The Verona Vines and Wines Tour featured four wineries in Verona, Kentucky all within minutes of each other. What a fun day of wine tasting with friends we had lined up!
We couldn’t have asked for a better day. The weather was gorgeous!
Our first stop was Verona Vineyards. Their wine list had doubled since our last visit. We sampled all they had to offer:
- 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2015 Petit Verdot
- 2016 Chardonnay
- 2016 Charonnel
- Viognier
- White Trio – a white blend of Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and Viognier
- Gewurztraminer
The general consensus among our group was that the Cabernet Sauvignon was the favorite, with the Chardonnel coming in second.
Carla and Jen ordered a cheese plate which featured Luna Mercato Gouda Pecan Spread. Well seasoned with pecans, onion, garlic, and salt, it was quite a tasty spread. Located in Louisville, Kentucky, Luna Mercato specializes in cheese spreads, dips, and gourmet cheeses. We’re going to need to be on the look out for more of their products.
Our next stop was Verona Landing Vineyard. Not a winery per se, but rather a vineyard which produces grapes for Verona Vineyards. They offered two wines of their own that were also produced and bottled at Verona Vineyards:
- 2016 Chardonnel
- 2012 Rose Cabernet Franc
The Chardonnel was very similar to what we had had at Verona Vineyards. Both wines were well iced and quite refreshing in the heat of the day.
Our pilot, Ray, of course had to check out the planes. Boys and their toys!
On to Schoolyard Winery! We had been there just two weeks earlier and were happy to introduce this new winery to our friends. It was quite crowded so we opted for a bottle of their Merlot while everyone else did a tasting. The wines that were available were:
- Schoolhouse Red – Cabernet Sauvignon
- Honor Roll – Merlot
- Old School – Riesling
- Homecoming – red blend of Norton and American
- Teacher’s Pet – Rosé Catawba
- Spring Break – Cayuga
- Recess – Niagara
Everyone loved the ambiance of the restored school house with its school themed wines and decor.
Our final stop and resting place was Brianza Gardens and Winery. We sampled a few of their wines before settling on bottles of their 2014 Cynthiana and Sweet Bottom Tropical. Their full wine list included the following:
- 2015 Riesling
- 2015 Chardonnay
- 2016 Vignoles
- 2015 Vignoles
- Sweet Bottom Blush – blend of White Zinfandel, Vignoles, and Peach
- Sweet Bottom Tropical – tropical blend with fruity notes
- 2016 Sweet Bottom White – white blend of Vidal Blanc and Riesling
- 2015 Sweet Bottom White – white blend of Vidal Blanc, Bignoles, Riesling, and Cayuga
- Brittany Red – Marquette
- 2016 Noiret
- 2014 Cynthiana
- 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
- Italian Stallion – red blend of Cynthiana and Chambourcin
- Sweet Bottom Red – red blend of Concord and Blackberry
- Sweet Bottom Black – Chocolate Infused
As everyone completed their tastings, we made our way out to the patio where we joined by even more of our friends. We enjoyed picnic fare and Chad ordered pizza for delivery. Brittany Red and Sweet Bottom Tropical were the popular wines of the evening.
Amongst our laughter and conversation there was live music and even some dancing.
Of course the evening wouldn’t have been complete without Ray trying on my hat. He wears it well, don’t you think?
The Verona Wines and Vines Tour was such a nice event. We all ended our tour with a complete set of wine glasses that we collected at each winery. What a wonderful way to spend a summer day among friends!