Nestled in a rural valley 3 miles north of Summersville, Kirkwood Winery produces over 10,000 gallons of wine annually. Located on 45 Winery Lane, the facility is both a winery and a vineyard where several varieties of grapes are grown for winemaking. Among them, Concord, Catawba and Niagara.
Kirkwood Winery is owned by Frank and Elizabeth Dix, both lifelong residents of Nicholas County. “To me, a good wine is whatever you like to drink,” says Elizabeth Dix. “It’s whatever tastes good to you.”
This year, fairgoers will have the opportunity to experience Kirkwood Wine tasting in the Gus. R. Douglass Annex at the West Virginia State Fair. “We will be selling and doing tastings of wine,” Dix says. “We’ll be with the Department of Agriculture for the entire 10 days of the fair from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.”
When asked what their most popular wine is, Dix was quick to respond. “Blackberry,” she says. “Ramp wine and dandelion wine are two unique wines that we’re known for, both of which will also be at the fair.”
Kirkwood Winery produces an average of 250 bottles of wine per 55 gallon barrel of grapes and carries the distinction of being the first vineyard in the region. Consisting of over six acres, they produce 40 tons of grapes annually with only one harvest per year. Their current wine selection includes fruit, specialty, vegetable, red and white. When asked of her favorite food and wine pairing, Dix replied “I would say cheese with wine, specifically soft cheeses.”
In addition to their presence at this year’s State Fair, wine and music lovers will have the opportunity to combine the best of both worlds with the 34th annual Kirkwood Winery Wine & Music Fest on September 19 and 20 in Summersville. Festival activities include live music, a 5k race, food and prizes, distillery tours, grape stomping and wine tasting.
“We hope folks will visit us during the two weeks at the fair,” says Dix. “And remember our annual grape stomp at the festival later this year, which takes place in September. Tickets are on sale now and everyone can visit our website for more information.” In closing, Elizabeth extended heartfelt appreciation to customers who have supported Kirkwood Winery and will continue to do so in the years ahead. “Thank you for drinking Kirkwood wine,” she said. “We try to make the best wine that we can and we appreciate all our customers.”
Kirkwood Winery is located on 45 Winery Lane in Summersville, West Virginia. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days a week. For more information, call 1-888-4WV-WINE, 304-872-7332 or email info@kirkwoodwinery.com. You can also find them online at Kirkwoodwinery.com and on social media at Facebook.com/KirkwoodWineryWV.
