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Happy 2014 from the Kentucky Wine Lover
As we reflect on 2013, it was a great year for Kentucky wine. Not only is the state opening more wineries and planting more vineyards, but the state is beginning to develop a wine culture. Wine lovers are enjoying Kentucky wine and looking for more.
As recently as just a couple of years ago, people were astounded to find that Kentucky made wine. Today Kentucky wine has become a first choice for many wine lovers. The reason is clear; Kentucky is making very good wine. When I visit wineries around the state and go to festivals, there are always people who are looking for their favorite Kentucky wines. Wine lovers are finding favorite wineries in the state, they are joining the wine clubs offered by the state’s wineries, they are taking the wine tours, and they are attending the wine festivals.
Kentucky wineries are showing off their wines in wine competitions around the country and letting the rest of the country know that we have an excellent product. Kentucky was a producer of excellent wine in the 1800s and has become one again.
I’ve noticed an expanded interest in the kentuckywinelover blog. This year many people have visited this site looking for information about Kentucky wine. I love sharing my love and interest in Kentucky wine with visitors to the site and those who have found my book. I’ve always been proud of being a Kentuckian and as a wine lover, I am proud of the growth of Kentucky’s wine industry. The kentuckywine site and the Kentucky wine Facebook page are developing quite a following, as well.
2014 will only see a growth of Kentucky wine lovers. Look for the new vintages, new varietals, and even new wineries. Kentucky’s wine culture has a bright future.
Happy New Year to all of you wine lovers.
by adminHoliday Greetings from the Kentucky Wine Lover
The tree has been trimmed, the presents have been wrapped, the cookies, candy, and bread has been made. Tomorrow and the next day, I’ll be welcoming family to our home. I decided it was time to relax and reflect on some of the wines I’ve enjoyed this year.
My favorite Kentucky wines from 2013 are: the Cabernet Franc, released this summer by Lovers Leap Vineyard and Winery, the new vintage of Norton Reserve from Chrisman Mill Vineyard and Winery, the new vintage of Dornfelder from Verona Vineyards, Prodigy Vineyards and Winery’s Lemberger, Smith-Berry Vineyard and Winery’s John Harley (Zinfandel), and the recent release from Wight-Meyer Vineyard and Winery of their 3 Red by Wight (Meritage Blend). Kentucky wines get better every year.
Hope you and your family and friends enjoy the holiday and wine. Have a Merry Christmas and wonderful holiday. As you look to 2014, plan to enjoy the new year with a Kentucky wine.
by adminWight-Meyer Vineyard and Winery
Everyone who has tasted Wight-Meyer wines knows Jim Wight makes excellent wine. Over the years, he has won many awards for his wines at various competitions. We have enjoyed his Norton especially for several years. With his new, limited release wine, he has exceeded his past achievements.
Last spring on a visit to the winery, Jim gave us a taste of a blended, dry, red wine that was still in the barrel. He gave us the chance to purchase the wine before it was bottled. Last weekend we were able to take part in the bottling of the wine we had bought; by the way bottling your own wine was really cool. We also sampled the wine and it is amazing. Wines that are recently bottled are left alone for a while to allow the wine to readjust from the “bottle shock” of the bottling procedure. Jim advised waiting at least six weeks before opening the first bottle. He also believes that the wine will get better as it ages. Waiting will be difficult; the wine already demonstrated its superior quality.
The wine, “3 Reds by Wight”, is in a Meritage style, made of a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petite Syrah. When we are finally able to open that bottle, I will get back to you with a full description. I can’t wait.
by admin
Lovers Leap Vineyard and Winery
During the summer, Lovers Leap released a new wine, a Cabernet Franc. We had tasted the wine in the barrel and were looking forward to its release. We had our first bottle this fall and I must say that it lived up to our expectations. This wine proves that Kentucky vineyards and wineries can produce a wine that is excellent by any standards of red wine.
The flowery aroma is followed by a flavor of black raspberries. It has an understated elegance that leaves the wine lover wanting more. Kudos to Lovers Leap for producing such a great Kentucky wine.
by adminHappy Holidays!
Holidays are a time to celebrate and wine lovers are sure to start thinking about what wine to serve or to sip. Many will make recommendations of what wine goes best with your appetizers, your dinner, or desserts; but my suggestion is to choose the wine you enjoy the most. This wine lover will be enjoying a red, such as a Cabernet Franc, a Cabernet Sauvignon, or a Norton.
Whether you are spending the day with family or friends at your home or traveling somewhere, have a safe, happy, and peaceful holiday season.
by adminOliver Winery
A trip to the Bloomington area wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Indiana’s largest winery. Oliver Winery welcomes guests seven days a week. Located just a few miles from Indiana University, the winery attracts visitors from many areas of the country. The winery accommodates many wine lovers at their large tasting bar. Wine, breads, crackers and cheese can be purchased to enjoy. Seating is available on the heated patio during the colder days. When the weather is warm, you’ll find many visitors enjoying the tables around the lake.
Oliver Winery has many excellent wines to enjoy. Their Sauvignon Blanc is one of the best dry whites I’ve tasted. They also have an excellent Syrah which is one of my husband’s favorites. Those who prefer sweeter selections will also enjoy their best-sellers; Soft White, Soft Red, and their Rosé. Oliver is also well known for their Mead and their cider.
If you are traveling to the area, I recommend making time for a visit to Oliver Winery; you won’t be disappointed.
Brown County Wineries
Indiana has a number of good wineries and a visitor to Nashville, can spend some time tasting excellent Indiana wines. On the way into town, we stopped at Brown County Winery. They have a lovely location at the winery just west of Nashville with a great tasting room and gift shop, as well as a smaller tasting room and gift shop in downtown Nashville. Visitors enjoy grape wines, fruit wines and ports.
Chateau Thomas Winery, located in Indianapolis, has a tasting room in Nashville. Visitors can stop, sit down, and enjoy wine while relaxing from a day of shopping, or taste from an extensive wine menu and make purchases to take home.
Both wineries welcome many wine lovers who come to Brown County to enjoy the quaint shops and the natural beauty of the area.
The Reader’s Corner
If you are near the Louisville area, I’d love to see you next Saturday. I’ll be signing A Wine Lover’s Odyssey Across Kentucky at the Reader’s Corner on Old Frankfort Avenue. Other authors from Butler Books will be there throughout the day. I’ll be there from noon to 2 PM.
by adminHappy Thanksgiving!
Whatever your plans are for the holiday, I wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving! After the events of the big day, find a warm spot, choose your favorite wine, and relax.
For the weekend, if shopping is not your choice, you might want to check the winery websites for special events. Wineries, such as Chrisman Mill Winery at Hamburg in Lexington and Smith-Berry Vineyard and Winery at New Castle are hosting special holiday events.
However you plan to spend your long weekend, have a safe and happy time.
by adminThanksgiving Wine
Those wine lovers who want to serve the perfect wine with every dinner are probably wondering what to choose for that special Thanksgiving Dinner. My recommendation is to choose a wine you enjoy, whether it is red or white. The tastes and flavors of the typical holiday dinner are so varied that whichever wine you choose, it can be a good choice.
For white wine lovers, I personally recommend either Traminette or Gewürztraminer. Both wines have spicy and floral tones and are made in both dry and semi sweet. Since I prefer dry, I’d recommend the dry Traminette from Prodigy Vineyard and Winery.
If you prefer reds, I would recommend a lighter red, such as a light Cabernet Sauvignon. Lovers Leap Vineyard and Winery offer a lovely Cabernet Sauvignon that I’d suggest. Many wine lovers enjoy a Nouveau or a rosé as well and either one would pair with your dinner quite well.
The choice of wine for Thanksgiving doesn’t have to cause stress this week. Choose the wine you love and worry about cooking the bird and other fixings.
Hope you enjoy the week.
by admin