One Of The Oldest Vineyards In The Country Can Be Found In The Hills Of Kentucky
By Andrea Limke|Published April 23, 2020
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Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
Most know the Bluegrass State for its race horses, bourbon, and fried chicken, but there is a long history of winemaking in Kentucky that is truly fascinating. The first vineyards in Kentucky are actually some of the oldest vineyards in the country and date back to the 1700s. One such destination that calls itself the “birthplace of the wine industry in the United States” is First Vineyard in Nicholasville. Beautiful Jessamine County is home to its fair share of horse farms, but you’ll also find this historic vineyard that’s ideal for a day trip in Kentucky on a beautiful day.
Located south of Lexington, amidst the rolling hills of Kentucky, you'll find the historic First Vineyard.
This land has such a fascinating story and the winery dates back to 1783 when Daniel Boone himself completed a survey of the property. You can see a copy of this survey, as well as other historic relics, at the winery.
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The rolling hills of Kentucky are actually ideal for grape growing and local wineries have been in business for centuries.
First Vineyard offers an array of whites, reds, blush wines, fruit wines, and even their popular Kenkoolas, or wine slushies. During the current quarantine situation, the vineyard is offering carryout bottles of wine if you happen to live nearby.
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But if not, when you are able to visit, plan a lovely day trip in Kentucky to this historic spot.
The tasting room, although new, fits in with the rustic character of the land and also has an adjacent, large covered patio that is ideal for relaxing and sipping wines.
Or in the heat of summer, you may wish to bring along a picnic, grab a few wine slushies, and enjoy the scenery of one of the oldest vineyards in the country.
Whether you're a lover of wine, nature, history, or all three, First Vineyard is a bucket list-worthy destination in the Bluegrass State.
First Vineyard in Kentucky is one of the oldest vineyards in the country and has a fascinating history that you can learn all about during a visit. Stop by with friends when you’re able or call for carryout local wine, but definitely add this historic vineyard in Kentucky to your state bucket list. Have you sipped the local wine from First Vineyard and experienced its historic property? What are your other favorite wineries in Kentucky? Let us know in the comments! Also, feel free to share these destinations with us on our Nominations Page.
For more information on First Vineyard in Kentucky, visit its website and follow along on Facebook. To call ahead and order carryout bottles of wine, call 859-948-4208.