“Mini-Biltmore” planned near Salem

On 437 acres near Salem, a Greenville man is pursuing a project—the likes of which are unprecedented in Oconee County.  Russ Gardiner shared his plans Monday with the county Planning Commission for his Equus Club at Lake Keowee offering winemaking, equestrian, and culinary.  Gardiner plans to have grapes crushed in California’s rich wine country, truck the juice across country to make the wine in Oconee County, where eventually he will have his own vineyard.  The planning commission’s role will be to consider re-zoning of the property, which is described as adjoining the Cliffs at Keowee Falls home development.  “It’s something new and unique for Oconee County,” says planning commissioner Bozo Richards.  The project is being described as a mini-Biltmore Estates without the house.  On the west side of Lake Keowee, the public will have the chance to enjoy wine and dinner to be prepared by an expert chef and by culinary students.  Cottages are to be built to allow the visitors to spend the night.  At a follow-up to this Monday’s meeting, a second commission meeting is planned September 29—at which Richards expects Gardiner to present formal plans.