Success StoryLaura Cleary



Laura Cleary

Author: Jeffrey Wheeler

Planning Unit: Horticulture

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

Laura Cleary began her journey into the field of wine as an undergraduate student studying Food Science at UK.  She began taking classes in Enology and Viticulture starting in 2014 and received a Certificate in Distillation, Wine and Brewing from UK in 2016.   Laura served as a Viticulture and Enology Research Technician at the UKHRF from 2016-2017, where she learned to both work in the vineyard as well as performing laborotory analysis on both juice and wine.  Laura moved on from this position at UK to take a job as Vineyard Manager for Hempridge Vineyard in Waddy, KY from 2017-2018.  Laura was then recruited by Tim Wright at Wise Bird Cider Co. in Lexington to become his assistant Cidermaker starting in 2018.  The quality of cider now being poured at Wise Bird can be highly attributed to Laura's natural talent, her hard work, and from her experiences working with the UK Viticulture and Enology Team.






Stories by Jeffrey Wheeler


Will Mullett and Alexandra Tracy

about 3 years ago by Jeffrey Wheeler

Will Mullett is now the head winemaker at Talon Winery in Lexington, KY. Will was previously an UK u... Read More


Wesley Roney

about 3 years ago by Jeffrey Wheeler

Wesley Roney (Seth) began as an intern at the UKHRF vineyard and winery as a high school student in ... Read More


Stories by Horticulture


Hands-on high tunnel agent training increases agent knowledge and confidence

about 3 years ago by Rachel Rudolph

High tunnels are primarily use for specialty crop production, including fruit and vegetables, and ha... Read More


Early-planted spring broccoli can reduce pesticide applications and increase marketable yields

about 3 years ago by Rachel Rudolph

Broccoli production in Kentucky has grown by nearly seven fold from 2012 to 2017 (USDA, 2017). Accor... Read More


Stories by Local Food Systems


Gorilla Social Media Marketing

Gorilla Social Media Marketing

about 3 years ago by Lindie Huffman

As Kentucky was faced with quarantine and lock-downs, residents became even more reliant on social m... Read More


Farm To Fridge Event

Farm To Fridge Event

about 3 years ago by Benjamin Conner

Based on population estimates for July 1, 2019, Scott County has a population of 57,004. This is an ... Read More