Vance seeking to open winery at Eagle Falls

The main architect of Corbin’s successful by-the-drink alcohol referendum is now spearheading an effort to sell alcohol at a resort near Cumberland Falls State Park.
Jim Vance, a local investor and owner of Eagle Falls Resort, says he is close to filing the necessary petition and paperwork for a precinct-wide referendum in the Cumberland Falls area of McCreary County that would allow the sale of bottled beer and wine at the resort. Already he’s obtained a license from the state Alcohol Beverage Control Board to start a small winery operation at Eagle Falls Resort, but state law would only allow him to sell wine on the wholesale market. Vance said he wants to offer wine and beer at the resort’s restaurant and through a room service menu before opening the winery.
“I think it looks good,” Vance said about the prospects of the referendum issue passing. “Nobody has come out against it. The guy that is getting the signatures said he’s only had about three or four people not sign it that he’s asked. I think people are supportive of it.”
Vance may have an easier obstacle to hurdle this time around than in 2003 when Corbin adopted a similar measure, or 2004’s successful effort in London. There are only 439 registered voters in the precinct where Eagle Falls Resort is located … 212 voted in the last election – a race that included a hotly contested presidential contest and a constitutional question about gay marriage and civil unions.
“I only need 53 legitimate signatures, but we’ll probably shoot for 120 or 150,” he said. “That way we will know pretty much that we have it won before we even go vote. I’d say that last election was probably their high water mark on turnout, so we kind of know what to expect.”
As insurance, Vance said he’s started a small campaign to register young voters who would likely support the proposal. He said there were only seven voters aged 21-24 registered before the last election.
Vance purchased Eagle Falls Resort three years ago from a group of investors tied to Six Gun City – a defunct western-themed amusement park just above the resort. It had been abandoned for two years and was becoming decrepit. Vance said he’s spent $1.5 million remodeling the resort which features luxury suites, a general store and gift shop, an ice cream bar, a restaurant and a spacious RV park with a fishing lake.
Pam Stone, General Manager of Eagle Falls Resort, said there’s been quite a bit of interest regarding the issue from residents in the area.
“I’ve gotten a lot of phone calls on it,” she said. “We have people in this precinct that grow grapes. The first thing they did was call here and say ‘if we grow grapes, will Mr. Vance purchase them.’ I think he’s for doing that.”
Vance said state laws compel anyone opening a winery to purchase grapes from Kentucky growers if possible. He said he knew of a small vineyard only about five miles from the resort, and would likely negotiate with others.
Knowing nothing about winemaking, Vance said he plans to hire a winemaker and purchase the equipment if the referendum passes. Equipment will cost about $40,000, he said, and the operation would be housed in an old-style wooden store building next to the resort. Wine bottled at Eagle Falls Resort would have a special label and some likely would be sold on the wholesale market.
“I can find somebody to make the wine, I’m sure,” he said. “I can have this vote and everything to see if I can sell it by the glass before I ever have to start making wine. Once this passes, I have to be in the process of putting my winery in.”
Once signatures have been turned in to the County Clerk Jo Kidd for verification, Judge-Executive Blaine Phillips has 60 days to hold an election on the issue.
“If the paperwork, regulations and restrictions are followed and the petition contains the correct number of voters in the precinct, then the fiscal court members will have no choice but to call for a special election on this issue,” Phillips said.
McCreary County officials have been consulting with state officials to determine what steps need to be taken to hold the special election and what regulations the county could put in place if the issue passes.
Vance said he’s received no opposition from local politicians who have instead, he claims, taken a neutral stance. If voters approve, he said he thinks the referendum could bolster support for alcohol sales in other portions of the county.
“I think it will help the economy over here,” Vance said. “McCreary County can put on an alcohol tax. They desperately need money.”
Vance even suggested that investors might revive Six Gun City and the once popular Tombstone Junction if they are allowed to sell alcohol. Now, he claims, many of the visitors to Cumberland Falls travel back to Corbin for lodging without ever crossing into McCreary County.
“I think if we can sell beer and wine, we can bring them across the river to eat at the restaurant and stay at the motel.”
A stack of petitions sits on a table in the front lobby of the hotel. Stone said she’s had “lots” of people come for the specific purpose of filling them out.
“I have a feeling we will have absolutely no problem getting this passed.”