Kentucky Vineyards--Over 20 in our region!

America’s commercial wine industry was born in Kentucky in 1798 when the Marquis de Lafayette’s winemaker, Jean-Jacques Dufour, set out into the new nation to find suitable land for growing grapes.  He arrived at the “Athens of the West” – Lexington – and made the acquaintance of Henry Clay.  Backed with money from several prominent statesmen, including Clay, Dufour formed the Kentucky Vineyard Society and bought 600 acres on the Kentucky River, in what’s now Jessamine County.  Dufour planted what he called the “First Vineyard” and, in 1803, his first vintage went to an appreciative Thomas Jefferson.

Overcoming crop damage from the Civil War, as well as vine diseases, by the late 1800’s Kentucky had become the nation’s third largest grape and wine producer. However, Prohibition put Kentucky’s grape and wine industry out of business and many Kentucky farmers turned their acreage over to the production of tobacco. Excerpted from http://www.kentuckywine.com  Read the rest of this fascinating history and enjoy the interactive vineyard locator map.

For more than 200 years, Kentucky’s legendary distilleries have crafted the world’s finest Bourbons, using secret recipes and a time-honored process passed down from generation to generation.

Now you can explore the rich tradition and proud history of “America’s Official Native Spirit” on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, featuring six signature distilleries nestled among the most beautiful scenery the Bluegrass has to offer.

Discover the art and science of the Master Distiller…savor the distinct, mellow flavor…and see how Kentucky’s perfect natural mix of weather and pure limestone water produces the classic taste and deep amber color.

World-renowned Bourbon.

Winding country roads.

Inviting historic towns.

Rolling green hills.

And Bluegrass hospitality at its best.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail — the experience of a lifetime, 200 years in the making. Excerpted from The Kentucky Bourbon Trail  find out more at http://www.kybourbontrail.com

Horse farms line the byways of Woodford County and beyond with over 500 in the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky.  You can book a private tour through Unbridled Horse Tours with Nancy Hapgood at (859)276-4257, email UnBridledTours@aol.com; catch a tour from the Kentucky Horse Park, or venture out on your own, we have copies of the Dreamer Driving Tour  showcasing scenes from the movie shot here, and there are several websites and contact information listed at the county webpage here:  http://woodfordcountyinfo.com/cwt/external/wcpages/tourism/horse_farms.aspx