“Kentucky has ideal temperatures and climate for growing well-balanced grapes like those grown in the noble regions of France and Italy. The region's early settlers knew this. In 1798, a European settler named Jean Jacques du Four planted the first Kentucky Vineyard. Many European immigrants planted extensive vineyards in Kentucky. In fact, the first commercial vineyard was started in Kentucky, and backed by money from several prominent statesmen, including Henry Clay. By 1870, Kentucky was a leading wine producer, producing more than half the nation's output at that time. Unfortunately, prohibition came in the 1920's and all the vines were ripped out. Kentucky has never fully recovered. But today, the grape industry in Kentucky is experiencing a renaissance.” -Centuryhouse.net
My Aunt Barbara, at age 84, still loves guiding tourists to all the hot spots in the Lexington area. When she's not working at the Kentucky Horse Park, needlepointing, running errands, baking beaten biscuits or making dinner for Uncle Gene (who at 97 still happens to drive himself to work everyday) she volunteers at the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau. She flies the state flag from the roof of her car. Yesterday she took my father and me to a great winery for lunch. We sat outside for lunch at the bistro there, did a wine tasting and enjoyed the view – the vineyards, and stretching out past those, barns and tobacco fields. I kept feeling confused – was I in Kentucky or Tuscany??
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