PROPRIETOR

For Proprietor Crystal Hardy, CMK Cellars is a dream that came true after serving the country, traveling the world, and discovering a new purpose in life - to make wine.

Crystal is a Native Texan hailing from Central Texas. Born to a father in the oil industry, she was born in Mississippi, lived in the Ozarks of Arkansas and all over Texas before joining the US Army. Her Army Career took her from California to Virginia, Georgia, and everywhere in between within the US - and the world. She learned and experienced different cultures and ethnicities, and met a lot of great people, who she now considers family. She has made connections she would have never dreamed of. She dragged her daughters along behind her, forcing them to change schools every two years, creating new friend groups and adapting to very different norms. Though they were annoyed beyond measure with her and her career choice, they, too, made lifetime connections, served our country and continue to make great strides in life.

After serving over 22 years in the Army, and then serving over 15 years in Federal Service, Crystal decided to hang those hats up and try something she was passionate about. Wine! She and her daughters collaborated and created this boutique winery, CMK Cellars, in May 2023, to honor their passion for great wine, family heritage, and their Texas roots.

Crystal received a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management through Southern Illinois University, Carbondale in 2003. She also received a Master of Science in Administration, with a concentration in Public Administration, from Central Michigan University.