Thirsty Farmer – March 2025 Member of the Month
March 3, 2025
Kristopher Kelley
A Vineyard Dream: The Story of Thirsty Farmer
Michael and Savannah Ray stood on a quiet patch of land in Calhoun, Louisiana, the air thick with the scent of warm earth and possibility. The sun cast long golden shadows over the freshly planted vines, their delicate tendrils reaching toward the sky. It was 2016, and their dream was just beginning—one vine, one season at a time.
The couple had always imagined creating something special in their hometown. They didn’t want just another winery; they wanted a place that felt like home, where friends and family could gather, share stories, and experience the rich flavors of Louisiana-crafted wine. They envisioned laughter ringing through the vineyard, live music drifting through the evening air, and glasses clinking in celebration of life’s sweetest moments.
The vineyard took root, growing alongside their passion. In 2018, they expanded, adding more vines and refining their craft. With each harvest, their knowledge deepened, their wines becoming more expressive of the land they so deeply loved. Then, in 2020, another expansion followed, a sign that their dream was becoming something bigger than they had ever imagined.
By the time they opened Thirsty Farmer in June 2022, it wasn’t just about the wine—it was about the experience. Nestled at 531 State Highway 144 in Calhoun, the family-owned winery quickly became a place of connection and community. Guests didn’t just sip wine; they became part of the story. From the first swirl of a bold red to the crisp, refreshing notes of their hard cider, each pour told a tale of dedication, hard work, and a love for Louisiana’s land.
On any given evening, as the sun dips below the vines and a band tuned up for the night’s performance, Michael and Savannah get to pause, taking it all in. The laughter of friends, the excited chatter of first-time visitors, the clink of glasses raised in toasts - a dream truly has taken root in Ouachita Parish.
And so, at Thirsty Farmer, the motto isn’t just words—it’s a way of life:
“Life is short… Share the wine.”