Success StoryHelp for a Small Winery in Southern Kentucky



Help for a Small Winery in Southern Kentucky

Author: Christopher Smigell

Planning Unit: Horticulture

Major Program: Commercial Horticulture

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Gary Haddle, owner of Up-The-Creek Winery in Cumberland County asked Chris to visit Gary’s farm to determine why his raspberry and blackberry plants were dying. Chris suspected that wet soil was causing root rot. This was confirmed by the University Of Kentucky  plant disease diagnostic laboratory. Chris recommended finding a drier growing site.  The grower planted 200 new plants in a drier location, and the plants are thriving. In two to three years, these plants should be able to produce  1,000 – 1,500 lbs of fruit per year. This would make 250-375 bottles of wine. This translates to about $3,500-$5,500 in sales, at $14 per bottle of wine for many years.