Grapes and Wine:
40 wineries create $24 million in 2006 sales.

 

KENTUCKY’S grape and wine industry has grown into a $24 million business with more than 40 wineries in the Commonwealth. Wine production in Kentucky more than doubled from 2003 to 2006.

 

Jean Farris Winery and Bistro is located inLexington on Old Richmond Road.

 

In response to the industry’s growth, the University of Kentucky hired a viticulturist and an enologist in 2005 to aid Kentucky grape growers and winemakers. Last year, UK and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board launched a cost-share program to encourage growers to plant wine and table grapes. More recently, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture added Stacia Alford to its marketing staff to serve the Kentucky Grape and Wine Council.

“Stacia will provide a valuable service to Kentucky’s growing grape and wine industry,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “I am pleased to have her on board.”

 

“During my employment at the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy, I learned the importance of Kentucky’s transition from tobacco to other agricultural enterprises,” Alford said. “I am very excited to play an active role in the establishment of viable business opportunities for grape producers and winery operators.  The members of the Kentucky Grape and Wine Council are dedicated to the success of this industry.”

 

Not all of the news for Kentucky’s grape and wine industry has been good.  An extended period of below freezing temperatures in early April damaged as much as 60 percent of Kentucky’s grape crop. The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a disaster declaration that made Kentucky growers eligible for emergency low-interest loans. 

 

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.