Truluck Vineyards Winery is a historically significant estate property in South Carolina. Founded in 1976 by Dr. James P. Truluck Jr., a Lake City dentist whose passion for French viticulture was ignited while stationed at Fort Jackson in 1959. Truluck became only the third commercial winery in the state. After more than a decade of research across 30+ French hybrid grape varieties, Dr. Truluck built a winery capable of producing 30,000 gallons annually, finished in stainless steel tanks and aged in 19th-century oak casks crafted from Limousin oak, the same wood prized by the great chateaux of Bordeaux, France. This was a true family endeavor built from the ground up with vision, patience, and an unwavering love of the land.Situated 3.3 miles from the heart of downtown Lake City. Philanthropist Darla Moore has poured extraordinary investment into her hometown -- establishing the world-class Moore Farms Botanical Garden, founding ArtFields, the Southeast's premier juried art competition, and breathing new life into a Main Street lined with boutiques, dining, and cultural destinations. To own here is to be at the center of something genuinely special.
Arrival is announced by a half-mile paved concrete driveway flanked by a stately avenue of live oaks, entering through a brick gate with black fencing and copper-topped posts. The 140.14 acres offer a striking diversity of landscape -- approximately 50 acres of fenced pasture, 75 +/- acres of mature hardwood bottoms and mixed pines, and a rear boundary that eases into Lake Swamp. Four ponds totaling 2.9 +/- acres are woven throughout, with a covered dock on the main pond providing the perfect perch for quiet mornings or casual entertaining.
The two-story, plantation-style main home offers 4,868 square feet of thoughtfully remodeled living space with 6 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. A master suite spanning nearly 1,000 square feet anchors the home, complemented by rich oak hardwood floors, a private sauna, a working backup generator, and a large garage. Beautiful upper and lower wraparound porches frame sweeping views of the pastures and ponds beyond. There is zero deferred maintenance, and the home is move-in ready.
The 4,118 square-foot winery building is the crown jewel of this estate -- all original, with nothing renovated or altered, preserving the authentic character and craftsmanship of Dr. Truluck's founding vision. Immaculately maintained, it is fully appointed with a below-ground wine cellar, tasting room, production areas, serving station, and three restrooms. Whether one envisions continuing Dr. Truluck's storied winemaking tradition or reimagining the space as a premier private event destination, this building is a world-class asset with limitless potential.
A 12-stall horse barn anchors the equestrian core of the property, supported by a 4,200 square-foot equipment shed, a 1,500 square-foot equipment shed with one tractor conveying, and a covered fuel station with both diesel and gas tanks. The fenced pastures are well-suited for horses, and equine boarding income represents a compelling and ready revenue stream for a new owner.
Truluck Vineyards has a history as a venue, previously hosting weddings, receptions, and rehearsal dinners. The lovingly restored 1936 guest cottage adds 1,224 square feet of additional accommodations and has generated rental income. Combined with equine boarding revenue and event venue potential, the property offers multiple active income streams from day one.
Hunting remains a largely untapped resource at Truluck Vineyards. Whitetail deer are a frequent presence, eastern wild turkey are regularly seen strutting through the open pastures, and several productive wood duck holes dot the southern reaches of the property, making this a sportsman's paradise hiding in plain sight.
