By Mary Casey-Sturk
[Due to social distancing and restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the wineries listed are currently available for pick-up only. Be sure to call ahead!]
Atop ridges and along hillsides throughout Northern Kentucky, you will discover what Kentuckians knew in the 1700s—that the Commonwealth is a fine place for growing grapes and enjoying the delightful wines that follow. Kentucky is currently the seventh largest wine-producing state in the country, generating 2.4 million gallons of wine annually.
The Northern Kentucky Back Roads Wine Trail includes five area wineries. From historic stone houses in Camp Springs that date back to the 1800s to the charming river town of Augusta, each family-run winery offers unique tastings in unique spaces and places their own stamp (and label) on this growing agritourism business.
StoneBrook Winery Owner Dennis Walter says, “The wine trail was the first incorporated wine trail in Kentucky. It has increased sales for the member wineries and gives people who are interested in wine a wonderful opportunity to visit five unique Northern Kentucky wineries.”
Camp Springs Vineyard and Winery is nestled along the hills and among those delightful stone houses that make this area so special. Started in 2005 with the planting of 200 Vidal Blanc vines, the vineyard has grown steadily over the past nine years, adding other varietals. You can taste samplings of their Vidal Blanc as well as Chambourcin or Cabernet Franc. Their fruit wines, with Raspberry and Blackberry offerings, are also popular. The winery and its natural backdrop make it a wonderful setting for weddings and other events.
StoneBrook Winery is also located in Camp Springs. The Walter family has been tending their estate vineyard since 2000 and started producing grape and fruit wines in 2004. Varietals include their Black Night (a Port style wine), Chardonelle and Elderberry (the English Gentleman’s wine). Here, you can kick back in the cozy tasting room located within a 130-year-old farmhouse and enjoy a glass while taking in the fabulous vineyard views. StoneBrook also features dining on select evenings (with meals including barbecue ribs and chicken) and has a kiosk at Newport on the Levee inside the Art on the Levee store.
Seven Wells Winery is located in California and invites its guests to bring along their own food and settle in on the outside deck or the inside seating area and enjoy a relaxing tasting. Starting with 400 grape vines in 2004, the vineyard now has more than 3,000 vines growing on five rolling acres. You might want to try their Southern Gentleman (a dry Cayuga, crisp with subtle flavors of apricot) or Chardonnay. Periodically, they host dinners, so check their website for upcoming events.
Augusta’s Baker-Bird Winery has the added bonus of Hawk Hall, a bed and breakfast located inside a grand Tudor-style building. The Hall is nestled among many acres of nature preserve and the winery bills itself as the oldest estate Winery in the United States. The winery and Hawk Hall are perfect for a weekend escape, a romantic rendezvous or a girlfriend getaway. Featured wines include the Ruby Hawk Rose (a blend of red and white) and Blanc de Cab Franc, derived from a French vine and distinctly Kentucky.
Atwood Hill Winery and Vineyard is a sixth generation family farm established in 1918. Originally a tobacco farm, Atwood starting planting vines in 2005 and their Morning View business has grown since then. The Farmstead is a recently refurbished farmhouse dating back to the mid-1930s and perfect for events. They also have scheduled dinners with music and wine including their Atwood Reserve (a white Vidal with citrus tones) and Kentucky Barrel Red (Chambourcin grape aged in a bourbon barrel).
From family farms with familiar faces to paintings and pairings, the opportunity to experience Kentucky wine is right here in our own backyard with the Northern Kentucky Back Roads Wine Trail.