Hope on the vine

BUFFALO CREEK September 07, 2008 09:17 am

— As the fruit on their vines ripens and gets sweeter with each passing day, John and Sue Bond are trying to clear up any misunderstandings about their plans before a September 30 vote in the Iron Hill precinct determines if they will be allowed to establish a winery at their Carter County vineyard.
“We want to make something where a family can come in here,” Sue Bond said Saturday morning as she compulsively plucked unwanted vegetation from between vines. “We want to do tours and have a gift shop and sell supplies for people who want to make their own wine.”
“We could have done this in Ashland, but we love Grayson. We love the land. We love the people. We would like to be able to give something back to the community,” she said.
John Bond said he has heard about only one person’s concerns about their proposed winery, although he’s been told there is a petition against their plans circulating in the community.
“One person said they didn’t want to vote for it because of fear that people would be coming out of here drunk,” he said, clarifying that they do plan to have limited tastings at the winery with no more than four ounces (less than a single serving) being poured for any individual. “Everything we would sell would be in bottles or cases, and they would not be allowed to uncork a bottle at the winery.”
“My husband and I hardly drink actually,” his wife said, then added with a smile, “We don’t even dance.”
As parents of three children, the Bonds say they hope their winery plans will help the rural community by bringing in tourists who would pump money into the economy and create jobs there. Nearby businesses offering antiques, plants, furniture and other goods would also benefit from tourist traffic, both said, and the winery operation would initially create roughly five full- and part-time jobs along with at least a dozen seasonal picking jobs.
With no plans to plant more vines on their property, the Bonds also hope other nearby growers will consider planting grapes on their land and reap the rewards of a new cash crop.
With more than 400 registered voters in the precinct, Sue said she is aware of some misunderstandings about the result of a vote in favor of their winery.
“This vote will allow just this winery,” she said, explaining any other proposed winery operation would be required to have a separate vote.
“This won’t open the flood gates,” John Bond added.
The couple say they hope their neighbors will stop by, or join them for grape picking in the weeks ahead, to learn more about them and their winery plans.
“This year we would like to invite the entire community to come out and help us pick,” she said, noting they would be happy to provide lunch. “I think it would be good for the community, and it would be a chance for people to get to know us.”
The Bond’s family farm, which will be named Rock Springs Vineyard and Winery if approved by the community, is planted in numerous varieties of wine and table grapes. Their table grapes are the Marquis variety, a sweet and subtle fruit with a delicate skin, which are now ready to pick. The family farm offers people a chance to pick and purchase their own grapes on Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the end of the month or until the grapes are gone.
Grace Ramey, owner of the nearby Garden Gate Greenhouse nursery and gift shop, won’t be allowed to vote on the winery’s future, although she seemed fairly certain such a facility could benefit the area.
“As a business owner I have to think about the increase tourism,” Ramey said, explaining only a small percentage of her sales are to customers in the immediate area. “Tourism is very important because of the unique nature of this business. The tourists that stop here are really impressed.”
Ramey said she has heard some opposition to the winery proposal, but hopes people who live in the voting precinct on the other side of the creek from their farm will consider what such a business could do to help the local economy.
“Everything that helps a community is good for everybody,” Ramey said. “I like businesses in a community because it breathes life into it.”
The Bonds encourage anyone with questions to leave a message for them by calling 606-474-2315.
TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.

Photos

John and Sue Bond work at their vineyard Saturday near Carter City. The Ashland couple, who planted their first vines in 2003, are hoping to open the Rock Springs Vineyard and Winery if a special election goes well at the end of the month. The Independent