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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 admin6th 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 adminHonah 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
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 adminBrianza 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 adminVerona’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 adminHappy National Wine Day!
Cheers to all wine lovers! May 25, 2017 is National Wine Day. You probably remember that we celebrated February 18, this year as National Drink Wine Day. Now, happily, tomorrow is another special day for all of us wine lovers.
Dionysus and Bacchus, Greek and Roman gods of grapes and wines, would be proud to discover that modern wine lovers are still enjoying the drink of the gods. While most wine lovers enjoy wine one any old day, why waste a chance to pour a glass (or more) in celebration with your favorite drinking partner?
Happy National Wine Day! Here’s to you, may you always have good friends, good wine, and good days, Salute!
by admin
Kentucky Wine and Vine of 2017
Kentucky’s annual Wine and Vine Festival was a resounding success. Wine lovers came from many miles away to enjoy a day of tasting some of the state’s best wines. With music playing, wineries pouring, and vendors offering some unique shopping, visitors wandered around enjoying themselves from 10 to 7. It was a perfect day for an outdoor festival!
Purple Toad, Horseshoe Bend, Chrisman Mill, Prodigy, Springhill, Talon, Hamon Haven, Wildside, Elk Creek, Rising Sons, First Vineyard, Equus Run, Cave Hill, and McIntyre’s hosted booths and shared their wines with the visiting wine lovers. Those interested in some shopping could buy olive oils from Stuarto’s, Tupperware, hand made jewelry, Larry Mac’s Beer Cheese, Good Ole Boys Leather items, Mary Jo’s Country Crafts, and many other specialities. I bought a gorgeous hand crafted clock made of wine corks.
If you love wine, you missed a great opportunity to enjoy a taste of what Kentucky has to offer. But, you’re in luck, the Kentucky Wine and Vine is an annual event. Watch for next year’s date. Maybe we’ll see you there.
by admin
Wine Festival at Jane’s Saddlebag
May is a good time for wine lovers. Not only are the vines at the vineyards more welcoming with their spring growth, wineries are hosting more events, and wine festivals are scheduled.
On May 20 and 21, from Noon to Six, wine lovers around the northern part of the state will have the chance to visit one of the most interesting of the state’s wine festivals. Jane’s Saddlebag, known for its restaurant, petting zoo, and unique atmosphere, is hosting the annual Jane’s Wine Festival and Art/Craft Show. Wineries, music, arts and crafts vendors, and more food options are waiting for visitors this year. Local wineries as well as from other parts of the state will be pouring tastes and selling wine.
Sponsored by local businesses, this event each year has raised money for local causes and will again be donating a portion of their proceeds to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. You can go, have fun, and support this year’s charity.
Jane’s Saddlebag is located just past Big Bone Lick Park, in Boone County. Check my links for their website. Tickets are available for a presale if you’re interested. Mark your calendar, plan to visit, taste wine, relax, and enjoy the day.
by admin