EDITOR’S NOTE: Camp Springs Vineyard has closed. We have removed its address and contact information.
You wouldn’t expect to find so many wineries in Northern Kentucky, but we found nine in Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties. And we visited them all. Here are our takeaways.
Illustration by Emi Villavicencio / Photograph by Paisley Stone
1. Atwood Hill
Live music and a food truck on weekends make this a charming spot for a night out. The hilltop views of this tobacco farm-turned-vineyard are lovely, especially when paired with a glass of Oh Charlie, a vidal-chambourcin blend, or Sunset Lynn, a light, sweet chambourcin.
1616 Spillman Rd., Atwood, (859) 356-1936, atwoodhillwinery.com
2.Verona Vineyards
Our Saturday visit coincided with a bridal shower, and the barn-like tasting room offers a perfect rustic setting for any group. In addition to flights of their own wine, you can sample reds and whites from national producers, plus bourbon. They also serve lunch and dinner.
13815 Walton Verona Rd., Verona, (859) 739-3144, veronavineyards.com
3. Brianza Gardens and Winery
Excellent award-winning wines in all styles from dry to sweet, with beautiful gardens to wander. The gazebo is a prime spot for weddings, and live music and monthly dinners keep things interesting. You can also participate in the harvest—just watch social media for info.
14611 Salem Creek Rd., Verona, (859) 445-9369, brianzagardens.com
4. Schoolyard Winery
The old Verona High School houses this micro-winery, where wines like the drier Tardy (a De Chaunac) and the sweet Teacher’s Pet (Catawba) carry out the theme. Don’t miss the annual Remembering Woodstock party in August—hippie finery encouraged.
14923 Walton-Verona Rd., Verona, (859) 814-4126, schoolyardwinery.com
5. Redmans’ Farm
Most wines here are fruit-based, but the surprise is that Redmans’ makes dry versions in addition to the sweet stuff. Do not miss the wine slushies, especially blackberry—it’s sweet and tart, made with wine from berries grown on the farm.
12449 Decoursey Pke., Morning View, (859) 356-2837
6. Seven Wells Winery
The setting is gorgeous, with a deck overlooking a pond and rolling hills lined with grapevines. You might have to call the owner to come over from next door, but he’ll pour you samples of wines that range from dry (cabernet franc, chambourcin) to sweet (blackberry, Cayuga).
1223 Siry Rd., California, (859) 816-0003, sevenwellswinery.com
7. 12 Mile Creek Winery
This cozy and charming winery’s selections are all slightly sweet, even drier varieties. One of the rare wineries that offers food, the menu includes meat and cheese boards and flatbreads. Their signature drink is a bloody mary made with spicy-sweet jalapeño wine.
11093 Flagg Springs Pke., California, (859) 391-0144, 12milecreekwinery.com
8. StoneBrook Winery
You’re probably familiar with this winery’s fruit offerings, but branch out and try their drier selections, including the award-winning dry rosé. Can’t kick the sweet stuff? Try the honey mead.
6570 Vineyard Ln., Melbourne, (859) 635-0111, stonebrookwinery.com
9. Camp Springs Vineyard
Sunday is mimosa day, but don’t skip the rest of their wines. Dry apple bourbon wine is crisp, with a vanilla undertone, and the dry chambourcin was one of the best versions we tried. If the honeysuckle wine’s on the list when you go, don’t miss it—it’s a rare treat.
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