Becoming a third generation winemaker in his hometown of Salina, Kansas wasn’t what Norm Jennings had in mind when he left Salina to attend Kansas State University to study electrical engineering in 1984.

But winemaker he is.  Norm is the owner, winemaker and overseer of general operations of Kansas’ largest grape producing vineyard and winery.  Smoky Hill Vineyards and Winery, located four miles north of Salina on North Ninth, is home-away-from home for Norm and wife Jen, Events Coordinator for the Winery, and their three children, Alivia, Reis, and Katelee.

Born and raised in Salina, an uncle noticed 5 year old Norm's love for cooking seemed to go beyond licking the batter off the mixing spoon. Even though his love was in the culinary arts,  Norm elected to become an engineer instead, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.

After graduating from Salina Central High School, he attended Kansas State University, studying Mechanical and Electrical engineering and obtained a

Pictured from left, Alivia, Jen, Katelee,

Norm and Reis

(photo courtesy of Carol Roker)

With his hands full as general manager, culinary specialist and assistant to his father,  Smoky Hill founder and winemaker Stephen Jennings, taking over winemaking duties was something that might happen “one day”. But the future came sooner rather than later with the sudden death of Steve in the fall of 2005.  In the midst of a major renovation and expansion project, Norm was forced with a decision: abandon the dreams he and his father had carefully crafted over the past few years or persevere, without a proven winemaker in place and over 6000 vines to care for.  

Affirmation of Smoky Hill’s winemaking skilled were realized early this year with the award of silver medals to three of three wines submitted into international wine competition, the Grand Harvest Awards in Santa Rosa, CA. Jennings’ 2006 Norton,  and perennial best sellers, Sweet Lady and River Valley Red.