 | Century
House History
Century House was built circa
1835 by Thorton Rector.
Our first vineyard cuttings were planted over 150 years later in 1996. The size of the farm has
fluctuated from very large to very small. Today, the old house resides on 15 acres of
scenic rolling hills with good soil for growing grapes to make wine. Our vision of the
future is to have a working family farm with crafts, livestock, horse rides, u-pick table
grapes, and picnic facilities for you to enjoy. Stay up to date by subscribing to our
newsletter and visiting our reading room. Bed and
breakfast facilities are also on the horizon. Imagine a vacation at a farm winery, helping
with the crush and experiencing farm life from the 1950's and you get an idea of where
we're going. We're excited, and we hope you are too!
|
| Kentucky Wine History
Kentucky has ideal temperatures and climate for growing
well-balanced grapes like those grown in the noble regions of France and Italy. The
region's early settlers knew this. In 1798, a European settler named Jean Jacques du Four
planted the first Kentucky Vineyard. Many European immigrants planted extensive vineyards
in Kentucky. In fact, the first commercial vineyard was started in Kentucky, and backed by
money from several prominent statesmen, including Henry Clay. By 1870, Kentucky was a
leading wine producer, producing more than half the nation's output at that time.
Unfortunately, prohibition came in the 1920's and all the vines were ripped out. Kentucky
has never fully recovered. But today, the grape industry in Kentucky is experiencing a
renaissance. New vineyards are being planted and new wineries are being built. Century
House is one of those new endeavors, using the heritage from 200 years ago combined with
the uniqueness of today's small Kentucky winery. |
| Area History
The Land of Logan County is the third largest county in Kentucky
in terms of square miles and has over 500 miles of roads, including a new four-lane
highway that bisects the county from east to west, joining I-65 at Bowling Green to I-24
near Hopkinsville. Improvements to U.S. 431, which runs from the Tennessee to the Indiana
state lines, are underway. Russellville, the county seat, celebrated its bicentennial in
1998, making the city only eight years older than our local newspaper, the News-Democrat
& Leader. The jobless rate is running consistently below 3 percent. Much of this is
because of the large number of manufacturing plants in the county. In fact, Logan has the
highest percentage of its workers in the state involved in manufacturing. Yet
agriculture remains a strong driving force in the Logan County economy. Amish and
Mennonite communities are thriving in the area. Some of Kentucky's richest farm land helps
Logan farmers rank among the top 10 in the state in the production of a number of crops.
The county also has a number of recreational and tourist attractions, including Lake
Malone, Shakertown at
South Union; antiques shops; and a public indoor swimming pool, complete with fitness
facilities.
Visit Russellville and Logan County whenever you can.
|
[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Vigneron's Report ] [ Tradition ] [ The Century House Press ] [ Book Review ]
Copyright © 1999 Century House Winery & Vineyards,
LLC. All rights reserved.
|