What's all this talk about Norton?

Our Norton is earthy, bold and unique.  Because of the grapevine's heritage it could be considered a "true" American wine.  As a winemaker and aficionado of wine, I like to trace the origin of grapevines and their history and the Norton vine has deep roots within the American culture.

The appreciation of wine in our culture dates back to our forefathers.  Thomas Jefferson was determined to develop a grape and wine culture in the new country.  Unfortunately, he failed.  He continually attempted to plant vinifera vines that were suited to European soils and climates.  It wasn't until the early 1800's when Dr. Norton crossbred the Norton vine and found it was well suited to the unique soil and climate of Virginia.  However, it was the German settlers of Herman, Missouri who gave this grape its debut on the world market when it won a gold medal at an international exhibition in Vienna in 1873.

The Norton grape almost vanished with the onset of prohibition.  Vineyards and wine casks were destroyed.  It took three decades before Betty and Jim Held of Stone Hill Winery began to revitalize the wine industry in Missouri by restoring old vineyards and rehabilitating wine caves.  They made award-winning wine out of the Norton grape and today are well known for the wines they produce.

In 1989 a native Missourian, Daniel Horton, purchased a small lot of land in Virginia to start Horton Vineyards.  He acquired cuttings of the Norton vines in Missouri and replanted them in Virginia.  Daniel Horton is considered a maverick and is responsible for the Norton grape returning to its roots.

As the wine industry in Southern Illinois continues to develop it is important to match the grapes we grow with our soils and climate.  The French call the influence of soils, climate and grape growing practices on the grapes grown in a specific region "terroir".  My experience as a winemaker is the Norton is well suited to our "terroir" at Blue Sky Vineyard, which is located in the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area.

When I give tours of our vineyard and winery, I emphasize that we are not trying to be California, Oregon or New York.  We are establishing an identity for Blue Sky Vineyard that can only be experienced from grapes grown in the area.  A wine aficionado can experiences great Cabernet Sauvignons all over the world; at Blue Sky you can experience a great Norton.

Next time you visit Blue Sky Vineyard sample our Norton and envision yourself drinking a glass with venison or a hearty beef dish.