From Vine to Table: How Northfield Vineyards Became Sparta’s Favorite Spot for Wine and Wood-Fired Pizza
If you’ve ever found yourself winding through the scenic hills of Sparta, TN, you might’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem: Northfield Vineyards. But this isn’t just any winery—it’s a family farm with roots that dig deep into the Tennessee soil, dating all the way back to 1904. And at the heart of it all? The owners, brother Mark Ray, sister Marty Luna and their mother, Diana Ray, turned a dream of staying closer to home into a thriving business where wine, pizza, and good company come together in perfect harmony. Working alongside Kim Murdock as their head pizza maker, Coleen Whiteaker handling the bookkeeping as well as the tasting room and Vickie Denton, who is a huge help to the vineyard, their team is unstoppable.
For Mark, the journey into winemaking started as a way to leave behind a life on the road. “I was tired of trucking and wanted to be at home more,” he says. But what began as a desire for a simpler life quickly blossomed into something more. After ten years of crafting wines that locals and visitors can’t get enough of, the family decided to take things up a notch—because what pairs better with wine than pizza?
Last fall, Northfield Vineyards added a wood-fired kitchen to the mix, and by December, the ovens were blazing, serving up hot, fresh pizzas that kept guests lingering a little longer. Mark loves nothing more than seeing people gather on the property, sipping wine and savoring every bite of their meals. “We wanted to add food so our customers could enjoy our property longer and hang out with us,” he shares. And hang out they do—because when you’ve got good wine, good food, and even better company, there’s really no reason to rush.
Mark’s passion for both wine and pizza shines through in everything Northfield does. Whether it’s their beloved Taco Pizza or a classic Stromboli, there’s something comforting and familiar about each bite, like sharing a meal with old friends. And while the pizza is a relatively new addition, the sense of community it fosters is something that’s been at the heart of Northfield Vineyards from the start.
But perhaps their favorite part of owning the vineyard isn’t just the food or the wine—it’s the people. “Meeting so many people from all over the world” is what keeps them inspired. Every visitor brings a new story, a fresh face, and a shared love for the simple pleasures of life: great wine, delicious pizza, and the warmth of a family-run farm.
So next time you find yourself near Sparta, TN, make sure to swing by Northfield Vineyards. Whether you’re there for the wine, the pizza, or just to say hi to the team, one thing’s for sure—you’ll leave feeling like part of the family.
