First Vineyard Winery
A Delightful Weekend at First Vineyard Winery - June 22, 2023
It was a lovely weekend, so we decided it would be a great idea to explore another Kentucky winery. This time, we visited First Vineyard Winery in Nicholasville.
A Brief History of First Vineyard
First Vineyard holds the distinction of being the first commercial winery in the United States, established in 1799 under Kentucky State Statute and operating until 1809. Founded by Swiss immigrant John James Dufour, the 750-acre vineyard received financial support from notable figures, including US Secretary of State Henry Clay, US Secretary of the Treasury George Bibb, Kentucky Governor Garrard, and US Senators John Brown and John Edwards, among others. Notably, Daniel Boone conducted the property's initial survey, and Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison enjoyed wine from First Vineyard during their terms, highlighting its historical significance.
Dufour made a promise to the US Congress to write a book on vineyard planning and winemaking. His work, American Vine-Dresser’s Guide, was completed by 1803 but was not published until 1826, becoming a key reference for grape growing and winemaking in America for over five decades.
Although none of the original buildings remain today, a stone foundation marks the site of the winery. The winery was reopened by the current owners in August 2012, with the tasting room constructed to reflect the size and materials typical of 1799. In 2013, a pavilion was added to accommodate weddings and retreats.
Today, First Vineyard also features a cozy Bed and Breakfast, offering options that include a one-bedroom with a bath, a two-room suite, or a 2-3 bedroom apartment, making it a delightful vacation destination.
Experiencing First Vineyard Today
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the Bealls, the current owners of First Vineyard. Tom kindly gave me a tour of the property in his four-wheeler, allowing me to see the foundation of the original winery alongside the picturesque rolling acres of vineyards.
Tom’s wife oversees the wine tastings, with most offerings leaning toward the sweeter side. Although I typically prefer dry wines, I decided to sample a few of the sweeter varieties. The Cherry Cordial was absolutely delightful, and I look forward to enjoying it chilled on my deck at home. They also provide a Kenkoola Slushie Kit, featuring a refreshing peach mango wine slushy, which I took home as well.
First Vineyard Winery offers a wealth of experiences for visitors. You can immerse yourself in a bit of history while savoring a lovely glass of wine. To discover more about the history of First Vineyard, be sure to check out the video available on their website: firstvineyard.net
First Vineyard Winery
5800 Sugar Creek Pike
Nicholasville, KY 40356
