STURGIS, S.D. (8/8/2014)–  South Dakota winery Belle Joli’ is not only expanding physically, but it is also expanding its product line thanks to funding from a Local Infrastructure Improvement Grant, a program administered by the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).

In celebration of its expansion, Belle Joli’ will cut the ribbon to its new “Sparkling House” tasting room in Sturgis on Friday, Aug. 15, at 4 p.m. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, Belle Joli’ will host an open house on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 16-17, from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. each day. The festivities will culminate with a Wine Club Party on Sunday from 2-5 p.m.

Belle Joli’s new facility will allow visitors to engage in a whole new wine-tasting and wine-making experience. The new state-of-the-art “Sparkling House,” which overlooks a five-acre vineyard in Sturgis, will feature a variety of sparkling wines and champagnes, something new to South Dakota’s wine industry.

“Any time one of our finance programs can add value to South Dakota’s economy by helping a company grow and prosper we’re pleased to award those funds,” said Pat Costello, Commissioner, GOED. “Our programs offer incentives companies often can’t find anywhere else.”

“Belle Joli’ will be the anchor at the southern edge of exit 32’s development corridor,” said Pat Kurtenbach, president of the Sturgis Economic Development Corp. “The Jacksons are visionaries in establishing their champagne house at the mouth of Vanocker Canyon. We expect Belle Joli’ to be the first of many new, unique businesses and attractions in the Sturgis community.”

Matthew and Choi Jackson, Belle Joli’ co-owners, have been working to perfect the art of winemaking since they planted their first vines in Belle Fourche in 2000. Belle Joli’s wines have received international awards and recognition and the Jacksons hope their newest sparkling wines and champagnes will follow suit.

“Bringing this new kind of wine-experience to South Dakota is very exciting because it’s been part of our vision from the beginning,” said Matthew Jackson. “I am originally from Belle Fourche, and after attending college in California, I wanted to bring back and share the same experience I had while at college with my friends and family. Our guests are able to touch the plant—feel, see and taste the whole production of the wine they’re drinking. I think that’s special. We appreciate all the support and guidance from all the parties involved in making this project possible.”

The City of Sturgis, in addition to Belle Joli’ Winery, received funding from the Local Infrastructure Improvement Program to extend a water and sewer main along the right-of-way for a new road that will be built. The project provided city utility services to newly annexed land that assisted with Belle Joli’s expansion. The project also received a value-added production marketing grant from the USDA Rural Development and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Value Added Finance Authority supplied funding for equipment.

For more information on the Local Infrastructure Improvement Program and other GOED financing programs, visit www.sdreadytowork.com/finance. For more information on Belle Joli’ Winery, visit www.bellejoli.com.