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According to the Kentucky Department of Tourism, Kentucky was the site of America's first commercial vineyard, planted in 1798 by the winemaker for the Marquis de Lafayette.

By the late 1800's, Kentucky was the third largest grape and wine producer in the United States. Prohibition hit the regions wine industry as it did in many other American states. Vineyards were either uprooted and converted to cash crops or abandoned throughout the state.

Today, through a cost-share program supported by the State of Kentucky's Vineyard Assistance Program, over 250 acres of grapes have been planted in Kentucky, like the Chrisman Mill Vineyards & Winery near Lexington, Kentucky, above.

According to the University of Kentucky the most common wine grapes grown in Kentucky are American cultivars Concord, Niagara, Norton; Hybrids Cayuga white, Chambourcin, Chardonel, M. Foch, Traminette, Seyval, Vidal blanc, Vignoles; and European cultivars Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Although Kentucky has not caught up to other wine producing areas, more than a dozen commercial wineries have taken root, primarily in the fertile central bluegrass region, but also in the northern and eastern parts of the state. The wine industry is being renewed at a remarkable rate. One day soon Kentucky wines may be as sought after as fine Kentucky Bourbon.

There are already many Kentucky wineries where visitors can enjoy wine tours and tastings and you can look forward to more cropping up every year...

Tour Southern and Eastern Kentucky Wineries - Dropdown menus provide a regional search of the state's wineries, with featured wineries providing thumbnail descriptions and direct links, plus tool around the rest of the site for related events and attractions.

Kentucky Tourism - Wine - Just scroll down to the wine category for a good rundown of the Kentucky wineries and vineyards over two pages, with details on wine tasting tours, events and visitor hours with links to official Web sites.

"Growing the Grape" in Kentucky and Indiana - Beautifully illustrated feature from the Wine Lover's Page spotlighting the Broad Run Vineyard in Louisville, and the Huber Winery in Starlight, Indiana with background and historic info, interviews, wine tasting notes.

Kentucky Vineyard Society - The oldest association of Kentucky winemakers in the state with news and events, background info, membership details, a winery and vineyard directory, industry classifieds.

Just what the Dr. Ordered: Kentucky's Chrisman Mill - Chrisman Mill Vineyards; Lexington, Kentucky - In an article from the March 2003 Issue of Wines & Vines, Denise and Chris Nelson talk about the realities of running a winery in a dry county of Kentucky.

also see -> Kentucky Beaches | Kentucky Tourist Attractions