Mar 10th6th Annual Wine Barrel Tasting for McConnell Springs

Wine lovers who can’t wait for a taste of the new vintages of their favorite wines have the chance to taste those wines at the wineries, on March 30th. Seventeen of Central Kentucky’s wineries will welcome visitors for a barrel tasting at the 6th annual event to benefit McConnell Springs, from 11 AM to 5 PM.

McConnel Springs is the site where William McConnell and other explorers, in 1775, camped near a spring in the Kentucky territory of Virginia. After hearing about the recently fought first battle in the American Revolution, their settlement was named Lexington. The location was home to many businesses until the 1990s, when a group of citizens decided to raise money to develop the historical site for future Kentuckians.

For a $20 per person admission, visitors can travel on their own to any or all of the participating wineries and have a one ounce taste of wine before it’s in the bottle:  Springhill Winery & Plantation, Lovers Leap Vineyards & Winery, Horseshoe Bend Vineyard & Winery, Wildside Winery & Vineyard, Chrisman Mill Vineyards, Talon Winery & Vineyards, Jean Farris Winery & Bistro, Black Barn Winery, Equus Run Vineyards, Acres of Land Winery, Harkness Edwards Vineyards, Prodigy Vineyards & Winery, Elk Creek Vineyards, Chuckleberry Farm & Winery, McIntyre’s Winery & Berries, Grimes Mill Winery, and First Vineyard Winery.

The day offers something for wine lovers wanting to experience wine from the barrel, for someone wanting an opportunity to tour some of Kentucky’s lovely vineyards, or for friends of McConnell Springs who want to help. It will be a great way to spend a spring afternoon in Kentucky.

Mar 4thKentucky Crafted: The Market

Kentucky crafts on display this weekend were exceptional. Booths displayed hand-crafted jewelry, beautiful pottery, woven fabric, specially designed wood items and many other fine arts and crafts created by Kentucky artists.

Speciality foods such as Grandma Carolyn’s Ketchup, turtle candy covered apples from the Sweet Shoppe, and Browning’s ham and bacon, along with many others, were available to sample and buy.

Only one winery offered speciality foods. Chrisman Mill has packaged Denise Nelson’s famous bread pudding so that you can purchase it to enjoy at home. They also offered a wine infused popcorn that drew many to their booth.

Kentucky authors were there to sign their books. Other Kentucky books were  available as well from University of Kentucky Press, Jesse Stuart Foundation, Butler Books, and others.

I have to say I enjoyed  The Market as a visitor, as well as experiencing it as an author. I met many wonderful people who wanted to discuss my book. Another Butler Books author, Bobbie Smith Bryant was also signing her exceptional book Passions of the Black Patch, Cooking and Quilting in Western Kentucky.

Start looking for the date of next year’s event. If you missed this years, save the date for next year. I recommend it.

Mar 1stKentucky Crafted: The Market

If you are still looking for something to do this weekend, remember the Kentucky Crafted Market in Lexington.

I’ll be there on Sunday from 10 to 1, signing A Wine Lover’s Odyssey Across Kentucky. I’d love to see you there.

Feb 20thKentucky Crafted: The Market

Kentucky puts on an excellent show of the state’s crafts. On March 2 and 3, at the Lexington Convention Center, visitors will have the opportunity to experience Kentucky’s fine art, crafts, books, and speciality foods. Over 200 exhibitors will share their handcrafted items with all those interested. The Kentucky Arts Council has lined up more than 30 musicians and musical acts to perform during the two days of the market.

The hours are from 9 to 6 on Saturday, and from 10 to 5 on Sunday. The Market is open to wholesale buyers on Friday March 1. Parking is readily available in the lots at the Convention Center.

Butler Books will be located in Booth (#407), near the other booths featuring books. I will be available to sign A Wine Lover’s Odyssey Across Kentucky, from 10 to 1 (or 2), on Sunday.

I hope to see you there.

Feb 14thHappy Valentine’s Day

Whether you are going to a winery event, out to dinner, or staying home with your love, have a wonderful day with your favorite someone and your favorite wine.

We’ll be having a special dinner and enjoying a wonderful bottle of Octagon, from Barboursville Vineyard and Winery, in Virginia.

Jan 13thBlog News

Word Press provides bloggers certain statistics about their websites. I recently reviewed my statistics and it has been a great year. The kentuckywinelover has reached over 2000 wine lovers in 17 countries. The top countries are the United States, Canada, and Switzerland.

One wonders when they are writing if anyone is reading. This report was quite exciting and I look forward to the next year.

Hope you continue to enjoy reading my comments on wine. I would love to hear from you.

Dec 29thHappy New Years!

Hope you all enjoyed Christmas with your family and friends. Ours was very nice. Chrisman Mill’s Cabernet Franc from 2004 that we saved for Christmas Eve was worth the wait. It was bold and full-bodied,  but with a smooth finish,  and interesting black cherry overtones.

With New Year’s Eve approaching, many will be planning parties or attending them. If you enjoy sparkling wines for the celebration, I recommend Brut from Barboursville Vineyard and Winery in Virginia.  My personal choice will be a red wine. We will probably open a bottle from Virginia, either a Nebbiolo or a Claret from Barboursville.

Whatever you choose, love the wine you’re with and have a Happy New Year.

Dec 9thA Wine Lover’s Letter to Santa

 Dear Santa,

I’ve been a good little wine lover, could you bring me a few bottles of that good Kentucky wine? I’d be glad to share!

Chrisman Mill Norton Reserve

Grimes Mill Malbec

Lovers Leap Cabernet Sauvignon

Smith-Berry Barbera

Prodigy Lemberger Reserve

Millanova Petite Sirah

Wight-Meyer Norton

Verona Vineyards Dornfelder

Elk Creek Estate Sangiovese

Springhill Bordeaux

                                                             Warmly,

                                                             Kentucky Wine Lover

Nov 20thHappy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone has a good holiday with family and friends. Take time to relax, sit back, and enjoy a glass of your favorite wine.

After Thanksgiving dinner, I recommend sipping a dessert wine, such as, Prodigy Vineyard and Winery’s Legacy. You’ll enjoy it.

Nov 18thHappy Holidays from the Wine Lover

      The holidays are coming. The signs of the season are showing, from Christmas music, to decorations, to shoppers   looking for the perfect gift.

       If you have a wine lover on your list, the Kentucky Wine Lover is offering a special. Follow my book link for a  special price for A Wine Lover’s Odyssey Across Kentucky until the end of the year. Enjoy the season.