May 13thVerona Vineyard’s

On our way home from Jane’s Saddlebag, we stopped by Verona Vineyards for some wine. We enjoyed a bottle of their Cabernet Franc and were lucky enough to get to try some new wines that will be released later this summer.

Dan Montgomery, the winemaker, shared from the barrel a tasting of both a Cabernet Franc and a Chardonnay which are being aged in bourbon barrels. We’ve tried reds aged in a bourbon barrel (Dan’s is quite good.), we’ve never tasted a Chardonnay aged that way. While I’m not a Chardonnay drinker, I am sure after tasting this vintage that it will be a popular wine. New vintages of their Dornfelder (my favorite) and a couple of others, will be released after bottling next week.

Along with the wine, we enjoyed the music of Lisa Raymond, who was entertaining that evening. It was as always a lovely way to spend a couple of hours.

May 13thReid’s Livery and Winery

South of Bowling Green off the beaten track, wine lovers will find Reid’s Livery and Winery. Rex and Diane Reid opened the winery in 2009. They are generally open on a call ahead basis as they also work around the livery with the horses. Their wine is also offered at the Farmer’s Market in town.

Even though the winery is a very small operation, their wines have been noticed and have been winning awards at several competitions. Many of their wines are made from fruits and berries from their farm, but they are also buying grapes. One of their popular offerings is named Healthy Harvest and is a blend of Elderberry and Cabernet Franc. They also are making a Cabernet Franc aged in a white oak barrel.

Whether you want to try their wines or take riding lessons, Reid’s Livery and Winery is an interesting destination just minutes from Bowling Green.

Apr 25thWight-Meyer

Last weekend, we had a delightful visit with Jim and Sandy Wight, at the Wight-Meyer Vineyard and Winery, in Shepherdsville. As always, we were able to taste one of Kentucky’s best Nortons and one of our favorites.

During the visit, we were also offered a taste of one of this winery’s future releases. Jim has created a Meritage blend of 50% Petit Syrah, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, to be released in 2014. The wine already demonstrates superior taste, color, and aromas. With two years aging, this could easily be one of Kentucky’s finest wines ever produced. The only downside of this wine is that there are only two barrels, one is already sold and the other is reserved for wine club members. Interested wine lovers should consider becoming wine club members.

The vineyard is showing the welcoming signs of spring. The winery is open seven days a week and is located just over five miles from I-65. Their award-winning wines are also available at shop.wightmeyervineyards.com. Visitors love their wines, including sweeter selections, such as Amy’s Apple Pie and Barrel Age Blackberry. I recommend a visit to the winery or to their website.

Apr 16thSpring Events at the Wineries

Spring is here and thoughts turn to getting outside to enjoy the weather. Kentucky wineries are hosting events.

Horseshoe Bend is welcoming visitors for a wildflower walk and a pre-Derby party.

Springhill Plantation and Winery is hosting a Spring Dinner.

Lovers Leap Vineyard and Winery has scheduled tastings around the state.

Prodigy Vineyards and Winery is welcoming visitors to the farm on Sunday afternoons.

Attend a Fundraiser on April 27, or a Derby Eve Wine Festival at Talon Vineyard and Winery.

Visit the websites for each of the wineries to get specifics on the events.

Mar 10thSpringhill Winery & Plantation

Springhill Winery has added a newsletter for its fans. Go to the Springhill Winery and sign up for their newsletter. I just received Volume 1, Issue 1. They’ve done a great job discussing all the upcoming events and happenings at the winery.

Mar 10thHorseshoe Bend Vineyard and Winery

Horseshoe Bend Vineyard and Winery, in Willisburg, will be hosting a St Patrick’s Day Lamb dinner on March 16 and 17.

 The Jester of Horseshoe Bend will share his namesake wine with guests at the McConnel Springs Barrel Tasting and continue to celebrate from April 1st to the 6th with desserts to compliment the Jester.

Mar 10thLovers Leap Vineyards and Winery

For those who, like me, love Cabernet Franc wines, I have some great news. Soon, Lovers Leap, in Lawrenceburg, will be releasing an exceptional vintage of their new Cabernet Franc. While visiting the winery Saturday afternoon, we were treated to an early taste of the wine. Like other great Cabernet Francs, this wine has a clear garnet color, with flavors and aromas of ripe berries, and a long finish. Lovers Leap plans to share this wine during the McConnell Springs Barrel Tasting on March 30, and will be releasing it soon after. I can’t wait to bring home a bottle (or more).           

The Cabernet Franc grape has a dark skin and likes the growing conditions in Kentucky. It is the parent grape of Cabernet Sauvignon. Many wineries overlook the potential of this grape, and use it for blending. Wineries, who offer Cabernet Franc as a varietal, are pleased with the finished product. Visitors become fans of the wine. Brian Sivinski, the owner of Lovers Leap, shared this photo of his Cabernet Franc grapes at harvest.

Feb 19thSpringhill Winery & Plantation Bed’n Breakfast

Spring is coming at the Springhill Winery, on March 15, at 6:30 PM, with a dinner of five courses paired with four wines.  Choose from Stuffed Kentucky Bass Filet or Spring Lamb Medallions with an Herbal Wine Sauce for your entree. Call for reservations for their “Wine & Dine” Spring Dinner.

Springhill Winery, Bloomfield, is one of the state’s oldest wineries with a wide selection of excellent wines.  Their “Wine & Dine” sounds like a lot of fun.