Smoky Hill Vineyards & Winery Fine Kansas & American Wine, Wine Accessories, Gifts and Wine Maker Dinners

Watch us Grow!

On Friday, April 8 at 3:30, the official groundbreaking for a major expansion and renovation project took place. Excitement and anticipation has been building for months as Steve and Norm have met with architects, planners and industry experts. Hundreds of hours of planning will commence to bring the dreams of transforming what was once a 12 stall horse stable to an eventual 50,000 gallon winery with a wine cave (the first of it's kind in Kansas!) Illustration, right, is courtesy of Jones-Gillam, Salina architects in charge of the project. Illustration shows the proposed exterior of the expanded tasting room and gift shop.

	Over thirty dignitaries and VIPs were in attendance and included Rep. Josh Svaty (D-Ellsworth); City Commissioners Debbie Devine and Alan Jilka; Shari Barragree, County Commissioner; Salina Mayor Monty Shadwick; Salina Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mr. Gerald Cook; Chamber VP Don Weiser; the Salina Area All America team, Smoky Hill Vineyard and Winery managers and employees from all three stores and members of the press. Pictured at left is Rep. Josh Svaty and Norm Jennings listening to welcoming remarks.

Welcoming comments from Mayor Shadwick and Mr. Cook were followed by a project overview from Norm. Kay Bloom, co-owner, recalled the "craziness" of "two old guys near retirement" taking on a new business in a new industry in an emotional statement. Dignitaries, VIPs and employees joined in a Simply Red toast by winemaker Steve Jennings "to the future". Co-owner and founding partner, Kay Bloom, is shown at right as he made humorous and sometimes emotional comments as he recalled the early days of Smoky Hill Vineyards and Winery.

	Kay, Norm and Steve turned over the first shovels of earth with the Mayor and Chamber President, followed by the Managers and employees of the Winery. Finally, a third group including Rep. Svaty, City and County Representatives and Salina's All-America team participating in the festivities. Later, in a private ceremony, the next generation, 6 year-old Alivia, two-year old Katelee and four-year old Reis demonstrated their earth-moving abilities, demonstrating to Mom Jen Jennings just how easy it is to cake up your tennis shoes with freshly turned earth!

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