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By Gillian Stawiszynski 

Jessamine Journal

Saturday, June 17 is the twentieth anniversary of the Wine and Vine Festival sponsored by Visit Jessamine.

Jessamine County is home to First Vineyard on Sugar Creek which opened in 1700 and is the very first commercial vineyard in the country. This makes this festival a special one. It is also recognized as the official state wine festival.

“We have had that designation for the past 20 years which is amazing, a wonderful privilege for us and a way for us to recognize all of what Kentucky has to offer in the wine industry,” said Ronda May, the Executive Director of the Jessamine County Chamber of Commerce. “It all started here, and we’re continuing to focus on it, recognize it, and help to support these wineries and vineyards within our state.”

From noon until 7 p.m. at the Jessamine County Fairgrounds on 100 Park Drive, visitors can enjoy wine samples from fifteen wineries across the state for $25. Regular admission without wine tasting is $5. Kids are free, and there will be plenty of activities for them to enjoy.

In addition to music, 40 craft vendors and multiple food trucks, the festival will also have inflatables for kids.

“Bring your kids, let them jump around and have some fun!” May said before revealing that the Nicholasville Police Department will also be in attendance with its Copsicle truck. “We want it to be family fun. Bring the whole family and come out and have a good day!”

Throughout the day, there will be three obstacle course competitions open to attendees of any age. May said winners will receive prizes, but that none of the prizes are wine.

To get to the Jessamine County Fairgrounds, event attendees can enter the fairgrounds through an entrance off of the new Eastern Bypass.