The Mountain State is known for its long history in the mining industry but did you know that West Virginia also was once a thriving wine making territory? Although the state’s affair with grapes only lasted a few short years, you can still tour the remnants of its past. At Wine Cellar Park you can hike to the ruins that once housed the abundant wine.
At first glance, Wine Cellar Park in Dunbar appears to be a beautiful recreation area on Laura Anderson Lake. It is… but it’s also hiding a rare part of our state’s history.
Google Images/Leslie W
As you explore the park, you’ll find several rustic picnic shelters and a playground for the kids.
Google Images/P Brogan
There’s also a disc golf course spread across the park and the 33-foot deep lake is a fisherman’s dream come true.
Google Images/Ed Cordle
Explore the hiking trails and the paths will take you not only on a scenic journey through the woods, but also on a trip back in time.
Google Images/Marissa White
Back in 1860, this area of Dutch Hollow used to be a hub of winemaking. The industry only lasted for three short years before the Civil War.
Google Images/Leslie W
The ancient wine cellars still exist today. Built of stone and appearing like structures out of the Middle Earth, the cellars are fascinating.
Google Images/Edward Cordle
The cellars were used to store the large casks of fermented wine to age within the cool stone. The casks were later transported to Charleston and then shipped to Ohio to sell.
Google Images/Joey Harper
Today the impressive wine cellars are all that remain of the three-year wine making boom. You can even go inside if dark places don’t make you shake in your boots.
Google Images/Colton Meinecke For more information visit the City of Dunbar website. Address: 1101 Dutch Hollow Road, Dunbar, WV, 25064
Have you ever visited Wine Cellar Park? If you love exploring West Virginia’s ruins, this intriguing hike will take you straight through an abandoned village.
Google Images/Leslie W
Google Images/P Brogan
Google Images/Ed Cordle
Google Images/Marissa White
Google Images/Edward Cordle
Google Images/Joey Harper
Google Images/Colton Meinecke
For more information visit the City of Dunbar website. Address: 1101 Dutch Hollow Road, Dunbar, WV, 25064
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