One of the nicest things about getting my book out to the wineries is getting to revisit the wineries and talk to the owners and winemakers. One of the most enjoyable of those visits was with Eddie O’Daniel at Springhill Winery. Eddie was one of the pioneers in the Kentucky wine industry and is one of the most interesting individuals to sit down and talk to.
When Eddie began planting grapes, he had to experiment with what would grow well because experts in other states didn’t know what would grow well in Kentucky. He had made wine in amateur competitions in the 1980’s. The Kentucky legislation in 1990 allowed him to finally open Springhill Winery in March of 1990. Springhill Winery continues to draw visitors who enjoy the wine, the visit, and hearing the stories from Eddie of the early days of Kentucky wine.
Visitors to the winery notice immediately the lovely antebellum Victorian plantation manor that sits next to the winery. The winery sits on the grounds of Springhill Plantation, formerly known as Anoatop, a plantation built in the late 1850s that has a Civil War history. The house is open as a bed and breakfast, with six suites that mix modern amenities with a historical setting.
Springhill Winery and Plantation B&B is open to the public every day but Mondays and is located just off the Bluegrass Parkway. I recommend going for a visit.
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