Feb 9thHappy Valentine’s Day!

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, people are trying to decide what wine would be best to help them celebrate. Many wine drinkers are looking for a wine that goes with chocolate so they can combine those two special tastes with their loved one. My recommendation would be to choose one of Kentucky’s dry reds. Chrisman Mill’s Norton, MillaNova’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Prodigy’s Lemburger, Wight-Meyer’s Norton, or Smith-Berry’s Barbera would be at the top of my list. Those who prefer a sweet wine might want to try a Kentucky blackberry or strawberry wine to pair with those chocolate desserts.

Many of the wineries are hosting special Valentine’s Day events. Chrisman Mill is hosting a brunch on the 11th, with a chocolate flavor to all the dishes.  Prodigy is serving a cheese tray and a special toast of a dessert wine in a chocolate cup on Valentine’s Day. Talon is offering a special tasting of their Cabernet Sauvignon or their decadent Chocolate Strawberry Wine on the weekend. At Jean Farris, enjoy a special Valentine’s Dinner menu that will be available Friday night, February 10th, through Valentines day, Tuesday, February 14th. Also, Jean Farris will be open for dinner service on Monday, February 13th for this romantic holiday weekend event. Elk Creek Winery is hosting a special wine dinner on the 10th and the 11th. Your local winery is probably hosting an event as well.  Be sure to check their websites.

However you choose to celebrate with your special other, enjoy the day. Valentine’s Day is a great day for love and for wine lovers.

Nov 21stHappy Thanksgiving!

With the varieties of foods in a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, many hostesses have difficulty choosing a wine. With turkey, it is best to have a lighter wine with lots of flavor. My personal choice would be Gewurztraminer, such as Elk Creek’s. Another wonderful choice is Cranberry wine, such as Chateau du Vioux Corbeau’s. If you prefer red wines, I’d recommend a Beaujolais Nouveau.  I always look forward to that third week in November, when those great wines are released.

Truthfully, choose a wine you enjoy. Thanksgiving is for relaxing, enjoying family and friends, and being thankful for what you have.  Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday.

Sep 30thOctober Wine Festival

I want to share some good news for wine lovers around Northern Kentucky  The Sixth Annual Northern Kentucky Wine Festival at MainStrasse Village will take place on October 15, 2011, at 3 PM. The festival is at the Sixth Street Promenade at the Goose Girl Fountain. Admission is $10.00 and includes a souvenir glass and four sampling tickets. Additional tickets and glasses of wine can also be purchased.

This year’s festival will feature several Kentucky wineries as well as artisans, live entertainment, and local foods. To whet your taste buds, some of the local foods include Lime, Fireside Pizza, Taste of Belgium, and Sushi Cincinnati.

For those more interested in the wine, here are just a few of the wineries that plan to attend: Lovers Leap Vineyards and Winery, Chrisman Mill Vineyards and Winery, Purple Toad Winery, Atwood Hill Winery, StoneBrook Winery, Elk Creek Vineyards and Winery, Seven Wells Winery, Generation Hill Winery, and Rose Hill Farm. If you’ve been to the festival before, you’ll notice a couple of new names. Since Purple Toad Winery is in Paducah, it is not as well-known to many in Northern Kentucky. Rose Hill Farm is a new winery in Pendleton County. A few other wineries from the state are talking to the festival planners but haven’t made up their minds yet.  Wines will be available for tastings and for purchase.

I’ve attended this festival for the past few years and really enjoyed myself. The location in the MainStrasse Village is a lovely spot for a festival.  It’s a relaxing way to spend a fall afternoon.

Sep 29thTaste Kentucky Wines

On Saturday, October 8, 2011, the third annual Kentucky Proud Incredible Food Show will be in the lower level of the Lexington Convention Center and Rupp Arena. The hours of the show are 9 AM to 7 PM. General admission tickets are $15.00.

Those who have attended in the past will know the event showcases Kentucky products. Wineries such as Acres of Land Winery, Chrisman Mill Vineyards and Winery, Equus Run Vineyards, Horseshoe Bend Vineyards and Winery, Elk Creek’s Kentucky Proud Market, Lovers Leap Vineyards and Winery, and Talon Winery are expected to offer tastings of their wines.  The wines will also be available for purchase.

Wine is not the only Kentucky product that will be showcased. The marketplace will have booths featuring Kentucky Proud products such as Browning’s Country Hams, Lexington Chocolate Company, Critchfield Meats, and many other Kentucky foods. Joseph-Beth Bookstore will feature cookbooks with authors available for signings throughout the day. The show features cooking demonstrations, seminars and features the winner and runner-up of Bravo’s Top Chef (season six).

I’ve attended the last two Food Shows in Lexington and am looking forward to this one. It has been marked on my calendar since the date was announced. The show gives visitors a chance to sample and buy Kentucky products, as well as learn abut the agricultural pursuits of the state. Be sure to go hungry so you can enjoy the tastes offered by the vendors. I’d also advise comfortable shoes. My husband and I usually spend several hours there. If you are interested in attending, expect to have a good time.  I wouldn’t miss it.