Downtown Franklin’s Neighborhood Wine & Whiskey Shop – Saint Goose
Saint Goose began with a simple conversation between Franklin native, Kate Ham, and California transplants, Andrew and Ashley Kilpatrick, in August of 2020. This conversation took place over a cup of coffee at The Factory at Franklin. Kate and the Kilpatricks were introduced by a mutual friend, all having a deep love for wine and hospitality. Little by little, Saint Goose came together as downtown Franklin’s neighborhood wine and whiskey shop with a focus on organic/biodynamically farmed wines, hand-crafted whiskey and libation education.
Born and raised in Williamson County and a Franklin High School alumna, Kate got her start in wine by accident. She was working at a coffee and cocktail bar part-time while also attending an arts nonprofit in Washington, D.C. Both jobs benefited from a basic knowledge of wine, so she started taking wine classes at her local wine shop in Cap Hill. Kate quickly realized that wine was becoming her passion and hobby; after a few months of classes, she decided to apply to culinary school in New York City for wine and sommelier training. She was accepted and received her Certified pin from the Court of Master Sommeliers in June of 2017. She spent the next couple of years working at a wine bar and wine shop, then moved back to Franklin just before the pandemic started, hoping to open a wine shop here in town. Both Kate and the Kilpatricks missed the wine shops from their previous homes and decided to build something they would be proud to shop at in Williamson County.
Any given Friday night, when the “Goose is Loose” between 5pm and 7pm, you’ll see Kate in the tasting room pouring her new favorite wines of the week. She also teaches classes every Saturday at 1pm, which tend to be more spirit and/or whiskey focused. It was important for both Kate and the Kilpatricks that education be a founding cornerstone of Saint Goose. “I wouldn’t have gotten into wine if my local shop in D.C. didn’t offer wine classes. Our goal is to educate about wine and other delicious things without any pretension or snobbery,’’ Kate says. “Wine should be a weekly purchase, just like eggs or bread.”
Kate offers a plethora of wine classes, including Girl Scout Cookie Pairings, deep dives into wine-growing regions, and even Bubbles and Doughnuts – a highly attended and anticipated event with usually an appearance by Ellie’s doughnuts.
Saint Goose was conceived to be the opposite of every other wine shop in Franklin. The focus at the Goose is a curated exploration of the world of wine, whiskey…even beer! You might not see many familiar labels, but they guarantee you’ll find something you love. Stop into Saint Goose, say “hi” to Lew Price – their California wine and whiskey expert – and Kate, who will put something delicious in your glass. Browse their Cheap and Cheerful section for the perfect Tuesday pizza wine, or their heavily shopped Champagne selection. Saint Goose also offers a smattering of gifts, glassware and other treats. Saint Goose is open from 10am to 7pm Tuesday through Saturday and 12pm to 5pm on Sundays.
Learn more at saintgoose.wine and try your mixology skills with their recommended recipes - including the Red Light District, a tequila and orange liqueur based cocktail, and The French Bulldog, a gin and Amaro Montenegro based cocktail.
Red Light District
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. tequila
- 2 oz. blood orange juice
- .75 oz. orange liqueur
- .5 oz. lime juice
- .5 oz. agave Syrup
Method:
Salt the rim of a rocks glass if desired. Add all ingredients to a Boston shaker. Shake until chilled—double strain into rimmed rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish with blood orange slice.
The French Bulldog
Ingredients:
2 oz. Barrel Rested Gin
.5 oz. Amaro Montenegro
.75 lemon Juice
.5oz honey Syrup (1:1 ratio)
Method
Add all ingredients to a Boston shaker with large cubes. Shake for fifteen to twenty seconds – you’ll hear when it is ready—double strain into a coupe. Serve with lemon twist.
