27-02-2025
Backyard Vineyards back in business a week after fire closed their doors
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — When Jaylynn and Roger Smith thought about opening a tasting room for their own wine label back in 2008 (on a cocktail napkin), they had a specific type of place in mind.
Informal setting, simple, maybe an event space with a warm fire.
The husband and wife team also thought they would offer lots of different types of wine from fruity to dry, white to red, each one telling its own story.
'The best way for people to feel loved, involved, and included is through stories,' insists Jaylynn.
Backyard Vineyards opened near Oklahoma City's Public Market in March 2024.
The Smiths were getting ready to celebrate their first year when a small fire started by transients erupted just outside the front door of the business.
The blaze shattered a window and filled the place with smoke and soot.
It could have been worse but the damage was bad enough.
'You could wipe your hand on a table and it would just be black, completely black,' demonstrates Smith.
What happened next, though, produced a warm feeling kind of like a sip from a full-bodied glass of red wine.
Customers came in a steady stream, not only to purchase extra wine, but to help clean up.
Volunteers wiped down furniture, cleaned the walls, and pressure washed the floor.
'We wouldn't be open today without the support and love of our community,' she says.
Backyard Vineyards was open again in a week, which made servers like Alicia Walley grateful, but not surprised.
'Not really,' she says. 'They've always been awesome. They've always been super supportive. I call them my wine family.'
Their grapes come concentrated from California.
The Smiths mix and ferment their product in big, steel tanks.
Their labels connect to Oklahoma history, local flavors, and even fire events.
'This label honors the Granite Mt. Hotshot Crew,' Jaylynn points out.
The Smiths like the idea of pouring wet stuff on hot stuff and connecting a future label to what happened here recently when the unexpected brought out the best kind of flavor.
'Maybe it will have a touch of heat, a little fiery pepper,' she laughs.
'It sounds like a good wine to share with friends,' we offer.
'Yes, yes, yes.' Smith smiles.
Backyard Vineyards is located at 1200 West Reno in Oklahoma City.
Their cleanup project continues.
For more information on the business go to their Facebook page here. Their GoFundMe page can also be found by clicking here.
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