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NATCHEZ — More space where tourists can go and “see the grapes growing” and sip wine made from the vineyard is what Old South Winery owners had in mind for future expansion on Highway 61.

However, state regulations require the land for the vineyard to be licensed first as a resort, which the Adams County Board of Supervisors had no problems supporting during its Tuesday meeting.

Scott Galbreath III, owner of old South Winery at 65 South Concord Ave., told supervisors he is looking to expand his business for his children to take over as he did after his late father.

“My parents started the winery 45 years ago and three of my sons work there full time for me. They decided they want to carry on the tradition, so I said we’d have to expand the business,” Galbreath said.

He added he bought a piece of land on Highway 61 across from the Department of Motor Vehicles where he looks to build a new winery “close enough to town where boats and tourists could get to” and “could see the grapes growing. This would be a really neat place.”

To do that, the vineyard would have to qualify as a resort area through the county.

“We certainly appreciate the fact that you’re staying in the county trying to grow your business,” said the Board of Supervisors President Kevin Wilson. “We will not stand in your way.”

Galbreath said he couldn’t imagine it being anywhere else.

“This is our community. This is our home,” he said.

In addition to wine, Old South Winery has also become known for using the seed and dried skin of the muscadine grapes to make a supplement called “New-U.”

“I didn’t know what this was until I was in New Jersey or somewhere talking to someone about a pain in my arm that I had to get a shot for. Somebody said I needed to try these pills. She looked them up and said ‘It’s in your hometown,’” said supervisor Ricky Gray. “I’m not trying to sell any New-U pills, but I will say that once I got the New-U pills I’ve never had to get a shot in my arm since then. This board has never been in the business of stopping somebody from expanding their business. I think you have our support.”

Supervisor Warren Gaines said he is always glad to see new businesses coming and businesses expanding.

“We have a lot of county property that is not that far from the city but is kind of a pass-through. I would like to see more businesses expand in the county,” he said.