*About the 2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Hosted by the San Francisco Chronicle, this is the largest competition of American Wines in the World and is recognized for its participation by the most distinguished judges in the country.  More than 60 judges, including winemakers, sommeliers, wine educators, bloggers, and members of the media, evaluated more than 5000 wine entries.  Judging for this prestigious wine competition took place from January 8-11, 2013 at the Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds in Sonoma County, CA.  For more information, visit http://www.winejudging.com/.

Smith-Berry winery was awarded a total of six medals; a Double Gold for our Blackberry wine, a Gold medal for our Cheviot Blanc, Silver for our Bluegrass Blush and Petite Sirah. We received Bronze medals for our John Harley and Drennon Creek.

“I could not be more proud of the wine produced from our farm over the years and I am honored to receive such prestigious recognition from this reputable competition. “ Charles Smith says of this recent accomplishment.

Along with making their award winning wines, Smith-Berry Winery also hosts a Dinner/Concert Series annually and boasts 400-500 tickets sold for each event. Smith-Berry Vineyard and Winery is located in New castle, KY about 34 miles East of Louisville. All wines are available for sale and tastings in our tasting room.  For a list of retailers that carry Smith-Berry wines, please visit our website.

Hours of operation:  Monday – Saturday   10 – 6    and     Sunday   1 – 6

www.smithberrywinery.com           888-845-7091 /   502-845-7091

Here in Kentucky and around the nation, tomorrow is Thanksgiving; one of only a handful of days throughout the year where gluttony is not only socially accepted, but fervently encouraged. In spite of trudging through crowded airports and sitting idly on congested interstates only to arrive at a house crammed beyond capacity with people you may not have seen in a year, Thanksgiving still manages to bring out the best in humanity. Sure, your mom will ask you repeatedly when you’re going to settle down or why you feel like you have to live so far away and your crazy uncle will inevitably tell those off-color jokes that make every one super uncomfortable but, beyond the general annoyances we all face, tomorrow is a day when those closest to us come together to reflect on what we’re most thankful for…oh, and to eat heaps and heaps of food.

Christmas has presents and Independence Day has fireworks, but Thanksgiving is all about the meal. It’s an eclectic mix of traditional American foods with a vast array of flavor profiles- savory, sweet, salty, etc. Due to this wide range of flavors and the natural propensity to enjoy multiple dishes in one serving, wine pairing for Thanksgiving Dinner can prove rather challenging. Fortunately, one rule reigns supreme when selecting a wine to pair with food: If you enjoy it, serve it!

Every person has distinct physiological traits that dictate our sensory sensitivities and a wine that I may perceive pairing perfectly with a particular food may provide little or no pleasure for someone else. Having said this, there are a few guidelines to follow when selecting wines by looking at the main flavor profiles of the food they will accompany. The impact food will have on wine is nearly entirely determined by the balance of the primary taste of the food in question:

-          Sweetness: Sweet foods will increase bitterness, acidity and astringency in wine while decreasing body, richness and sweetness. What’s this mean? Basically, don’t drink a dry wine with very sweet foods. Dry wines will seem thin, harsh and lacking in flavor. A good rule of thumb when pairing a wine with a sweet dish is to always ensure that the wine is sweeter than the food.

-          Acidity: Foods high in acidity (think mustard, vinegar, any sort of citrus, etc.) will increase richness and sweetness in wines while decreasing acidity. This most often results in the wine tasting flat and bland. To counterbalance the acidity in the food, select a wine high in acidity- i.e. dry white wines fermented in stainless steel.

-          Salt: Foods high in salt will decrease the bitterness, acidity and astringency of wines while increasing richness and smoothness. Because of this, wines with natural high acidity and wines with high levels of tannins pair well with salty foods.

So, based on the aforementioned guidelines and my personal preferences, which Kentucky wines will I be passing around the table tomorrow?

-          Unoaked Kentucky Chambourcin (Dry): A French/American hybrid of unknown parentage, Chambourcin is widely planted throughout Kentucky and produces wines that range from light-medium body and from dry to semi-sweet. Slightly earthy with ripe cherry aromas, soft with a touch of acidity and a hint of spice, a dry Kentucky Chambourcin will pair wonderfully with roasted turkey as well as quite a few of those casseroles your grandma spent all day preparing.

-          Seyval Blanc: Another French/American hybrid varietal that is well suited to Kentucky’s unique climate and soil composition. Seyval produces a crisp, refreshing wine with citrus fruit characteristics and racy acidity that will contrast and balance those more savory dishes such as green bean casserole, sweet potatoes and pickled beets.

-          Semi-Sweet Vidal Blanc: A perfect accompaniment to Pumpkin Pie, Lemon Meringue , Fruit Tart or soft cheeses, Kentucky Vidal Blanc’s typically display a medium-full body with notes of fresh cut flowers, ripe pineapple, grapefruit and melon. Sharp acidity cuts through the finish to balance the pleasantly lingering sweetness.

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Tayshaun Prince, the former University of Kentucky basketball star, will help launch a commemorative wine bottle that will benefit the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s child nutrition program.

Elk Creek Vineyards of Owenton will release the first of its True Blue Legends wine bottle series in honor of Prince, the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year in the 2000-2001 season, on Friday, Sept. 21, at the Elk Creek store at Fayette Mall in Lexington. Prince and Agriculture Commissioner James Comer will be on hand for the festivities.

“Tayshaun and Elk Creek have come together for a great cause – encouraging Kentucky’s children to eat right and live a healthy lifestyle,” Commissioner Comer said. “Funding from sales of this commemorative bottle will help us in our efforts to end childhood obesity in Kentucky. We’re grateful to Tayshaun and Elk Creek for their generosity.”

Elk Creek, Kentucky’s largest winery, will release 21,000 limited-edition bottles of its best-selling Kentucky Blue Riesling for $21 per bottle in honor of Prince’s uniform number at UK. The bottles will feature graphic artwork by Chris Rosenthal Design bearing Prince’s likeness and signature.

Part of the proceeds from sales of the commemorative bottles will go to Eat to Win, the department’s official “Healthy Habits” program. Prince, an Olympic gold medalist and star for the NBA’s Detroit Pistons, is the official spokesperson for Eat to Win, a nutritional education initiative aimed at teaching Kentucky students about the benefits of eating locally grown fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy lifestyle. To find out more about the Eat to Win program, go to www.eattowinky.com.

The Fayette Mall launch and bottle signing will take place from 6-8 p.m. EDT Sept. 21. Prince also is scheduled to appear for bottle signing events at the Elk Creek store at the Mall St. Matthews in Louisville on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 1-3 p.m. and the Elk Creek store at Crestview Hills Town Centre in Florence on Sunday, Sept. 23, from 1-3 p.m.

Bottles in the True Blue Legend Wine Series will be available for purchase from Elk Creek’s website, www.elkcreekvineyards.com, and at all Elk Creek Vineyards retail locations. Collectors may pre-order bottles in advance online and pick them up for Prince to sign at any of the Sept. 21-23 events. For more information, contact Brad Allnutt at Elk Creek Vineyards at (502) 484-5456.

Purple Toad Winery of Paducah took two of the three Concordance Gold Medals awarded at the 2012 Kentucky State Fair Commercial Wine Competition. Held on Saturday, August 11 at the Fair and Expo Center in Louisville, KY, the 2012 Competition awarded 101 medals to many of Kentucky’s top wineries.

Wight-Meyer Vineyard & Winery of Shepherdsville was presented with the third Concordance Gold Medal for their Kentucky grown Moore’s Diamond. Forest Edge Winery of Shepherdsville, MillaNova Winery of Mt. Washington and Talon Winery of Lexington were each awarded a Gold Medal.

In addition to a Concordance Gold, Bullitt County’s Wight-Meyer Vineyard & Winery claimed the most medals in the 2012 Competition with a total of 15 awarded. With four out of the five top medaling wineries hailing from the region just south of Louisville, Bullitt County wineries continued to show the quality and consistency of the area in this year’s competition. MillaNova Winery received 14 medals, Forest Edge took home 12 and Brooks Hill Winery of Brooks, KY was awarded 11 medals. McCracken County’s Purple Toad Winery claimed 12 medals.  Full results posted below (by winery) :

From: Liquor Barn’s Party Line Blog

That would be White Moon Winery in Lebanon, Kentucky.

Alex Ackerman is the owner and vision behind White Moon and an active supporter of the whole Kentucky wine industry. Her efforts as the treasurer of the Kentucky Vineyard Society are guiding an aggressive but prudent course as the KVS evolves into a powerful force and resource for all who care about Kentucky wine; be they grape growers, winemakers, or wine drinkers.

Lisa Wicker is the winemaker and she’s firing on all cylinders these days as the winery’s first wine products are about to be released.

It was a bit like being caught in whirlwind to see and hear and try to keep up with these ladies as they spoke of their challenges. They bring the energy and imagination I’ve come to expect from most winemakers everywhere; Kentucky, Napa, Cotes du Rhone, Argentina…Saturn… But they also bring remarkable wine experience. Ms. Ackerman has been growing grapes (vinifera) quite successfully for about ten years. Her grapes are in demand in Kentucky and the surrounding states. Ms. Wicker has solid experience in the Indiana wine country. Together, there can’t be many challenges that dismay them. In fact, that seems to the watchword at this winery; “Our work is play” it reads on one of their labels.

Another hallmark of Kentucky wine is quite evident here. Alex and her husband Mark (who can make very fine wine himself) and Lisa are integral parts of Lebanon. Everywhere we went; people knew Alex and wanted a progress report on the new winery building. It was clear that the community was eager and ready to participate in Alex’s project. I suspect that’s simply an echo of what the community has experienced in their past dealings with the Ackerman’s: they’re eager and ready to participate.

Now, as to the winery itself…

Alex drove me out to the new winery. She pointed with such pride to the skeleton of steel standing in the field. Yes, you can see right through White Moon Winery. When you do, you see a bright addition to Kentucky’s wine future.

Roger Leasor

A WINE LOVER’S ODYSSEY ACROSS KENTUCKY

By P. Faye Collins

 8 X 10

Softcover

192 full-color pages

$29.95

ISBN # 978-1-935497-56-1

Purchase: http://www.butlerbooks.com/wineloversodyssey.html 

In 1990, Kentucky had no commercial wineries. Wine lovers looked to wines from Europe or California when searching for the perfect bottle. Today, there are around sixty wineries in the state with more on the horizon. Now wine lovers can choose from a variety of wines made from grapes grown in one of the many Kentucky vineyards and made in one of Kentucky’s wineries. They can also visit those wineries and taste the wines before buying them.

A Wine Lover’s Odyssey Across Kentucky takes readers on a tour of Kentucky to visit thirty-four of the state’s wineries, to explore the history of wine in Kentucky, and to discover the grape varieties that make their favorite wines so enjoyable.

Many people interested in wine still don’t know much about the wine industry in Kentucky. This is the first book devoted to Kentucky wine and its wineries. The time has come for Kentucky to create a wine culture that will draw wine-loving visitors to the Bluegrass State.

“Kentucky wineries and Kentucky wines have long been overshadowed by the Napa Valley persona. Overshadowed so much that most do not realize the true quality and fine wines that come from the “Bluegrass State.” In a state that has been known for horses and bourbon, wineries are quickly becoming a standard. This intellectual and knowledgeable book about the Kentucky wine industry showcases Kentucky wineries at their best. A five-star guide to Kentucky wines for everyone from the amateur socialite to the most avid wine enthusiast.”

From: Liquor Barn’s Party Line Blog

Seemingly endless fields of corn flank either side of U.S. Highway 60 between Henderson and Morganfield. The closely grouped stalks create a sense of perpetually unified motion as they gently sway in the stifling breeze of an early summer heat wave.  Not far from the Ohio River in the western part of the state, Morganfield emerges from rural agricultural fields, maintaining the quintessential southern charm of so many small Kentucky towns. Nineteenth-century houses set amongst mature tree lined streets give way to an historic yet lively downtown comprised of brick structures of bygone generations

White Buck Vineyard and Winery lies just past downtown Morganfield. Kentucky’s newest winery, White Buck has transformed a former recycling station into a fully functioning winery complete with tasting room- now open five days a week (Tuesday-Saturday). As I stroll through the acres of trellised vineyards with owners Carla and Dr. Allen White, their passion for the business is apparent. Allen explains each variety planted and his plans to expand the vineyard. He tells me about the wines he is crafting and those he anticipates making for future vintages. Once back in the comforts of Air Conditioning, Carla flips through photos of the property snapped prior to the White’s extensive renovations. The winery in its current state is nearly unrecognizable. Where refuse once littered the disused concrete floors now lie rows of American Oak barrels and a newly constructed climate controlled tank room. On the spot where rusting trailers once stood stacked amongst overgrown weeds now lie rows of carefully maintained Traminette and Vignoles vines. The White’s vision was certainly inspiring if not daunting but, in spite of the challenges, they’ve managed to construct a truly beautiful winery.

The tasting room is refined yet warm with a bespoke bar constructed in part from salvaged doors dominating the room and a series of commissioned equine paintings by a local artist adorning the walls. Though tastefully elegant, an ambiance of welcoming comfort encourages casual relaxation and shatters all preconceived notions of tasting room pretentions.  

Alas, in spite of visual appeal, the aesthetic façade of a winery’s tasting room often says little of the quality of wine produced. Fortunately, this isn’t the case at White Buck. Dr. White is producing stellar wines that really make a visit worthwhile. For the serious oenophile up for a challenge, try the Cabernet Sauvignons (Lodi). White Buck has two separate bottling’s of Cab, one aged in American Oak and the other in French Oak. It’s great fun to try to determine which is which and then to seek out the subtle nuances that make each wine unique.

The Sangiovese (semi-dry) is medium bodied with light tannins and chocked full of aromas of summer berries and cassis. Lovers of off-dry aromatic whites will love the Doc’s Delight, a Riesling brimming with a bouquet of fresh quince and pineapple that possesses a steely essence and finishes with just the right amount of racy acidity. In addition to the aforementioned wines, White Buck also produces a Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and, for the sweet wine enthusiast, a Catawba Rose.

Louisville, KY (June 4, 2012) – The Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA) will host the 4th Annual Louisville Brewfest, presented by Kentucky Proud, on Friday, June 22^nd from 4:00pm to 10:00pm at the Louisville Slugger Field, 401 East Main Street. The event will feature beers from Against the Grain, Apocalypse Brew Works, BBC Tap Room, Bluegrass Brewing Company, Cumberland Brews, Falls City Beer, Kentucky Ale, and The New Albanian Brewing Company, and some of the participants will introduce new brews at the event. Locally made wines from River Bend, Lover’s Leap and Brooks Hill will also be available, as well as bourbon from Heaven Hill Distilleries. Attendees can also enjoy giveaways, a silent auction, and live music from local bands Supertruck, Flyswatters and more. Admission is free, and attendees must be 21 and older to purchase a $2 souvenir cup and enjoy the beer and wine. Safe rides home will be provided by City Scoot after 8pm.

Tickets can be purchased at the door for $1 each, redeemable for food and beer (i.e. 3 tickets = 1 full beer or wine). LIBA will also unveil and distribute the new 2012 Summer Directory at the event, which is full of information and coupons that encourage consumers to buy local.

Jennifer L. Mueller of Kentucky Proud said, “We are so honored to be a sponsor of this year’s Louisville Brewfest! Kentucky Proud sees our relationship with LIBA as a valuable collaboration strengthening our mission to promote and support locally owned, and Kentucky produced, goods and services.”  

“This event allows us to celebrate the things that make Louisville unique, and our local breweries and wineries are a big part of that,” says LIBA President Summer Auerbach. “You can’t find these businesses anywhere else in the world, and sharing a locally made drink with friends is an excellent way to build community.”

The 4^th Annual Louisville Brewfest is presenting Sponsor is Kentucky Proud, with supporting sponsorships from ValuMarket, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Louisville Magazine, WFPK and Westport Whiskey & Wine.

In addition, LIBA and the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) declare the week of July 1-7 Independents Week, which is a time to recognize Louisville’s local independent businesses and the community values they embody, and celebrate their spirit of entrepreneurism, individuality, uniqueness, and character. It’s also a time to recognize the independence of our citizens and their ability to think for themselves, as well as acknowledge their part in shaping the future of Louisville.

For more information, visit www.keeplouisvilleweird.com/brewfest or call (502) 500-4669.

About the Louisville Independent Business Alliance

The mission of LIBA is to preserve the unique community character of the Metro Louisville area by promoting locally-owned businesses and to educate citizens on the value of buying locally. For more information and a member list, visit www.keeplouisvilleweird.com.  

By Roger Leasor- Liquor Barn’s Party Line Blog
May 26, 2012 Entry
http://liquorbarn.wordpress.com/

I spent a great afternoon yesterday about fifteen minutes up the hill from Morehead visiting with Jim Ross (aka Sir James of Rosstica) and Robin Hanshaw of CCC Trail Winery. This place and these folks are treasures.

The winery is beautifully situated with interesting views in every direction. From the Café/tasting room (yes, it is named “Celebrations Café”) you can see the vineyards, the sheep, Angel the vineyard cat, and the sheep-defending dog corps; Chef, Cork, and Bordeaux (it is winery, after all). I didn’t see the local coyote, but I’ll take Jim at his word that it’s in the neighborhood.

Besides the wine itself, which is why I came to visit, Jim and Robin also serve lunch (gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizzas), high tea (five courses), and dinner by appointment (seven courses). Jim does all the cooking – Robin seems to do everything else – it is remarkable to watch in action.

Jim and I chatted while he cooked lunch and high tea. After his guests left, he and I discussed his Savannah doctoring days (Jim Williams was a patient) and the current challenges/opportunities of growing grapes and making/selling wine in Kentucky. It was inspiring to hear this bright, hard-working, passionate guy talk about his devotion to the place he’s creating. I left last evening a bigger person for having made the trip and not just because I’d been hanging out in Sir Jim’s kitchen.

A good friend of mine is fond of pointing out that “we sure live on a beautiful planet.” He usually utters this as the sun is setting and the Frisbees are flying in the Arboretum.  However, those words came back to me as I drove away from CCC Trail Winery last night. I would quickly add that Jim Ross sure lives in a particularly beautiful part of that planet. How lucky for me to live only an hour or so away. We all value travel and we strive and save our time and dollars to travel all over the world. We forget the treasures that are at hand. We forget the miracles our neighbors create.

I’ll be returning to “Rosstica” and Celebrations Cafe. Join me.