East Tennessee families have a new reason to celebrate. In the foothills just outside Knoxville, the Brewington family has turned a former cattle operation into Windy Hill Farm and Preserve, a thriving wildlife sanctuary, and Wilder, a fine‑dining restaurant now listed in the MICHELIN Guide.
From Cattle Pastures to Native Grasslands
Steven Brewington’s grandfather bought the property in 2001 with a simple vision: a working cattle farm. Over the years, Steven grew up on the land, learning the rhythms of farming and the value of hard work. As he took on management duties, he forged relationships with wildlife biologists and habitat specialists, sparking a passion for conservation.
Guided by that passion, the family restored former pastures to native grasslands, creating habitat for species such as the northern bobwhite quail, which has begun reproducing successfully on the property. “Being able to rehabilitate the land while creating opportunities for people to connect with it has been incredibly fulfilling,” Steven said.
A Restaurant Grows From the Kitchen
When Windy Hill began welcoming hunting guests, the family saw a practical need: meals for tired outdoorsmen. What started as three simple dishes cooked in a home kitchen soon evolved into Wilder, a restaurant that now offers a ten‑course Watershed tasting menu tracing water’s journey from the Appalachian highlands to the Gulf.
Chef Ben Warwick, a Knoxville native, brings his own family traditions to the kitchen. He grew up watching his mother and grandmothers prepare meals for large family gatherings, a memory that informs his approach to hospitality. “The goal is that the entire dining experience at Wilder tells the story of Windy Hill,” Warwick explained. Dishes such as smoked pork belly glazed with peppers grown on the preserve and cheese from nearby Sweetwater Valley illustrate the farm‑to‑table ethos.
Community Access and Conservation Education
Windy Hill Preserve is open to the public for hiking, wildlife observation, and educational programs. While overnight guests receive three daily meals, Wilder welcomes the broader community for lunch Thursday through Saturday and dinner Wednesday through Sunday. Warwick encourages visitors to linger, noting that dining “surrounded by the land helps inspire what’s on your plate.”
“You’re close to Knoxville, but it feels like you’ve gotten away for the evening,” he added, underscoring the preserve’s role as a local retreat.
Family Dream Continues
The Brewington story is a testament to stewardship, entrepreneurship, and the power of a multigenerational vision. From a grandfather’s desire for a cattle farm to a grandson’s commitment to conservation and a chef’s celebration of Appalachian heritage, the project illustrates how local dreams can blossom into nationally recognized achievements while staying rooted in community values.
For East Tennesseans seeking a place where nature, family, and fine food intersect, Windy Hill Farm and Wilder offer a compelling example of what can be accomplished when tradition meets thoughtful stewardship.
Original reporting: Knox TN Today — read the source article.
