May 3, 2005
From raising horses to growing grapes, one Madison County land-owner is able to make both of his passions his business. His plans are to bring Madison County its fourth winery.
"Our intent is to bring to Madison County a facility that everyone would be proud to be a part of," says Jeff Sweely, the Acorn Hill Farm owner.
Sweely and his family have lived in Madison County for 15 years breeding horses on their 300-acre farm and are now looking for a change of pace.
"I've always wanted to grow grapes," he explains.
The Madison County's Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a special use permit, allowing Sweely to sell wine at a new on-ground winery. He and vineyard officials are pleased to bring a fourth winery to the county.
"I think it's a great asset for Madison County," says Winery President Marcie Siegel. An asset expected to produce 25,000 cases of wine.
"We're excited about the kinds of fruit that we are going to be able to produce in Madison County. It's a beautiful piece of land that has incredible vistas, and we're really looking forward to sharing that with everybody when they come down and have a chance to visit us in the tasting room," she explains.
Quality instead of quantity is what he and others believe will keep wine lovers coming back.
"Our intent is to produce the best wine we possibly can, and at the highest quality," Sweely adds.
The winery will offer wine-tastings and bottle sales, and is expected to be completed in 2007.
