . He purchased additional acres of surrounding land to expand his business and completed Fruitland Manor to make it his home .

Prosper developed and improved many types of peaches , including the Chinese Cling , Belle , Elberta and Thurbur varieties . He became known as the “ Father of the Peach Culture ”. Eventually all three of his sons were employed by the P . J . Berckmans Company . Prosper went on to become a talented landscape architect and designed numerous gardens in the South . He sons also went into landscape design and Louis created plans for numerous golf courses around the world .

On November 6 , 1910 , Prosper passed away at age 80 . His three sons carried on the business , but his will left land to his second wife and that complicated matters . The business was shut down and in 1918 ; the trade name was sold to R . L . Wheeler who became foreman at the Nurseries .

As the early 20th century progressed , Augusta evolved as a small winter retreat for the wealthy . In 1925 , Miami hotel mogul J . Perry Commodore Stoltz purchased the Fruitland property to build a winter

resort . However , he never completed the project and the property stood idle for the remainder of the 1920s .

In 1931 , the property was sold to famous golfer Bobby Jones and his partners for a reported $ 70,000 . They planned to establish a golf course . Prosper ’ s two sons , L . A . and Allie , returned and assisted in the landscape design of this famous course . The Berckmans ’ family home still remains and serves as the clubhouse , although there have been renovations .

Did you know that the Masters trophy , which stays at Augusta National , is a sterling silver replica of the original clubhouse mounted on a pedestal with winners ’ names ? The champion receives a sterling silver replica at one quarter the size .

Enter Fruitland Augusta Vodka

Five years ago , Yuri Kato , beverage alcohol consultant , marketer and author of Japanese Cocktails , decided she wanted to create her own alcohol brand . The Atlanta resident happened to come across some research on Prosper Berckmans . She read the manuscripts in French describing Berckmans passion and his impact on the Georgia peach culture .

Herself inspired , Kato worked for four years to create a formula and then had it tested by chemists . “ When we �����o��� th� �a�or �ro���� � �i�n�t want anything but peaches to come through ,” said Kato . Fruitland Augusta

Georgia Peach Vodka and Georgia Peach Sweet Tea debuted on the market in August 2014 .

The peaches are sourced from a variety of farms around Georgia including Lane Southern Orchards , Carroll Farms , and Pearson Farms . While only pure Georgia peach juices are used , the vodkas are currently bottled in Kentucky due to laws prohibiting the manufacture of alcohol in Augusta . Work is now underway to repeal that law . Recently , I had the pleasure of meeting the dynamic Yuri Kato and tasting her products . I happen to love peaches , so I found the taste and smell of fresh peaches divine . Since my tasting happened during the winter , I tried a Fruitland Martini .

Fruitland Augusta Peach Vodka Martini

3 ounces of Fruitland Augusta Georgia Peach Vodka ¼ ounce orange liqueur

Simply shake with ice and strain into a martini glass . Garnish with a slice of fresh Georgia peach when available .

The Fruitland Augusta Georgia Peach Tea can be poured directly over ice or is popularly mixed half and half with lemonade .

Sadly , I do not live in Georgia , so I cannot buy the Fruitland products , but next time I visit the nearby state , I will pick up a stash !

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