May 3rdProdigy Vineyard and Winery

Those who have visited Prodigy are familiar with the lovely tasting room located next to the Paul Sawyier Gallery on Versailles Road just off I-64. The atmosphere, the wine, the appetizers, and the service make every visit an experience. Wine club members are used to Release Parties being held at the tasting room. But on April 28, members of Prodigy’s Wine Club were treated to a special Release Party to pick up their wine selections.  What made it special was the release party was the first held at the wine facility and vineyard, located about a mile farther down the road from the tasting room. Visitors drove through the gates, past the vineyard along a winding road, to a horse barn and the wine building. Outside the winery building, patio seating was available. Local musicians, Gene and Laura entertained the crowd with an eclectic choice of music, while visitors enjoyed wine and food. The setting was perfect for a winery get together.

For an added treat, visitors were able to do a tasting from the wine tank of a new wine that will be released within a couple of months.  The new wine is a Meritage (rhymes with heritage). Many wine drinkers are familiar with this blend; many wineries make this wine.  What is unique about Prodigy’s Meritage is the grape varieties used in the blend. The blended wine contains Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Lemburger. The Lemburger gives their Meritage an interesting taste.  I’m looking forward to the release.

The vineyard still showed the signs of early spring, with few leaves and no grapes, but the rows of vines give the promise of whats to come. Prodigy vineyards contains about seven acres of both red and white grape varietals. The winery purchases grapes from vineyards nearby to supplement their supply to create their wines. Touring the winery facility, visitors were given a peek at how their favorite wines are made.

It was obvious that all who attended were having a really good time.

Apr 22ndChrisman Mill’s Tuscan Dinner

Friday, April 20, was the first Tuscan dinner of the year at Chrisman Mill Vineyard and Winery. We attended and enjoyed a delicious meal, wonderful wine, and a relaxing evening. Each month, usually the third Friday, during the spring, summer, and autumn months, the vineyard is the site of an eight course Tuscan dinner. The chef, Denise Nelson, plans the menus around a theme. Friday’s theme was garlic. Garlic, a cousin of the lily, was featured in the crostini appetiser, the salad dressing, the sauces on the pastas and the meats. Each selection was delicious, especially for a garlic lover. While not expecting garlic to complement a dessert, the surprising dish of the night was a garlic infused gelato which turned out to be quite a satisfying way to end the meal. Three wines were paired with the courses, Sweet Jessamine Rose, First Vineyard Reserve, and Veneto; but diners may also choose to order a bottle of their own choosing. We chose our personal favorite, Norton Reserve.

Spring seems to be coming early to Kentucky this year, but the vines were still just beginning to develop. The vineyard offers a glimpse of what’s to come. Chrisman Mill, one of Kentucky’s oldest wineries, has continued to make changes and additions keeping the grounds lovely. They’ve created a spot that is a relaxing and enjoyable place to spend an evening. The next Tuscan Dinner is May 18. (a full schedule is on their website). The dinners are a unique experience, I recommend it completely. We’ve taken friends with us several times and everyone has always had a great evening.

Of course, the vineyard is also open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 to 5. Visitors can enjoy tastings, sharing a bottle, or being there for other special events. Their website gives their full schedule.

Mar 17thLovers Leap Vineyards and Winery

For those who have not already heard, Lovers Leap Vineyard and Winery has changed hands. The new owners, the Sivinskis, are keeping the winery open, but have closed it temporarily to make some changes. Check the Lovers Leap website for updates about the opening.

I’ve spoken with Brian Sivinski, the winery manager and he’s very excited about reopening and continuing to make wines that Kentuckians will love.

Mar 17thKentucky Wineries

February is usually not the month that wine lovers choose to visit wineries. The vineyards are not all that beautiful and you can’t enjoy sitting outside sipping your wine. We did however take time from basketball games to make a few stops at four Bluegrass wineries. Elk Creek Vineyards and Winery have the Kentucky Proud store at the Lexington Center. Not only can you taste the wines, you can get a glass of wine before the ball games. Chrisman Mill Vineyard and Winery have a shop at Hamburg. It is just a short drive to Rupp Arena, so before or after the game, enjoying a glass of wine provides a good time. One Saturday in February we drove out and revisited Grimes Mill Winery, just off Old Richmond Road. The visit was fun. We were able to taste some of the future vintages from the barrel. At Kentucky’s last noon game, we were able to visit Prodigy Vineyards and Winery. The Winery is just off of I-64, and the trip was worth it.

With spring approaching, we’ll be out and about visiting wineries and tasting wines.  See you there!