McIntyre’s Winery & Berries

Nestled in Bardstown, Kentucky a former tobacco producer has found his calling with fruit wines. 

“We never really had a plan to be a winery, it kind of just happened” explained Tommy McIntyre. “I didn’t know if I could do it. I’ve never been to a winery before, so it was a big gamble.”

The Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (KCARD) has worked closely with McIntyre’s Winery over the last year as the family began developing the winery. The family began working with KCARD thanks to a friend who recommended they turn to KCARD to discuss grant programs available. KCARD has worked to provide the McIntyre’s guidance in applying for grants, and more importantly the ability to see the business going into the future and a reference to where they have been. 

 “There is more to it than what we ever imagined,” explained Debbie McIntyre. “Tommy has said it over and over how he never realized how much it makes a difference to have KCARD help.”

“The McIntyres have worked tirelessly with KCARD and the Agribusiness Grant Facilitation (AGFP) to develop their business plan and complete their Value-Added Producer Grant application. Along with helping with grant facilitation, Tommy McIntyre explained that KCARD played a significant role in helping develop a business plan and develop a picture of what the future will look like on paper. 

“It’s [business plan] more of a visual picture of what the future will look like on paper,” said Tommy. “As a business owner, you focus on what you need to do to survive, not trying to picture what it is going to be in 3-4 years. Now with KCARD’s help, we have a business plan. I’ve already referenced it a couple times to see theoretically where we should be. It’s a map to secure the future,” explained Tommy. 

 “Developing a solid business plan gives a business the ability to see their plans laid out, and makes goals to achieve the various expansions or changes to the business,” states Kati Miller, a Business Development Assistant with KCARD. “McIntyre’s Winery’s business plan gives them the opportunity to review where they were and continue planning for the future.”

 McIntyre explained he had always enjoyed making wines from fruits that were growing wild. He would make small batches, between 5 and 6 gallons, for personal use. As time went by, wild berries were harder and harder to find. The McIntyre’s raised an acre of tobacco prior to the Buyout and had 4 acres where berries and fruit could be planted on their farm. After some research, Tommy planted his first acre blackberry and blueberry bushes, and began raising berries for friends and family to use. Now those few acres also provide the berries that make McIntyre’s Winery unique to local wines. 

McIntyre’s Winery & Berries focuses on fruit wines and does not offer the traditional grape wines. They offer varieties such as Blueberry, Blackberry, Elderflower, Cherry, and Corn Cob. McIntyre’s Winery gives the consumer a different perspective on fruit wines, which are often thought to be very sweet. The winery also produces its own Wine Slushy mix, which is one of their best-selling products. 

In the future, McIntyre’s Winery will expand its operation to include an event venue and commercial kitchen. The building will consist of an area of indoor dining and events, and a commercial kitchen.  The kitchen will also be used to produce McIntyre’s Winery & Berries Slushy Mix, jams and jellies, and it will be available to rent for special events and weddings at the winery.

“I know that the potential is in this, it just depends on how much you want to do. Where we want to stop at, we’re not sure. Start small and gradually go, as our business plan states,” stated Tommy McIntyre. 

McIntyre’s Winery & Berries plans to continue their working relationship with KCARD and the AGFP to work through different areas of the expansion of the business and in applying for future grant programs. 

 “Some of the best advice we received was to jump in with both feet and go all the way, or don’t go at all. Decide what you are going to do and go all the way. If you are going to be too scared to get your feet in the water, you will never go anywhere,” explains Debbie McIntyre. “Starting part of this, we can add on to it, and be prepared for what we are going to have in the future.”

 McIntyre’s Winery & Berries is open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday. For more information about McIntyre’s Winery & Berries, check out their Facebook Page, McIntyre’s Winery & Berries LLC or call the winery at 502-507-3264