Most people plan visits to interesting sites when they are traveling on vacation, or plan day trips to unique places a couple of hours away from home. Seldom do we look at locations that are as close to home as a half hour away. We found out this weekend that you should. After reading an announcement about a wine festival in Union in May’s Kentucky Monthly, we decided to visit Jane’s Saddlebag. What we discovered is a charming place that offers a wine shop, a old-fashioned store with a restaurant, an event site, and a petting zoo. Jane’s Saddlebag, in Boone County, is owned by the Blackmore family and is named after an ancestor. Visitors can follow the signs to 13989 Ryle Road, just two miles past Big Bone Lick State Park.
In the wine shop, visitors can purchase a glass or a bottle of several choices from local wineries. The store has a wide selection of gift items, including some from local artisans. If you’re hungry, the restaurant offers a wide line of sandwiches such as a Wooly Mammoth Burger. Be sure to save room for a dessert. I had the Coconut Cream pie and it was excellent. Private events can be planned on the grounds with a view of Big Bone Creek. The petting zoo and the children’s village will delight the children.
On June 8, Jane’s Saddlebag will be hosting its 1st Annual Wine Festival. Verona Vineyards, Atwood Hill Winery, StoneBrook Winery, and Elk Creek Vineyards and Winery are some of the local wineries who will be offering tastes of their wines. Lovers Leap Vineyard and Winery, Talon Vineyards and Winery, and others will be coming from other parts of the state. There will also be artisans and vendors. Enjoy a day of fun, wine, and great food, with free parking. A portion of the proceeds will be going to the Children’s Hospital. Watch for announcements on the local news and in local news outlets.
I will be there signing A Wine Lover’s Odyssey Across Kentucky. Hope to see you there.
South of Bowling Green off the beaten track, wine lovers will find Reid’s Livery and Winery. Rex and Diane Reid opened the winery in 2009. They are generally open on a call ahead basis as they also work around the livery with the horses. Their wine is also offered at the Farmer’s Market in town.
Even though the winery is a very small operation, their wines have been noticed and have been winning awards at several competitions. Many of their wines are made from fruits and berries from their farm, but they are also buying grapes. One of their popular offerings is named Healthy Harvest and is a blend of Elderberry and Cabernet Franc. They also are making a Cabernet Franc aged in a white oak barrel.
Whether you want to try their wines or take riding lessons, Reid’s Livery and Winery is an interesting destination just minutes from Bowling Green.
I’ve been busy with the ending of the semester in my classes, but wanted to thank all those who visited the writer’s festival at Bowling Green. It was an interesting experience. A lot of those attending were treated to a chance to meet “the Fonz” who writes books for children.
One of the nicest reasons for attending was the opportunity to see old friends, such as Bobbie Bryant, and to meet new ones like Wes Berry. Both were there signing their books.
by adminThe time is near. Mark your calendars and make your plans to attend one of Kentucky’s finest wine festivals, on May 18. From noon to seven, wine lovers can savor unlimited tastings of Kentucky, domestic, and international wines for a $25 ticket (includes a Wine and Vines glass).
The list of Kentucky wineries is still being decided, but expect wineries from around the state to be there pouring their wines. Arts, crafts, and foods will also be available. Music will be provided throughout the day.
I will be there with my book, A Wine Lover’s Odyssey Across Kentucky. I’d love to meet you and talk about one of my favorite topics – Kentucky wine.
by admin