Fruits of their Labor
New winery opens near Bedford, Ky.
Visitors
will have true,
country experience, owners say
By
Helen E. McKinney
Contributing Writer
BEDFORD, Ky. – David and Teresa Weyler’s
idea of opening a winery all began when they were living in Louisville
and looking for a farm on which David could hunt. They found the perfect
oasis in Trimble County and put into motion plans for a winery.
In 2003, the couple purchased 175 acres in Trimble County on Hwy. 421,
between Bedford and Campbellsburg. “We fell I love with it,”
said Teresa Weyler. “It is a beautiful piece of property."
They next bought an adjoining 202 acres in 2005. This land runs along
the Little Kentucky River. Since that time, they have bought a third
piece of property comprised of 107 acres and are in the process of buying
150 more acres.
Weyler, 48, told her husband David, 51, that in order to buy all of
the additional land, they needed to be making an income from the property.
Three years ago, the couple decided to begin growing grapes to produce
and sell wine from their property located at 3289 Hwy. 421 South.
 |
|
Photos
by Deanna Mavrick David
and Teresa Weyler have built |
 |
The Weylers are looking at a tentative opening date of
Sept. 10 for The Little Kentucky River Winery. Originally from Louisville,
they have permanently moved to the property to live in restored a home
there (known as the Hunter House). They have built a 20x30-foot outdoor
wine tasting pavilion.
Plans are to start small, said Weyler. “There will be no grand
opening, but we may have a soft opening with family and friends.”
Six varieties of wines will be available, with each name having a meaning
behind it. Selections include the semi-dry white wine, Hunter’s
Bottom, named after the oldest referenced family name on property deeds;
the plum, semi-sweet Country Road, which is intended to be enjoyed as
one would enjoy a journey down memory lane or driving along a beautiful
country road; and a sweet red raspberry wine, Miss Bessie’s Pick,
which is reminiscent of the personality of the original homeowner, Miss
Bessie Hunt.
They’ve done a lot of research on the property, Weyler said. Ancestors
of the Hunter family have even stopped by, such as a great-niece who
brought along a family photo for the Weylers to see.
Weyler said the goal of The Little Kentucky River Winery is to produce
premium wines from regionally grown grapes and fruit. The wine is a
Kentucky Proud product and they hope to sell more Kentucky Proud products,
including cheese trays, said Weyler.
She is currently awaiting label approval from the TTB to officially
open and sell wine. Eventually, the wine tasting area will move to a
38x70-foot timber frame and creek rock structure.
The Weylers are striving to be “green” in their building design.
They have used creek rock from the property and timber cut and milled
from the farm. Creek stone steps are on the front of the house, and
used in the floor, walls and fireplace inside the pavilion.
“We don’t want to be just another winery,” said Weyler.
“We want guests to have a true, country experience.” For that
reason, the couple has created unique spaces around the wooded grounds
that will hold swings, picnic tables, have areas to fish and they also
plan to install trails.
“We want to share what we’ve got,” said Weyler.
• Initially, The Little Kentucky River Winery will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays in the fall. To learn more, visit their website opening and special event information at: www.TheLittleKentuckyRiverWinery.com.