It was in 1985 when Wayne Shumate and his son, Cliff, planted the first field of thornless Hull blackberries on WindStone Farms in Central Kentucky. Two years of abundant sunshine, water, and tender care was rewarded as the canes bore the first berries. That following year, the canes bore more blackberries than could be sold through the fresh produce market. Wanting to share his tasty success, Wayne started making jam in his kitchen as gifts to family and friends. As the berries kept ripening, phone calls began to pour in raving on his jam. This is when Wayne decided to expand the business and went into partners with Billy Gatton Jones. Mr. Jones involves himself with sales, merchandising, and marketing. Today, those canes produce the succulent berries that go into Kentuckys top selling all-natural blackberry jam. WindStone Farm is located in the beautiful rolling hills of the Bluegrass State. Waynes blackberries are unlike the wild blackberry patches you recall venturing through growing up. His 8 foot-high blackberry canes are supported by wire strung between pine post in neat rows, giving an essence of a vineyard. There are no weeds or thorns to surmount. Since picking generally starts the first week in July, the workers have the summer heat to contend with, but the picking is painless. They simply strap on a shoulder harness with a bucket fastened to the front, leaving both hands free to drop in the berries as they move through the well-mowed rows. A little rock house built in 1819 sits on the edge of the blackberry patch and serves as a reminder to keep with the natural ingredients from grandmas recipe. Fans of blackberries will love WindStone Farms all-natural jam. Each plump berry is hand picked, then slowly simmered with sugar in small batches. There are no preservatives added. Its rich, dark color and full flavor make it ideal for creating mouth-watering entrees, sauces, dressings, and desserts. This family recipe is a coveted prize, and may be shared with you and your family. My memories of hot summer days enduring the heat and chiggers to fill the cooking kettles with luscious blackberries are just part of the recipe that goes into each jar of our natural blackberry jam. I think youll be able to taste them.

Address: 1 20th Street, Paris, KY 40361
Telephone: 859-987-0739
Fax: 859-987-0759
Website: http://www.windstonefarms.com/