Midwest Wine Press

Tragedy At Harkness Edwards Vineyards

by · August 11, 2013

Lightening has again claimed one of the Midwest’s best wineries.  Harkness Edwards Vineyard near Lexington is reportedly a complete loss after a fire Tuesday night.  Harkness Edwards has appeared several times in Midwest Wine Press recently; their groundbreaking new Cab Dore and unique labels and marketing strategies are just two examples of Harkness Edwards’ leadership role in Kentucky and Midwest wine.

The tragic situation at Harkness Edwards is reminiscent of the fire that claimed Miletta Vista Winery in Nebraska.  During June of 2012, lightning struck Miletta Vista in the middle of the night.  At daylight, the tasting room and production facility were gone.  However, Miletta Vista was rebuilt and reopened this summer.

The Kentucky wine community is strong and we expect that Harkness Edwards will too be rebuilt.  Our hearts and best wishes go out to Harky and Cathy Edwards and the entire crew at Harkness Edwards.

The Midwest Wine Press article about the rebirth Milleta Vista contains important information about protecting your winery from natural disasters and liabilities.  (Properly grounding a building cannot prevent fires caused by lightning, although it can reduce the likelihood.)

See related story:  Milletta Vista Rises From the Ashes

For more information about Harkness Edwards fire see: http://www.wtvq.com/content/localnews/story/Unclear-Future-For-Harkness-Edwards-Vineyards/VhFySfOn8ky9q0rWkpkoQQ.cspx

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Mark Ganchiff

Mark Ganchiff is the publisher of Midwest Wine Press, the leading source of news on the growing wine industry in the central United States. Mark has been a wine judge at the 2012 and 2014 INDY International Wine Competition, the 2014 Cold Climate Wine Competition, the 2013 Mid-American Wine Competition, the 2012 Illinois State Fair Wine Competition and the 2013 Michigan Wine Competition. He also enjoys speaking at wine events including the Cold Climate Wine Conference, the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association Annual Meeting, the Midwest Grape and Wine Conference and the Wisconsin Fruit and Vegetable Conference. Mark's articles about regional wine have appeared in Vineyard & Winery Management, WineMaker and several regional magazines. Mark is a Level One Sommelier in the Court of Master Sommeliers. He lives in Louisville, but also has a residence in Chicago.

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