Libby’s & Sailing Horse Blend

Sumptuous Sips of Life

Rick and Deborah Gibbens' love affair with Lake Eufaula began about the same time as their love affair with each other. It has been a 37-year romance. After years of corporate relocations and city living, the Gibbens moved to their lakefront oasis west of Eufaula. With plenty of help and advice (a whole bunch of advice) from neighbors and friends and a robust sense of humor, they have successfully tamed their wilderness, established a vineyard and managed to keep most of their lambs off the coyote's dinner tables.

Debi was drawn to the historic buildings of downtown Eufaula and wanted to be an active part of the retail community. While unable to accurately add two numbers together and possessing very little retail experience, her "fly by the seat of her pants" gumption, a 20/20 vision for fashion and a compulsive buying habit gave birth to Libby's.

Libby's is over 6000 square feet of “Female Folly" with unique ladies apparel, accessories and jewelry. You will be amazed! You cannot drive by without noticing the windows! Libby’s dedicated retail team allows Debi time to socialize with her customers and stir up mischief around town. This summer, Debi has collaborated with Rick for an exclusive Libby's Elixir wine, which will promote both Gibbens' businesses.

What began as a passion for sailing and the environment led Rick to research how best to attract new tourists to the Lake area. Rick explains, "I wanted to use our little piece of land in a way that was good for the environment, good for our community while connecting the existing 'fish 'n ski' tourists to the agriculture that thrived long before this beautiful lake was constructed. While the winegrowing is new to Oklahoma, it has revitalized rural economies in other states. Of course, it must be supported by more modern state laws which help the farmer export products to an open global market."
So, Sailing Horse Vineyards was established and just completed its first year of inviting the public to its winery located in the historic rural community of Artussee. Rick branded all wines to promote his family's favorite things about our part of the state, ranging from farming to sandy beaches. Rather than putting flowery wine descriptions on their back labels, Debi composed elegant prose which conveys positive messages about the brand. Debi's ode to the best selling Red Tractor reads, "red clay, red sunsets, red tractors, red necks. . ." which brings a tear to the eye of anyone who ever felt the burn from working (or playing) in the sun for a living.

At the lakeshore farm, there is enormous potential for experiences other than wine tasting. In its first year, Sailing Horse has hosted visitors as diverse as families with small children, double-decker bus tours and motorcyclists who regularly cruise the Oklahoma wine trail. "Recently, from the upper winery deck, a couple bikers observed a lamb tangled up in some netting. When I asked for volunteers to assist the lamb, the leather-clad tattooed group jumped into the pasture to gently release it." Fun and adventure always accompanies the unexpected, whether it be spontaneous sheep wrangling, or unique memories from special winery events, like Libby's 'Minny Pearl Hat contest' for the kids attending the annual FarmART festival.

To coordinate the perfect outing presenting the best of town and country, call Sailing Horse Vineyards at 918-618-4824. Rick and Debi Gibbens invite you to share the best of both worlds when you visit Lake Eufaula!
 

Open Thursday through Sunday!
Vineyards - Nature Trails - Beach Treks
Naturally-raised Sheep Ranch - Winery
…at Oklahoma’s Largest Lake!