From golf to grapes

Purple Toad Winery grows into Bowling Green

ALLEN AND JUNE DOSSEY of Paducah were inspired to start winemaking after a memorable trip to Napa Valley, California, in 1998. Returning to Kentucky, they converted part of a field that Allen previously used for practicing golf into a vineyard, planting approximately 2,500 grapevines. 

Their Purple Toad Winery eventually opened on July 1, 2009. June was the first and only bartender throughout the first year, while Allen kept his day job as an insurance agent, but became a winemaker at night and on the weekends. 

Their son, Steven Dossey, is now the general manager and winemaker, and the winery has grown to become the state’s largest. Dossey says he knows how much of a risk his parents took to start their business, as well as all the hard work that went into bringing it to life. 

“My dad, my mom, my mom’s brother Gerald Neihoff and members of the extended Dossey and Neihoff families helped build the original winery,” he says. “Family members contributed their time, labor and whatever skills they had.” 

The recent opening of a second tasting room in Bowling Green required years of planning, but has enabled Purple Toad to deepen its connection with the state of Kentucky. Allen Dossey’s family roots are in Bowling Green, so the expansion was natural. 

Purple Toad worked closely with Warren RECC to develop the new site and prepare the building for the electrical demands of a large tasting room and event venue. 

“We are excited to welcome Purple Toad Winery to the Warren RECC territory. The unique experience they offer at their wineries will be a great addition to our local community and help boost tourism in South Central Kentucky,” says Dewayne McDonald, president and CEO of Warren RECC. 

Despite Kentucky being known for bourbon, the Dosseys are proud to show that Kentucky can also support a successful wine industry. Dossey says Kentucky has room to support an array of locally made products, as they all contribute to the commonwealth’s agriculture, tourism and manufacturing economies. 

“We are proud when someone sees Purple Toad on a shelf and recognizes it as a Kentucky-made product. Our success would not have been possible without the support we have received from customers and retailers across the state,” he says.