Kentucky
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Kentucky agriculture, in comeback mode since the decline of the tobacco industry, is looking back to its early history for a new cash crop. In 1799, one of the first attempts at commercial winegrowing in the U.S. occurred in Kentucky, with plantings by the Kentucky Vineyard Society. By the mid-1800s, the Bluegrass State was the third largest wine-producing state in America. Prohibition snuffed out the booming industry. But in 1976, a state law allowed farm wineries to operate and new vineyards and wineries soon followed. In 1982, the defunct Kentucky Vineyard Society was resurrected. Most significant is the state program that funds half the startup cost of new vineyards. Wine grape acreage quadrupled from 1998 to 2002. With the new plantings, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc have gained the most ground, shifting the balance to vinifera from native and hybrid varieties.

Current Feature

In the southern Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and Georgia vineyards are small and few, yet the establishment of the Upper Hiwassee Highlands could bring much more.  [>] continue


Appellation Features

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Related Features


 

BLUE BOOK PROFILES

Blue Book Taste Profiles for the Kentucky State Appellation

Chambourcin

Norton | Cynthiana

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Cabernet Sauvignon: All hail the King! But a king doth not a gentleman make. A temperamental prince in youth, you’re  [>] continue

Correspondent

Tricia Houston
is the Regional Correspondent for Kentucky.

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Quick Finds

Q: What are the most recognized grapes grown here?
Q: What wines are produced here?

The AppellationAmerica database identifies 77 wines labeled with the Kentucky designation.

[>] see the complete Kentucky Wine List.
Q: What wineries are based here ?
Q: What other wineries source fruit here ?
Q: What are the overlapping appellations ?

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Winery Sponsors

Winery sponsors of Appellation America’s coverage of the Kentucky appellation.