“Water into Wine is more than a local
wine bar. It’s a place to share your story,
enjoy artisan food and wine pairings and
experience relationships that will last
a lifetime.”
Candace Viox, owner of Water into Wine,
hosts a place of sharing in a comfortable,
non-judgmental environment. “My mom
unexpectedly died on May 9, 2011, she was
my rock, my source of strength and constant
support,” she reflected. After her loss,
surviving a personal illness at UT hospital
and falling into complete despair, Candace
decided to go back home to Huntington
Beach, California to regroup. “One night, in
the sand, below the pier, I had a moment of
truth with God, I passionately yelled, cussed,
screamed and cried,” shared Candace, “I fell
into complete exhaustion only to hear God’s
voice speak to me, ‘Are you done yet’.” She
answered by inhaling deep, wiping away the
tears and embracing peace. She let go, let her
Mom go and she came back home
to Tennessee.
It was a Sunday when she and her daughters
boarded a plane back home and on Monday
she enrolled in Hospitality Culinary Classes
at Pellissippi State Community College.
That moment of truth ignited the passion
to open a place where people could come
and share their story. “I wanted to create a
local Farragut ‘Cheers’ where people feel
comfortable and relaxed,” says Candace,
“I named my concept ‘Water Into Wine’
to pay tribute to my mother because she
would always say; If Christ’s first miracle was
turning water into wine, we can drink it.”
Water into Wine has a mission statement,
and it encompasses the entire reason for
existing. To provide a warm, cozy, social
lounge and eatery which promotes
relationships, connection opportunities
and local patronage, all while offering
the enjoyment of experiencing wine and
artisan food pairings in an inviting
atmosphere in the heart of our community
…you are the light of the world…
Matthew 5:14-16
“Our establishment wants to be the place
that encourages everyone to meet, relax,
build new friendships, business relationships
and exchange life stories,” says Candace,
“The venue to host your bridal shower or
celebrate a life event. The point is, we all
have a story, and we want to hear yours!”
The Water into Wine team is a diverse group
of individuals, many local Knoxvillians,
some from different states and even
one from France, all having a story and
are honored to hear the stories shared.
Guillemette Bassy, the manager, started her
life story in Lyon, France, a city known for its
incredible culinary scene. Her grandparents,
on both her mom and dad side, were
winemakers in the region of Beaujolais. It is
the southernmost region of Burgundy wines.
She grew up running in the vineyards at a
young age, participating in the harvest as a
teenager and discovered a passion for wine
as a young adult. Growing up in a large, close
family created a love in Guillemette to be
surrounded by people, she thrives in a
social environment.”
Guillemette moved to the U.S.A in 2012, with
a desire of discovering a new culture, to step
out of her comfort zone for growth and find
her life’s passion. At first, she studied graphic
design in San Diego, California, but soon
chose the restaurant career, which combined
her love of food, wine and socializing.
Moving to Tennessee in 2015, with her
husband, she worked at several different
restaurants before finding her home at Water
into Wine, as the Front of House manager.
She has a passion to learn more about the
winemaking process, the different soil
and terroir of each wine. Guillemette loves
discovering and tasting wines that she has
never tried before coupled with sharing with
others. It is the desire and goal she set upon,
arriving in the U.S.A., that is being fulfilled
each day at Water into Wine.
Opening in 2016, recently celebrating
their 3rd anniversary, Water into Wine has
become the Farragut Cheers, since the
team always “knows your name.”. They
have graciously accepted many local awards
including best wine menu in 2017 & 2018,
Best of Taste for The Taste of Farragut 2018
and many Yelp and TripAdvisor awards. The
unique atmosphere was specifically designed
to encourage interaction while offering
over 200 Wines, as well as a full bar with an
expansive bourbon selection, hand-crafted
cocktails, local craft beer, bottled beer and
beautiful cuisines.
Enjoying the unmatched selection of
wines and tasty fare is only improved
by the calendar of social events. Local
acoustic artists and jazz in the lounge every
Wednesday and Saturday evenings, and
Working Women Wednesday for making B2B
connections, ensure an authentic Farragut
experience. Public events such as Sip & Pour,
Wine & Canvas and Private events which
include: anniversaries, bridal showers and
allow others to connect authentically. All
events are listed on W2W website and their
Facebook page.
Open Monday - Saturday, closed on Sunday.
Visit https://waterintowineknoxville.com for
details, special events and food specials.”
/waterintowineknoxville.com