FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, June 2, 2008

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-4696

CENTRAL KENTUCKY WINEFEST UNCORKS JUNE 13

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Proud wines from throughout the Commonwealth will flow at the 2008 Central Kentucky WineFest June 13 in Danville.

Kentucky Proud cheeses, produce 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.

“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 the Danville-Boyle County Humane Society and the Brenda Cowan Coalition, which helps families in crisis.

Tickets are $20. Groups of 10 or more may purchase tickets at a reduced rate. For information or to purchase tickets, call (859) 236-1808 or contact the Danville-Boyle County Humane Society or the Brenda Cowan Coalition.

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.

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