Jan 23rdKentucky Wine Lover in 2013

Thanks to all of you who have visited my blog; 2013 was a good year. There were over 2500 visitors to the site and while most were from the United States, there were many from other countries as well.  11 visitors from Pakistan was especially surprising.

While the current weather is good for sitting by the fire with a glass of wine, the cold doesn’t exactly suggest visiting vineyards. Hopefully, we’ll begin to see an end to the cold weather and an early spring of visiting wineries and trying new wines.

Dec 30thHappy 2014 from the Kentucky Wine Lover

As we reflect on 2013, it was a great year for Kentucky wine. Not only is the state opening more wineries and planting more vineyards, but the state is beginning to develop a wine culture. Wine lovers are enjoying Kentucky wine and looking for more.

As recently as just a couple of years ago, people were astounded to find that Kentucky made wine. Today Kentucky wine has become a first choice for many wine lovers. The reason is clear; Kentucky is making very good wine. When I visit wineries around the state and go to festivals, there are always people who are looking for their favorite Kentucky wines. Wine lovers are finding favorite wineries in the state, they are joining the wine clubs offered by the state’s wineries, they are taking the wine tours, and they are attending the wine festivals.

Kentucky wineries are showing off their wines in wine competitions around the country and letting the rest of the country know that we have an excellent product. Kentucky was a producer of excellent wine in the 1800s and has become one again.  

I’ve noticed an expanded interest in the kentuckywinelover blog. This year many people have visited this site looking for information about Kentucky wine. I love sharing my love and interest in Kentucky wine with visitors  to the site and those who have found my book. I’ve always been proud of being a Kentuckian and as a wine lover, I am proud of the growth of Kentucky’s wine industry. The kentuckywine site and the Kentucky wine Facebook page are developing quite a following, as well.

2014 will only see a growth of Kentucky wine lovers. Look for the new vintages, new varietals, and even new wineries. Kentucky’s wine culture has a bright future.

Happy New Year to all of you wine lovers.

Dec 23rdHoliday Greetings from the Kentucky Wine Lover

    The tree has been trimmed, the presents have been wrapped, the cookies, candy, and bread has been made. Tomorrow and the next day, I’ll be welcoming family to our home. I decided it was time to relax and reflect on some of the wines I’ve enjoyed this year.

   My favorite Kentucky wines from 2013 are: the Cabernet Franc, released this summer by Lovers Leap Vineyard and Winery, the new vintage of Norton Reserve from Chrisman Mill Vineyard and Winery, the new vintage of Dornfelder from Verona Vineyards, Prodigy Vineyards and Winery’s Lemberger, Smith-Berry Vineyard and Winery’s John Harley (Zinfandel), and the recent release from Wight-Meyer Vineyard and Winery of their 3 Red by Wight (Meritage Blend). Kentucky wines get better every year.

Hope you and your family and friends enjoy the holiday and wine. Have a Merry Christmas and wonderful holiday. As you look to 2014, plan to enjoy the new year with a Kentucky wine.

Dec 20thHappy Holidays!

Holidays are a time to celebrate and wine lovers are sure to start thinking about what wine to serve or to sip. Many will make recommendations of what wine goes best with your appetizers, your dinner, or desserts; but my suggestion is to choose the wine you enjoy the most. This wine lover will be enjoying a red, such as a Cabernet Franc, a Cabernet Sauvignon, or a Norton.

Whether you are spending the day with family or friends at your home or traveling somewhere, have a safe, happy, and peaceful holiday season.

Dec 8thThe Reader’s Corner

If you are near the Louisville area, I’d love to see you next Saturday. I’ll be signing A Wine Lover’s Odyssey Across Kentucky at the Reader’s Corner on Old Frankfort Avenue. Other authors from Butler Books will be there throughout the day. I’ll be there from noon to 2 PM.

Nov 27thHappy Thanksgiving!

Whatever your plans are for the holiday, I wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving! After the events of the big day, find a warm spot, choose your favorite wine, and relax.

For the weekend, if shopping is not your choice, you might want to check the winery websites for special events. Wineries, such as Chrisman Mill Winery at Hamburg in Lexington and Smith-Berry Vineyard and Winery at New Castle are hosting special holiday events.

However you plan to spend your long weekend, have a safe and happy time.

Nov 23rdThanksgiving Wine

Those wine lovers who want to serve the perfect wine with every dinner are probably wondering what to choose for that special Thanksgiving Dinner. My recommendation is to choose a wine you enjoy, whether it is red or white. The tastes and flavors of the typical holiday dinner are so varied that whichever wine you choose, it can be a good choice.

For white wine lovers, I personally recommend either Traminette or Gewürztraminer. Both wines have spicy and floral tones and are made in both dry and semi sweet. Since I prefer dry, I’d recommend the dry Traminette from Prodigy Vineyard and Winery.

If you prefer reds, I would recommend a lighter red, such as a light Cabernet Sauvignon.  Lovers Leap Vineyard and Winery offer a lovely Cabernet Sauvignon that I’d suggest. Many wine lovers enjoy a Nouveau or a rosé as well and either one would pair with your dinner quite well.

The choice of wine for Thanksgiving doesn’t have to cause stress this week. Choose the wine you love and worry about cooking the bird and other fixings.

Hope you enjoy the week.

Oct 14thUnbridled Spirits at the Friendly Market

Unbridled Spirits just keeps adding more selections of Kentucky wines, bourbons, and microbrews. The store at Friendly Market is an excellent spot to shop for Kentucky’s alcoholic products.

When they first opened at the beginning of September, they had wines from around Kentucky that one does not generally find in a Northern Kentucky store. This past weekend, I stopped by and their choices have grown and more are expected to be added soon. Some of the choices are wines from Millanova Vineyard and Winery in Bullitt County, Old 502 Winery in Louisville, Chrisman Mill Vineyard and Winery in Nicholasville, Lovers Leap Vineyard and Winery in Lawrenceburg, Elk Creek Vineyard and Winery in Owenton, and Horseshoe Bend Vineyard and Winery in Willisburg. Of course, this is just a few examples of those you can find there.

If you stop by on Saturdays, you might find one of the wineries offering tastes. Elk Creek was there pouring selections this past weekend.

Wine lovers who love Kentucky’s wines but don’t have the time for travel can still enjoy many of the state’s offerings at this one spot in Northern Kentucky.

Sep 7thThe Friendly Market of Northern Kentucky

Friendly Market had its grand opening today and from my point of view, it was a resounding success. It is true that not all of the vendors are completely stocked, but that didn’t seem to faze the large crowd. Everyone I saw seemed to be having a great time.

The vendors outside in the Farmer’s Pavilion had fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as some pastries and crafts. This time of year the farmer’s markets are a wonderful source of green beans, lima beans, potatoes, tomatoes, ears of corn, and fruits. The local farmers did not disappoint. Inside, visitors seemed to be enjoying the different offerings and tastings, from flavored olive oils to a Kentucky wine. I couldn’t resist the butter infused olive oil, some coarse ground sea salt, the fresh made spinach pasta, and a freshly baked baguette.

The Kentucky Proud General Store is still looking for vendors but was welcoming those who came in to see the products they have.

Unbridled Spirits is a definite hit. While I was there talking to the owner and their wine manager about Kentucky wine , the shop was crowded with interested shoppers. Both B. J. Gallenstein and Scott Miller have done an excellent job in bringing the Kentucky wines, Bourbons, and micro-brews together in one place for Northern Kentuckians.

The Friendly Market hours are Tuesday to Friday 10 am to 7 pm, Saturday 8 am to 6 pm, and 10 am to 4 pm on Sundays. The seasonal hours for the Farmer’s Pavilion are Tuesday to Friday 1:30 to 4:30 pm, Saturday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and Sunday 10 am to 3 pm. Both are closed on Mondays.

It’s just off I-75, next to the Mt. Zion Kroger. I strongly recommend it. I know I’ll be back often.

Aug 31stFriendly Market

The market off Mt. Zion Road in Boone County is not officially open yet and I’m already a fan. Shoppers in Northern Kentucky  will soon be able to buy Kentucky Proud products, Kentucky wines and spirits, blended olive oils, balsamic vinegars, pastas and sauces, gourmet herbs and spices, artisan ice creams, locally raised meats, and fresh produce at the Friendly Market. The style of the market will be familiar to those who have shopped at Findlay Market in Cincinnati.

Owner Jack Berberich has been working on this project for several years and the interior market is nearly ready for its grand opening. According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, an official opening is scheduled for September 7. Uncle Buck’s produce will have many local products but will also sell produce not grown in Kentucky. The Flying Olive, formerly in Ft. Mitchell, will be selling flavored olive oils and vinegars. Artisan ice cream and ice cream specialties will be offered by the Colonel’s Creamery. Friendly Meats will be offering locally raised products with many coming from Brooks Meats in Walton. Fresh, locally produced pastas, pestos, and sauces will be available at Brocato’s Italian Market. Unbridled Spirits will feature Kentucky wines, bourbon, and micro brewed beers. A Kentucky Proud General Store will feature vendors selling their Kentucky proud products.

Colonel De’s Gourmet Herbs and Spices, already open, is one reason I’m a fan. Visitors to the market are treated to a wide array of spices and herbs from around the world. Colonel De Stewart features over 500 spices and blends. I was extremely impressed by his Mediterranean Oregano and his Tellicherry peppercorns. I love experimenting with herbs and spices in my cooking, as you know from my recipes, and found a new one I can’t wait to try, spinach flakes. Watch for my new recipe.

Outside is a Farmer’s Pavilion featuring local farm produce. The local farmer’s market offers local fruits and vegetables.  Visitors have been enjoying shopping here at the Farmer’s Pavilion for most of the summer.

When Friendly Market is fully opened, it will provide Northern Kentucky with a unique shopping experience. I will be there a lot.