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Local
wineries are contributing
to Kentucky’s growth in industry
Smith
Berry, Elk Creek are among these new attractions
From
the Kentucky Travel Office
(July 2008) – Just six years after
becoming a state in 1792, the first vineyard in Kentucky was
planted and a new industry took off. By the late 1800s, Kentucky
was a leading wine producer in this country.
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Photo
provided
Kentucky’s
bourbon has a new
beverage challenger in wine.
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Prohibition in the 1920s ended the state’s
wine production. But the Bluegrass state is bouncing back
with 46 wineries across the state that have opened in the
last 15 years. Ten are growing grapes and have not begun selling
wine.
Some of the vineyards are former tobacco farms whose owners
are trying a new crop, according to Stacia Alford, grape and
wine marketing specialist for the Department of Agriculture.
The Kentucky Grape and Wine Council recently sponsored four
regional commercial Kentucky wine competitions and awarded
medals to the top wines that used Kentucky-grown grapes. In
August, the Kentucky State Fair will have its first commercial
wine competition.
Wine drinkers seem to appreciate products that are grown nearby,
Alford said. “The fact that they are purchasing a locally
produced product seems to go over well.”
And with the high gas prices, Alford said the wineries make
for a great local attraction. “This is the perfect agritourism
destination that for many is just a few minutes down the road.”
The good news for tourists – regardless of their drinking
preferences – is that they can see the wineries up close.
Many wineries sell their wine, offer tours, provide food and
entertainment or other special events. The wineries also host
weddings and parties.
As far as wine tasting, no experience is needed.
“We teach everybody in our wine tasting,” said Lou
Ann Robinson, manager at Chrisman Mill Vineyards in Nicholasville.
Chrisman Mill is located just three miles from Kentucky’s
first vineyards developed by Jean Jacques Dufour, winemaker
for the Marquis de Lafayette.
Chrisman Mill offers an eight-course Tuscan dinner on July
18 and will be offering a Summer Steak and Shrimp Cookout
on July 19. For more information, visit www.chrismanmill.com.
Other
winery events coming up in July include:
• Smith Berry Winery in New Castle is holding
concerts July 12 (the Rigbys) and July 26 (Johnny Berry and
the Outliers). Dinner is also served. For information, visit
www.smithberrywinery.com.
• Ruby Moon Winery in Henderson is hosting
Australian singer and songwriter Martine Locke on July 12.
For information visit www.rubymoonwinery.com.
• StoneBrook Winery in Camp Springs, near
Cincinnati, will offer buffet dinners in its 1890 farmhouse
on July 12 and July 26. For information, visit www.stonebrookwinery.com.
• Equus Run Vineyards at Midway near Lexington
presents the Sensations in concert on July 12. For information,
visit www.equusrunvineyards.com.
• Talon Winery and Vineyards in Lexington
will feature Zydeco Bon in concert on July 11. For information,
visit www.talonwine.com.
• Elk Creek Vineyards at Owenton will play
host to the Motown Revue and Fireworks Show on July 5.
For information, visit www.elkcreekvineyards.com.
• For more information about all
Kentucky wineries, visit www.kentuckywines.com.
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