The History of Kirkwood Winery
Kirkwood Winery has the distinction of being the first vineyard in this region, and is located in a rural valley three miles north of Summersville, West Virginia. With his two sons, Rodney Facemire planted his vineyards in spring of 1984, only to lose the vineyards to the harsh winter that year and the ensuing droughts of 1985. Determined to succeed, the vineyards were replanted in the following years and now consist of over six acres that produce 40 tons of grapes annually. During this period, the orchards already on the farm were expanded. Blackberry, raspberry and blueberry fields were planted and a rhubarb patch was established. The old family oak press featured on our label has been used since trial production first began almost two decades ago. Harvests from these fields now yield over 4,000 gallons of wine annually from which more than 30 different varieties of French Hybrid American varietal, mead, vegetable and other fruit wines are produced.