Jul 21stForest Edge Winery

For a wine lover, hearing about a barrel share at a Kentucky winery with an excellent winemaker was definitely good news. Forest Edge Winery, in Bullitt County, offered shares on a blended red wine this spring. When a person purchases a barrel share at a winery, they are purchasing a case of that wine while it is still in the barrel. During the aging process, there are periodic tastings for those who have shares. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot are the grape varieties in this case. That alone sounded appealing plus the winemaker is one of Kentucky’s finest, Butch Meyer. We were hooked.

We had the opportunity to taste the wine for the first time last week and were very impressed and pleased with our investment. Now we are looking forward to the bottling of the wine. Maybe we’ll be able to taste it again prior to the bottling.

Forest Edge has a good selection of wines, one of which, a dry Riesling, is my favorite white in the state. Many wineries in Kentucky, as well as other states, make Rieslings, but they are often sweet. This one has a dry and fruity taste, with a straw like color, that reminds me of some of the dry whites from Germany.

Forest Edge is only about a mile from I-65, just seventeen miles from Louisville. The winery has a delightful tasting room and a choice of wines that has something to appeal to any taste. Their website says “come as strangers, leave as friends.” You will. I certainly recommend this as a wine trip.

Jul 20thWight-Meyer Vineyard and Winery

Many thanks to Sandy and Jim for their hospitality and friendly service to the group from the Women Who Write Writer’s Conference. A wine reception was planned for the speakers and attendees at the close of the meeting. For those who attended, a glass of wine and refreshments were provided by the Women Who Write organization. Jim and Sandy Wight made everyone feel welcome.

As a wine lover, I was especially pleased when Jim brought out bottles of his 3 Reds by Wight. This was a limited release and the bottles remaining are reserved for their wine club members, but Jim graciously shared this wine with those at the wine reception. If possible, the wine just keeps getting better.

Everyone enjoyed themselves and many remarked to me how wonderful the wine was; I’m sure they will want to return.

Jul 18thGrimes Mill Winery

Since opening three years ago, Grimes Mill Winery has developed a devoted following. Wine lovers who visit this Fayette County winery return. True to its Italian heritage, Ca’DeSimone has created some wonderful wines and a tasting room that is impressive in style and creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. An Italian phrase that translates, “To the one that does not drink wine, God will also deny water,” is displayed on the wall, as well as on t-shirts. Visitors always ask what it means.

In June, my husband and I took a couple of friends to Grimes Mill Winery for their first visit. They loved it and were impressed by the ambience, the service, and the wine. They enjoyed the lighter and sweeter wines on the tasting list.

The Reserve Malbec is still our favorite. As it ages, it improves. Many wine lovers will notice an aroma and finish of a dark chocolate. This is a 100% Malbec and is a full-bodied, robust wine, but is so smooth that it doesn’t overpower the senses.

This summer, the winery is adding a bocche court, for those who would enjoy trying this popular Italian game. They are also introducing their Second Triple Crown wine, Tre Vini delle Sorelle, a blended red wine.

Jul 10thSmith-Berry Vineyard and Winery

After appearing on Great Day Live, we decided to visit Smith-Berry Vineyard and Winery, at New Castle, on the drive home. As usual, a visit there is relaxing and full of good wine. We tasted only the dry reds during this stop. There were six excellent choices. We started with a Zinfandel, this vintage has deep red berry flavors, with just a taste of spices. Next, we tried Brother John, made predominately with the Syrah grape. It has a deep garnet color, with aromas of plums or black cherries, and flavors of berries and plums. We also tried the John Harley, a big Zinfandel, that is named for Chuck Smith’s father. The wine has ruby colors, berry aromas, fruit and spice flavors.  Both the Merlot, and the Petite Sirah we tasted are lighter reds with more fruity finishes.

Our favorite was the Burley. This wine, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Norton, and Munson is one of the best reds available this season. Dark garnet in color, the wine has both the aromas and flavors of plum, raspberries, and cinnamon.

While we didn’t do a tasting of the Sauvignon Blanc this visit, I had tried it before and bought a couple of bottles. It is a crisp, dry white with fruity aromas and just a taste of minerals. It is a very good wine for these hot summer days.

Whatever your wine choice, dry or sweet, red or white, you will find something to love at Smith-Berry Vineyard and Winery. Just a short drive from I-71, it is a wonderful place to stop on a trip from Northern Kentucky to Louisville. The tasting room is inviting and there are places to sit and spend a relaxing afternoon.