Feb 22ndWine for Cabin Fever

Earlier this winter, we were all watching the news from the Northeast and being grateful that Kentucky’s weather was mild in comparison. But this past week, Kentucky has had its own round of snow and cold. The region has reached colder temperatures and more snow than has been seen in years. Even those who love snow are saying enough. For someone like me that doesn’t like winter at all, it has been more than enough. There is one way I can think of to enjoy a cold winter evening. Build a fire in the fireplace and open a bottle of a Kentucky red wine. Just in time for the weather, we got a few bottles of really great wines from the Commonwealth.

The 2012 vintage of Norton Reserve from Chrisman Mill Vineyard and Winery was released in December. While this wine is always a favorite, the new vintage is an exceptional one. This full-bodied wine has the spicy flavors of a fine Norton, but has achieved a mellow finish that sets it apart.

Lovers Leap Vineyards and Winery’s Cabernet Franc has aged to even better than when it was first released. At the time, the wine was excellent and demonstrated the quality of wine that Kentucky could produce. Now after nearly two years, the wine has the subtle flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with a finish of milk chocolate. After my first sip, my first thoughts were the flavors of spicy hot chocolate.

The spice and dark fruit flavors of the Lemberger from Prodigy Vineyard and Winery is always a special choice. With its soft tannins, the wine is smooth and offers red wine lovers a medium bodied taste of pepper and light leathery aromas.

A glass of a fine Kentucky red wine, a blazing fire, and a special someone can chase the winter blues and offer a remedy for cabin fever. Just think spring is just about a month away.

Feb 12thHappy Valentine’s Day!

It’s not too late, check your favorite winery’s website. Many have special events planned, such as Brunch at Chrisman Mill, Valentine Dinners at Atwood Hill, Elk Creek, and Prodigy. There are too many to name them all.

Whether you’re going out or staying in, get that bottle of Kentucky wine and have a good time. Hope you and your special someone have an enjoyable, romantic day on Saturday.

Feb 1stValentine’s Day

If you’re looking for a romantic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, wine lovers need to look no further than the nearest Kentucky winery. Most wineries plan special events for visitors that include special tastings, dessert pairings, or dinners. Check out the website of your favorite winery for their scheduled event; some will need reservations so don’t delay.

For those who would rather stay in, get a bottle of the Kentucky wine you love best to share with that special someone. A few of my choices are Norton Reserve from Chrisman Mill Vineyard and Winery, Cabernet Franc from Lovers Leap Vineyard and Winery, Malbec from Grimes Mill Winery, and Lemberger from Prodigy Vineyard and Winery, but there are many others to choose from. Kentucky wineries have a variety of good wines.

However you choose to celebrate, have a romantic time with the one you love.

Jan 26thTyler Park Neighborhood Association Wine Tasting

My husband and I spent a couple of hours, on Sunday, at an event held by the Tyler Park Neighborhood Association, at the Mid-City Mall, in Louisville. They were hosting a wine tasting to raise funds for Tyler Park. The park is a part of one of the Olmsted systems of parks. Frederick Law Olmsted, already known for his work on Central Park in New York City and the United States Capitol Grounds, was commissioned in the early twentieth century to design a park system for Louisville. All monies raised will go to the Tyler Park Master Plan.

I was invited to sign my book, A Wine Lover’s Odyssey Across Kentucky, by Joan Dubay, one of the groups members and planner of the event. The theme of the evening was France, featuring wine, hors d’oeuvres and music of France. A gift basket was raffled, with gifts from Kentucky wineries and a copy of my book. It was obvious that those attending had an enjoyable evening.

My thanks to the group for extending the invitation and their warm reception to my husband and I, and their interest in my book. The evening of wine tasting was well-planned, well-attended, and successful.

Dec 31stHappy New Year from the Kentucky Wine Lover

Get a bottle of your favorite wine, find a special person, and celebrate a new year!

Happy New Year! Best wishes for a happy 2015!

Dec 24thHappy Holidays

Dec 19thMerry Christmas from the Kentucky Wine Lover

As you’re getting ready for a holiday party, Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day, remember there are many wonderful Kentucky wines to help you celebrate the season. I recently saw a shirt that said “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, but red will do.” Whatever your favorite, Kentucky’s wineries have it all.

You’ll find lots of wines to choose from, old favorites or new vintages such as Chrisman Mill’s Norton or the new release of Moscato from Grimes Mill. Whether you are visiting one of the wineries or just stopping to pick up a bottle at your favorite wine shop, look for some Kentucky wines and enjoy the holidays.

Nov 25thWine and Cooking Book

For those who have enjoyed A Wine Lover’s Odyssey Across Kentucky, I’m working on a new book. This one will be about cooking with wine, as well as pairing wines with your foods.

This time I have a co-author. I’m working with Denise Nelson of Chrisman Mill Vineyard and Winery. Some of you might have enjoyed her cooking expertise at one of the winery’s Tuscan Dinners, a vineyard lunch, or the Tapas and dessert menu at the winery. We have been creating recipes and researching topics.

Watch for updated news about when the book will be available.

Nov 25thHappy Thanksgiving

November has been both busy and tiring, but I didn’t want the month to pass without wishing my readers a Happy Thanksgiving and wishing you a very winey holiday.

If you are still trying to decide on a perfect wine to go with your special dinner, let me recommend a light, dry, red or a dry Traminette. A Beaujolais Nouveau, which is released on the third Thursday of November, is also an excellent choice. If you prefer a fruit wine, I would recommend a Cranberry, for its tartness.

However you plan to spend the day, enjoy yourselves!

Jul 20thExploring the Writer’s Craft Redux

The Writer’s Conference was quite interesting. Many authors shared their craft with those who attended. “How to Hire and Work with an Editor”, presented by Susan E. Lindsey, owner of Savvy Communication, was especially interesting to me because I had worked with Susan as the editor of my book. Getting a chance to look at the editing process from that viewpoint gave me a lot of insights into writing. There was a keynote address to all attendees followed by twelve sessions with differing topics.

The conference brought together those who have already written and those who want to write. It was a success. Everyone seemed to enjoy the day.

After a day of sessions with the speakers, the writers met at Wight-Meyer Vineyard and Winery for a relaxing get-together with great Kentucky wine.