Photograph by Devyn Glista
In a rural area of Northern Kentucky known for sweet fruit wines, 4 Mile Wine Co.’s Ben and Holly Studer took a different path. The couple’s mead uses different varieties of honey plus whole fruit to create a drier, less sweet drink. Camp Springs Tavern, located near the Studers’ winery, serves as its tasting room, and if you’re lucky, you can nab a Honey Slush made from one of the four available varieties. ♦ 7009 Stonehouse Rd., Melbourne
Nostalgic family mementos grace the grounds of this former tobacco farm, now in its sixth generation of ownership. The beloved 1930s farmhouse has been modernized to host gatherings while the spacious patio spoils sippers with sweeping views. Three acres of French and American grape varieties yield 14 distinct wine selections. ♦ 1616 Spillman Rd., Morning View, (859) 356-1936
Turn your visit into a vacation with three charming, rentable on-site cottages nestled among rolling vineyard vistas. Classic tours and tastings across a deep menu of wine selections, plus plenty of picturesque gathering spaces, make this an ideal locale for intimate excursions and sizeable celebrations alike. ♦ 14611 Salem Creek Rd., Verona, (859) 445-9369
Antique farm charm abounds at this quaint winery on the Ohio River. A wood-burning stove anchors the cozy tasting parlor, which snugly seats about 20, plus a gravel patio makes room for more revelers. Located across from the famous Rabbit Hash General Store, this winery is the perfect complement to a day trip. ♦ 10046 Lower River Rd., Burlington, (859) 468-3298
Photograph by Devyn Glista
For five generations, the Campbell family has farmed the land that today hosts vines for six grape varieties and crops of juicy Triple Crown blackberries, which are used to make the winery’s signature blackberry dessert wine. Public tastings aren’t offered, but bottles can be purchased by appointment and at select local retailers. ♦ 199 Highway 17 North, Butler, (859) 640-8239
With its rolling bluegrass hills and verdant foliage, Seven Wells reminds you that you are indeed still in Kentucky, not the actual state of California. Pop into the tasting room Fridays through Sundays for samples, and if you’re into a dry wine with a touch of oaky nuance (because, Kentucky), be sure to give the Howling Coyote a try. ♦ 1223 Siry Rd., California, (859) 816-0003
Aptly named, this veteran-owned hobby-turned-business is housed in a historic schoolhouse and oozes with eclectic hospitality. Regular vendor markets make the venue a thrumming community hub, and a selection of 15 wines—six reds, six whites, a couple rosés, a blueberry, a spiced apple, a jalapeño, and a seasonal Christmas blend—makes for an approachable imbibing experience. ♦ 14923 Walton-Verona Rd., Verona, (859) 814-4126
Photograph by Devyn Glista
Over the last decade, Steve and Sandy Compston Scott rehabbed a two-room schoolhouse and planted Noiret and vidal blanc vines on about a dozen acres of Campbell County hillside. Their charming tasting room has a full bar and a food menu that you can enjoy during monthly dinners, along with plenty of room outside. ♦ 8292 Stonehouse Rd., California, (859) 653-7595
Photograph by Devyn Glista
On your way to StoneBrook Winery, keep your eyes peeled for the small signs pointing the way to this farmhouse tasting room. Sample a wide variety of fruit wines, grape wines, mead, and cider in the farmhouse or out back on the covered patio. Pack a picnic, grab a cheese tray, or check the winery’s calendar for one of its occasional dinners. ♦ 6570 Vineyard Ln., Camp Springs, (859) 635-0111
Family owned and operated, Verona has a rustic, charming farm feel that’s laid-back and welcoming—and this ethos expands beyond the wines, too. From handcrafted beers and Kentucky bourbon to farm-inspired food and live music, this Kentucky vineyard is a place to carve an entire day around. Or weekend—Verona Vineyards has a guest house on the property that transforms a wine tasting or dinner out into an entire experience. ♦ 13815 Walton-Verona Rd, Verona, (859) 485-3544
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