May 19th10th Annual Wine and Vine Festival

Being a vendor is quite a bit different from being a visitor at a wine festival. Instead of visiting the booths and tasting the wine, I spent Saturday greeting guests and chatting with those who wanted to talk about my book, A Wine Lover’s Odyssey Across Kentucky. I met some very interesting people and learned some lessons about festivals, such as what I needed to provide.

One of the interesting people I spoke with was Tom Beall, the owner of First Vineyard, just outside of Nicholasville. This winery is located on the site of the first commercial vineyard in the United States, established by Jean Jacques Dufour in the late 1700’s. The label on the First Vineyard wines uses Dufour’s name. I am looking forward to visiting First Vineyard this summer and will share my news with you.

My husband and I also had the pleasure of spending some time talking to the owners of the Rose Hill Winery, located in Pendleton County. They are actually fairly close neighbors, but they are in a dry part of the county and don’t have a tasting room. Their wine is available at the Farmer’s Market in Falmouth, and they will be pouring at Maysville Uncorked on June 8. I have a special thanks for Jenny, for the use of her extra tablecloth.

We met a creative lady at the neighboring booth. Kathy York uses natural and artificial corks to make items such as key rings, magnets, and coasters. There was a steady stream of visitors to view her creations. You will find a link to her website on my link page.

After interviewing Patty Livinski on the phone for my book, it was pleasant to get to meet and talk with her.  Patty is one of the owners of Lovers Leap Vineyard and Winery. I was able to thank her for her support of the book.

Needless to say, this wine lover did get to enjoy some wine. Visitors were able to taste wines from many of the state wineries. A few of those attending were Prodigy Vineyard and Winery, Lovers Leap Vineyard and Winery, Rose Hill Winery, and First Vineyard.

Hundreds took a chance on the sporadic weather, and enjoyed the event. I enjoyed the day, the festival, and all of the many interesting people I was able to visit with.

May 13thWine and Vine Fest

Don’t forget that the 10th Annual Wine and Vine Fest is Saturday in Nicholasville. The weather sound like a great day for wine lovers to spend the afternoon tasting wines. From noon to seven, wine lovers can savor unlimited tastings of Kentucky, domestic, and international wines for a $25 ticket (includes a Wine and Vines glass).

See you there.

May 13thSouthern Writer’s Fest

I’ve been busy with the ending of the semester in my classes, but wanted to thank all those who visited the writer’s festival at Bowling Green. It was an interesting experience. A lot of those attending were treated to a chance to meet “the Fonz” who writes books for children.

One of the nicest reasons for attending was the opportunity to see old friends, such as Bobbie Bryant, and to meet new ones like Wes Berry. Both were there signing their books.

May 4th10th Annual Wine and Vine Fest in Nicholasville

The time is near. Mark your calendars and make your plans to attend one of Kentucky’s finest wine festivals, on May 18. From noon to seven, wine lovers can savor unlimited tastings of Kentucky, domestic, and international wines for a $25 ticket (includes a Wine and Vines glass).

The list of Kentucky wineries is still being decided, but expect wineries from around the state to be there pouring their wines. Arts, crafts, and foods will also be available. Music will be provided throughout the day.

I will be there with my book, A Wine Lover’s Odyssey Across Kentucky. I’d love to meet you and talk about one of my favorite topics – Kentucky wine.

Apr 16th10th Annual Wine and Vine Fest

Nicholasville will once again be hosting the official state wine festival on May 18th. I recommend making plans to attend.

From noon until 7 PM, wineries, Kentucky proud foods, arts, and crafts will be available to visitors. I will be at a booth discussing and signing my book with visitors.

Mark your calendars now, I will be sharing more details about the event in early May.

Apr 16thSouthern Kentucky Book Fest

The Southern Kentucky Book Fest is being held on April 20, at the Knicely Conference Center in Bowling Green. I will be discussing my book on a panel with other authors with books about Kentucky, as well as signing books from 9 AM to 3 PM.

I would love to see you there.

Nov 13thKentucky Book Fair

I had a great time at the Kentucky Book Fair last weekend. This was my first time there, but would love to go again as an author or as a visitor. Those who stopped by to talk were knowledgeable individuals who, like me, were interested in books, Kentucky, and wine. With so many people relying on e-books, it was refreshing to see the number of people attending the fair and buying books.

The volunteers who put the book fair together did an exceptional job. Authors and visitors were treated to a wonderful experience. Since the book fair is a yearly event, I recommend you watch for next year’s date and make plans to attend.

Nov 6th31st Annual Kentucky Book Fair

The thirty-first Kentucky Book Fair will be held on November 10th, in Frankfort, at the Convention Center. Over 195 authors will be available to sign their books. Authors from many genres will be there. The event is open to the public.

A book fair is a great way for readers to meet and talk to their favorite authors, and purchase a signed copy of their books. The fair opens at 9 AM and most authors will be there until 5 PM. Avid readers will want to attend.

I will be there signing copies of A Wine Lover’s Odyssey Across Kentucky and would love to see you there.

Oct 21stNorthern Kentucky Wine Festival Review

Many people braved the cold and dreary day to spend some time at MainStrasse last night to taste Kentucky wines at the 7th annual wine festival.  Wineries were pouring tastes and glasses of their wines and artisans were sharing their art. Visitors tasted and bought their favorite wines, savored the foods, purchased gifts, but most importantly enjoyed the evening with friends.   Even though the weather was not the best for a fall day, everyone dressed warmly, had a good time, and enjoyed the festival.

For me it was a little different, I’m usually a visitor. Being a vendor instead of meandering around tasting the wines and admiring the work of the artisans, I was chatting about my book. I enjoyed myself, meeting other wine lovers, and talking about wine and Kentucky wineries.

A good time was had by all! Watch for next year’s date. You won’t want to miss it.

Oct 14thNorthern Kentucky Wine Festival – Update

Wine lovers in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati will want to mark their calendars. The 7th annual Northern Kentucky Wine Festival will be October 20th at the Sixth Street Promenade at MainStrasse, in Covington.

With recent additions, there are 19 wineries attending. My wine book divides the state into five regions and each of those regions will be represented. From the Northern Kentucky Region: Elk Creek Vineyards, Stonebrook Winery, Atwood Hill Winery, Generation Hill Winery, Baker-Bird Winery, Seven Wells Vineyard & Winery, Redman’s Farm Winery, Rose Hill Farm Winery, Serendipity Winery, and Verona Vineyards will be there. Chrisman Mill Vineyards and Winery, Lovers Leap Vineyards and Winery, Black Barn Winery, and Equus Run Winery from the Bluegrass Region; Horseshoe Bend Vineyards, WhiteMoon Winery, and Old 502 Winery from the Derby Region; Purple Toad Winery from the Western Region; and Cedar Creek Vineyards from the Southeastern Region of the state will also offer wines for tasting and buying.

This has become one of Kentucky’s most popular wine festivals, with 3,000 in attendance last year. Hours for the festival are 3 PM to 10 PM.

I’ve attended the festival for years and recommend it as an enjoyable way to spend an October day. This year I’ll be signing books as well as tasting some of my favorite wines. Hope to see you there.