Order Now
Subscribe to Blog via Email
Categories
- Adventures in Wining
- Cooking with Wine
- Festivals
- Kentucky Wineries
- Travels
- Wine News
- Wine of the Week
Archives
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- December 2016
- November 2016
- October 2016
- September 2016
- August 2016
- July 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016
- April 2016
- March 2016
- February 2016
- January 2016
- December 2015
- November 2015
- October 2015
- September 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- April 2015
- March 2015
- February 2015
- January 2015
- December 2014
- November 2014
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
An American Sagrantino
This summer, we were introduced to Sagrantino, an amazing new wine, from Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery. This wine is typically found in the province of Umbria, located in Italy just east of Tuscany, not at a North Carolina winery. Raffaldini specializes in Italian varietals and this is a wonderful addition to their line of wines that include Vermentino, Sangiovese, and Montepulciano.
Sagrantino grapes produce a dry, bold, deep rich red wine with flavors of black cherries and spice with earthy characteristics. Our introduction was a pleasant one. We look forward to having more of this wonderful wine. If you love big red wines, give this one a try if you get the chance. You will be glad you did.
by admin with No Comments
Kentucky Wine Festival
On September 9, Kentucky put its wine on display at the 6th Annual Kentucky Wine Festival. Visitors were treated to food, vendors, live music, and wine. Prodigy Vineyards and Winery, Forest Edge Winery, Purple Toad Winery, Rising Sons Home Farm Winery, Brooks Hill Winery, and Springhill Winery were just a few of the wineries that were pouring their wines. The highlight of the day was the VIP Experience.
Visitors who chose that special experience were given tastes of the states’ wines that had recently won awards at the state competition. Those pours were accompanied by food treats to enhance their flavors. While tasting, some of the best-known figures in the Kentucky wine world shared their knowledge about the wines.
Purple Toad Winery and their awards
Winemaker and owner at Purple Toad Winery, Allen Dossey, was named Winemaker of the Year this year at the Indy International Wine Competition. Purple Toad also brought home 16 medals for its wines, including four double gold medals. This is a prestigious award in the wine world because Indy had over 2000 entries from 40 states, as well as 11 different countries.
Purple Toad Winery is located in Paducah and has been open for eight years. Their vineyard has been around for 19 years. The winery sells over 30 varieties, specializing in sweet wines. Owners Allen and June Dossey have been very involved in the Kentucky wine industry in recent years, traveling to festivals all over the state.
If you get the chance, you’ll want to give their wines a try. You’ll be happy you did. Besides, they also have one of the neatest names and labels in the state.
by admin with No Comments
Northern Kentucky Wine Festival
Wine lovers in Northern Kentucky should mark your calendars. Once again, MainStrasse will be the site of one of the state’s premier wine festivals. From 3 PM to 10 PM, on October 21, 2017, wineries from around the state will be offering tastes of their wines.
I’ll share details of the event when they are available. One thing for sure now, it will be a good time!
by admin with No Comments6th Annual Kentucky Wine Festival
Just a reminder for Kentucky wine lovers, the Sixth Annual Kentucky Wine Festival will be September 9, 2017, from Noon to 10 PM, at the Bullitt County Fairgrounds, sponsored by the Kentucky Wineries Association.
There will be Kentucky wineries, craft vendors, food vendors, and music to appeal to all visitors. For $20, get 12 wine tastings, a festival program and a souvenir glass.
Mark your calendars to enjoy a fun day of trying some of Kentucky’s finest wines.
by admin with No CommentsHonah Lee Vineyard
When we visit Virginia, we try to find new places to visit, especially wineries, but never expected to find “a land called Honah Lee”. We didn’t get to meet Puff the Magic Dragon, but we did get to meet Eric Hopwood, winemaker. He does create some magic with his wines. We had the opportunity to talk to the winemaker and taste some really great wines.
Just outside of Gordonsville, in Central Virginia, Honah Lee Vineyard is open every day for tastings of their wines as well as some from some other Virginia wineries. The tasting room is in a lovely, cozy, welcoming location. The building itself is small, but is surrounded by grounds that just seem to invite visitors to enjoy themselves with beautiful well-kept flowers and a delightful patio. Besides tastings, they also have events, such as catered dinners and hosted weddings.
The vineyard with 30 acres of grapes, has been in operation since 1992, and has been selling grapes to many Virginia wineries. A few years ago they began making their own wines. The decision was a good one. Of the wines we tasted, our favorite was a Malbec, poured by the winemaker. Malbec wines are robust, flavorful dry red wines, usually from South American wineries. This Virginia Malbec is excellent. The other wines we tasted were also very well made and very tasty.
They also operate Berrywood Crafters and have some delicious treats, such as jams and jellies on sale at the tasting room. While the name was intriguing, we were drawn to the Cran-Ghost Pepper Jelly, but did have to bring home the Basil Jelly and Onion-Pepper Jam. They were quite good.
The visit was great and we have already planned our visit for next summer. If you happen to be in Central Virginia, take time to visit this little “land called Honah Lee.” You’ll be glad you did!
Chrisman Mill Vineyards and Winery
Visitors to one of Kentucky’s oldest and most popular wineries are in for a surprise when they walk through the door of the vineyard tasting room. As you arrive, the vineyard still welcomes you as you drive up the hill to the parking area, the walk to the tasting room is the same, but then you notice the changes.
The new décor reflects a fresh, new look for the winery. Wine lovers will also want to look for a new wine release, with a new name and label – Dragonfly. While the vineyard is only open on special days, watch for those days. The visit is worth it!
The Winery of CM at Fayette Mall is open Monday through Saturday, from 11 AM to 9 PM and on Sundays, from 1 to 6 PM. Wine gifts, specialty foods, and of course, wine is available there for visitors. Come in, taste, or buy a glass and relax for a while. A visit to the Winery is an excellent break in a day of shopping!
by admin with No Comments
Norton Grapes in Kentucky
The Norton grape, also called Cynthiana, is one of the most widely grown grapes in Kentucky. One of the reasons for its popularity is its heartiness; Norton is able to withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees. The grape, a hybrid of a vitis labrusca and a vitis vinifera, was developed by Dr. Daniel Norborne Norton, at his vineyard in Virginia. The oldest “American” grape, it was available as a varietal in 1830. Norton was quickly recognized as the American grape that could produce a wine to compare with big European red wines. The Wild Vine: A Forgotten Grape and the Untold Story of American Wine, written by Todd Kliman, is a good read for those interested in the Norton grape.
In mid-summer, the Norton grape gives no hint of the deeply dark wine that is to come. Like with most grapes, the grapes begin green and later develop their color.
By harvest time, the grapes have ripened to the lush colors we lovers of the grape and the wine have come to expect. The deep, dark, almost inky color of the grapes give Norton wines that that deep garnet color.
A number of Kentucky wineries produce Norton wines, some as their selected reserves. For lovers of the big, bold red wines, this one is a favorite with its aromas of spice, and flavors of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Whether you discover a Norton or a Cynthiana, give it a try. The wines the grape produces are memorable.
by admin with 3 CommentsBrianza Winery and Vom Fass
Wine lovers in Northern Kentucky are in luck. Brianza wines are available for tasting and purchase at Vom Fass at Crestview Towne Center and you’ll find some olive oils and balsamic vinegar selections from Vom Foss at the winery in southern Boone County.
Brianza Gardens and Winery have been welcoming wine lovers for over two years. They are open six days a week and host many special events. Their wines range from the dry full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon to the lighter Sweet Bottom White. There’s something for all tastes and they are all well made by winemaker, Tony Parnigoni.
For those who have not discovered Vom Fass, the shop is located in Crestview Towne Center on the corner just across from Dillards. They offer an interesting selection of oils and vinegars, as well as wines and spirits. Tastings are offered of all of their offerings. Shoppers can enjoy tasting limoncello, brandies, wines, olive oils, and balsamic vinegars all at the same place. Check out their website to learn about the shop and their special events.
Look in my links to check out both websites. You’ll be glad you did!
by admin with No CommentsVerona’s Vines and Wines Tour
Just a few short years ago, Verona wine would bring thoughts of Italy and centuries of grapevines and vino; but believe it or not Verona, Kentucky has become a wine destination. In mid-June wine lovers spent the afternoon touring the offerings of one vineyard and three wineries located just minutes from each other in southern Boone County. The county is something of a dichotomy with Florence Mall and all of the stores located on Mall Road and Houston Road, and the southern part of the county being mostly rolling farm land with cattle, and fields of hay and tobacco. In recent years, vineyards started popping up on some of those southern Boone County farms. Wine lovers seem to be pleased.
The oldest of these vineyards is Verona Vineyards, started in 2011. Dan and Peggy Montgomery have developed quite a following both at the winery and vineyards at the Verona farm and the tasting room at Rabbit Hash.
Brianza Gardens and Winery was opened in 2015 and in a short time developed loyal fans who enjoy the wine, the events, and the gorgeous setting. Tony Parnigoni, the owner and winemaker, offers a wide variety of wines to appeal the all wine lovers.
Schoolyard winery opened their doors in 2016. The winery occupies the building, built in 1914, that once held the town’s school. Gary Younts, winemaker and veteran developed his love for wine in Germany and now greets visitors that want to try his wine and tour the old school building.
The grapes at Verona Landing Vineyards, grown by Greg Palmer, are sold to Verona Vineyards. The vineyard is not open to the public usually but welcomed visitors for this event. Wine lovers were able to taste the wines made from their grapes, tour the vineyard, and see the planes that are the reason for the name.
Wine lovers and visitors were able to learn about the grapes and enjoy a beautiful day with wine and music at these southern Boone County destinations.
by admin with 2 Comments