We visit Brianza often, but are especially glad to visit for the special wine events that they host. This month we were lucky to experience two special tastings of their excellent wines.
A couple of weeks ago, winemaker Tony Parnigoni, hosted a marketing tasting where visitors were able to try several vintages of his red wines and compare them, and also try their hand at blending some varietals and taste the results. For true wine lovers, it was an interesting experience.
This past weekend, library wines were brought out for tasting. Library wines are old vintages of the same wine. Vintages are the year the grapes were grown. Each vintage differs just a bit due to the differences in the weather and the changes that makes to the growing season. For instance, dry summers make for great red wines. As a relatively new winery the library wines are not very old, but there are still subtle distinct vintages. Brianza’s library wines were fun to try. Again, true wine lovers enjoy experiences such as this as they are always looking for new ways to learn about their favorite wines. Tony’s Cabernet Sauvignon is our favorite and has had several great vintages. The day was made even more enjoyable by the musical entertainment of Jeff Blackburn and Steve Maynard.
It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
by adminChrisman Mill Vineyard and Winery is one of the oldest wineries opened in Kentucky. They planted their first vines in 1997, released their first vintage in 1999, sold their wines at a tasting room in Lexington, and opened the vineyard tasting room to visitors in 2003. Since then, they have served tastings, had events, hosted special Tuscan dinners as well as other dinners, taken part in a number of festivals around the state, and have developed a tradition of fine wine.
For those who have not visited Chrisman Mill for a while, changes have arrived. There’s still a vineyard and winery, but now a distillery and a restaurant are there as well.
The vineyard itself is also changing. Old vines coming out and new ones being planted. Some new wines will be coming as well. Just released is an Old Vine Zinfandel. The grapes came from Lodi, California and were well worth it. The wine is a dry red with flavors of blueberry, raspberry, and spicy oak. It is a lovely addition to the menu. The décor is new as well but retains the welcoming ambiance that fans of the winery have come to expect.
The distillery, Hummingbird Ridge, is in the beginning stages with only one offering (for now). A Jamaican style small batch pot-stilled rum that retains the flavors and characteristics of the sugar can and blackstrap molasses. Tastings as well as a selection of mixed drinks are available and are delicious.
The restaurant, Fuego, features wood-fired dining in a Latin American and Argentinian style, but hand prepared with local all natural ingredients. A large grill in an outdoor kitchen is where most of the foods are prepared. Lunches and four-course dinners are available on the weekends. Check their website for times. We tried lunch and enjoyed it and are looking forward to trying dinner soon.
The Nelsons have made lots of changes over the years but one thing has remained the same – Chrisman Mill is one of the best examples of the wine industry in Kentucky. Chris has from the beginning crafted fine wines and now has added distiller to his repertoire. Denise is an amazing chef who has never created a dish that wasn’t well-prepared and flavorful.
The weather is good, summer is on its way. It would be a great time to become reacquainted with or to try out Chrisman Mill. My advice, make plans for a visit to Nicholasville. You’ll be glad you did!
by adminEvery year since 2013 Jane’s Saddlebag, in Union, has hosted a wine festival in Boone County. This year’s festival takes place on June 18 and 19, from 11 to 6.
Lots of people in Northern Kentucky have discovered Jane’s Saddlebag over the years. It is a lovely spot to visit, explore, and relax for an interesting afternoon. There are shops, food, wine, a petting zoo, and they are making a bourbon. This pastoral location is a perfect spot for a wine festival. Visitors can stroll around the grounds, relax on the lawn, enjoy the music, and especially try some wines.
Check out their Facebook page for ticket information.
by admin
Nicholasville in Jessamine County, home to the first commercial winery in the United States, is now home to its third winery. Opening last year, 1922 House Vineyards and Winery are making some very interesting dry red wines, Norton wines, one which is aged in a bourbon barrel, Chambourcin wine, and a Noriet wine.
They are a small farm winery and will be opening a tasting room sometime in the future, hopefully in the summer. Check back on their website for updates about how they are coming along. The owner and winemaker, Brian Young, is from the business world and is new to the wine industry, but is enthusiastic and creative with a lot of ideas for developing his winery.
The name, 1922 House, comes from the house at the farm that was built in 1922. The setting for the winery is quite lovely. We’re looking forward to visiting their tasting room.
by admin
For the past several years, McConnell Springs has hosted a Barrel Tasting at some of the Bluegrass wineries as a fundraiser and, again this year, it was a success. Wine lovers spent the beautiful spring day traveling from winery to winery talking to wine makers and tasting their wines from the barrel. We chose four wineries to visit this year.
We started the day at Prodigy Vineyards and Winery in Frankfort with lunch and a taste of Cabernet Sauvignon. Both were lovely. Next we visited a rather new winery in Nicholasville, 1922 House Vineyards and Winery. We tried a very interesting Chambourcin and a Norton. Our next stop was at Talon Vineyards and Winery. We’ve visited many times in the past, but it had been a while. We tasted a new Malbec and will be back to try it. Our last visit of the day was to try the long awaited Zinfandel from Chrisman Mill Vineyards and Winery, and were also surprised with cocktails made from spirits from their soon to be open distillery.
by admin
Kentucky wine lovers get ready. There will be fun to be had at the wineries in the Bluegrass. Next Saturday (March 30) is the date for the McConnell Springs Barrel Tasting. If you’ve never been to a barrel tasting, you are in for a treat. Tasting a wine that is new and hasn’t been bottled gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into the depth a wine can reach as it ages. We’ve gone to many and have enjoyed them all. It is especially fun to try a favorite wine and then later look for the changes that have occurred after a few weeks in the bottle. You’ll gain a new appreciation for your wine. As a special treat, the wineries will usually have a few surprises ready for their guests.
Here is a link to the brochure for the event. Check it out for the wineries that will be pouring, the time, and the cost.
http://mcconnellsprings.org/images/2019_Barrel_Tasting_Brochure.pdf
Hope to see you at one of the wineries. We’re looking forward to a good day!
by adminWine lovers prepare for tomorrow – it’s your day! February 18th is National Drink Wine Day. Grab your favorite bottle, pour a glass, and toast one of the world’s oldest natural drinks. Cheers!
by adminValentine’s Day celebrates love! What a wonderful concept in a world where so many disagreements cause so much conflict. As early as the Middle Ages, lovers have been taking this day to honor their love. Through the years expressions of love have changed, from letters and cards to flowers and candy, a night out or a quiet celebration at home.
Wineries are offering special events such as a Chocolate Lovers Date Night at Brianza Gardens and Winery or the Valentine’s Murder Mystery Dinner at Prodigy Vineyards and Winery. Check the websites of your favorite local wineries for their events.
Wine lovers looking for a special Valentine’s wine to share with their love have many choices from Champagne, a chocolate flavored wine for sweet wine lovers, a dry wine in a chocolate glass, or a dry red wine paired with dark chocolate. Choose a wine you love to celebrate your love and enjoy the day!
Here’s a copy of the Press Release for the event. Thanks to Annette Mathy, Event Coordinator.
Join us for the 12th annual “Wine Barrel Tasting for the Springs” on Saturday, March 30th 11AM-5PM. Participants will travel on their own to 13 different wineries to sample wine that is ready for bottling. They may have the opportunity to meet the winemakers and discuss their favorite subject. Fee: $20. Proceeds benefit McConnell Springs, the site of the naming of Lexington in 1775. For more information and a list of wineries, visit mcconnellsprings.org. or call 859.272.0682. Sponsored by the Friends of McConnell Springs. This is a rain or shine event.
Mark the date on your calendars. It is a fun day for all Kentucky wine lovers. The wineries are all ready to welcome visitors and there are always some fun activities planned. This is also a time when spring is beginning to be felt in the state and of course at the vineyards. It’s a great weekend for visiting wineries.
Check my links for a direct link to their site.
by admin