Dueling Grounds Distillery celebrates 10 years with Bourbon Harvest Picnic

FRANKLIN, Ky. — Dueling Grounds Distillery is celebrating a decade in business this weekend by raising a glass to the farmers, families, and community members who have helped make its first 10 years possible.

The Franklin distillery will host its Bourbon Harvest Picnic on Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. This year’s theme, “10 Years of Grain and Spirit,” highlights the connection between Kentucky bourbon and local agriculture.

The free event will feature barbecue, distillery tours and tastings, antique tractors, and appearances from local farmers and producers showcasing their work.

Marc Dottore, owner and founder of Dueling Grounds Distillery, said the anniversary provided an opportunity to celebrate not only the distillery, but also the agricultural community that helps support Kentucky’s bourbon industry.

“We thought, ‘how great would it be to celebrate local agriculture in Simpson County?’” Dottore said. “Our farmers will be here, along with people doing interesting things in agritourism. Getting a chance to create a venue to bring all of them together was really a cool idea.”

As Dueling Grounds reflects on its first decade, Dottore said support from local residents and visitors has allowed the business to grow into more than a place where bourbon is produced.

Over the years, the distillery has expanded its offerings, including opening a kitchen about five years ago. Dottore said that helped turn the business into a gathering place where people can eat, spend time with friends, and bring their families.

“People come in here, they bring their friends and they make it their place to gather,” Dottore said. “Now people come in for lunch and hang out. They bring their families. I like being a gathering place.”

The Bourbon Harvest Picnic is free to attend and open to all ages.

Dueling Grounds Distillery is located at 208 Harding Road in Franklin.