Open: Year Round
Who would have thought that getting caught stealing grapes would lead Jerry Deal to ownership of one of West Virginia's foremost wineries? Well, that's just what happened! When a neighbor chastised Jerry for eating grapes from her vines (on his side of the fence), he planted his own. In no time at all, the grape vines were so prolific that eating them all was out of the question. Wine making was the next choice. After several years of home wine making, recognition in amateur competitions, and the support of his friends, Jerry Deal decided to turn his hobby into a business. And so, Forks of Cheat Winery was established in July of 1990.
The business that started with a production of 600 gallons of wine from that first harvest has grown to the production of approximately 17,000 gallons from the harvest in the fall of 2008. Less than an acre of grapes has grown to almost sixteen acres. Forks of Cheat Winery now grows at least some of each of the French Hybrid and American varietal grapes that are used in the wine production. Locally marketing a few bottles has grown to state-wide distribution. The little enterprise that started in one room at the Deals' weekend get-away has expanded into a new 5,000 square foot facility with space designed for tasting and sales, special events, and the always necessary office area.
