This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 6th, 2008 at 9:54 pm and is filed under General, KY Economics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Kentucky Proud wines from throughout the Commonwealth will flow at the 2008 Central Kentucky WineFest June 13 in Danville.
Kentucky Proud cheeses, fruits and other products also will be offered at the WineFest, which will take place from 4:30-8:30 p.m. EDT at the Old Crow Inn, home of Chateau du Vieux Corbeau Winery. Guests may sample and purchase wines at the event and vote for their favorite wines in eight categories. Wineries from throughout the state are invited to participate.
“Kentucky’s growing grape and wine industry provides jobs and income for many Kentuckians,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “Our wines also are growing in quality and prestige. This event will bring many Kentucky Proud wines together in one place so consumers can try the best wines Kentucky has to offer.
The Central Kentucky WineFest will take place during the Great American Brass Band Festival June 12-15. Gate receipts from the WineFest will benefit local charities.
In conjunction with the WineFest, Tom Cottrell, University of Kentucky Extension enologist, will conduct a competition for Kentucky Proud wines in May. Experts from outside Kentucky will judge the wines. Medal-winning wines will be highlighted at the WineFest
The resurgence of Kentucky’s grape and wine industry is a new chapter in a very old story. Kentucky had the nation’s first commercial vineyard, in Jessamine County in the late 18th century. Kentucky was the nation’s third leading grape producer until the Civil War. The Commonwealth’s remaining grape vines were pulled up during Prohibition. Today the Commonwealth boasts 46 wineries, and grapes cover 750 acres of Kentucky farmland. Grapes and wine were a $24 million business in Kentucky in 2006, and wine production more than doubled between 2003 and 2006
Visit the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Grape and Wine Program Web site here
