Lexington, KY - I am not a connoisseur, but I like to enjoy wine in my own simple way. The best way to enjoy the wide range of a winery's complete selection is to travel to the winery. There you can taste and talk and hear how the grapes come through the growing and production processes. I drove to Lovers Leap and yes, I did come backÖwith a case of wine.
There are an amazing 34 wineries listed in the "Kentucky Wine Experience," a fold-out brochure with detailed listings and map that I picked up at Lovers Leap. I may be easy to please (when it comes to wine, at least), but I've not been disappointed with my earlier trips to five other Kentucky wineries, including Lovers Leap.
The drive to Lovers Leap is pleasant - winding past farms and rock fences along Kentucky's pretty rolling hills. Lovers Leap consists of 50 acres with at least 30 acres already planted with vines. There is much more than a tasting room, with gift shop and a 3,000 sq. ft. enclosed upper deck added in 2005.
Helpful employee Tonya readied wine bottles for samples while I looked through the gift shop. Tonya reassured me as she first poured white wines that you "can never be wrong with your opinion." I tasted in turn Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, Bianca, Gewurztraminer, Riesling and Premiera while several men walked downstairs to begin "riddling" (quarter turning) the wine bottles below us.
The current owners are Logan and Pam Leet. They became familiar with Lovers Leap as neighbors, first living by the winery for six years and then taking over operations in 2008. The Leet's plan on introducing a new brand identity and set up a top-notch kitchen for cooking classes and catering. They will eventually have a covered music venue outside for concerts and events.
With an established and successful business based on vines planted in 1994 by Gerald and Ann Holder, Lovers Leap's wines are enjoyed for a rounded excellence while being fruit driven and food friendly. I also tasted their lovely red wines, going from dry to sweet: Norton, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Desired, Amore and Blackberry. Lovers Leap also has sparkling wines. While I may not fully understand the descriptive vocabulary, such as "jammy" and "foxy," I very much enjoyed tasting all wines and found some favorites. I enjoyed Desired of which it is written: "Jammy cherry and raspberry are layered with hints of oak. Soft fine grain tannin gives structure to this passionate wine." Lovers Leap utilizes both American white oak and French oak for its barrels.
Kentucky was once the United States' third largest grape and wine producer. That was in the late 1800s, before Prohibition. Now bouncing back in force, Kentucky wineries are growing and becoming discovered by out of state travelers.
Lovers Leap Winery is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Contact them at (502) 839-1299 or by visiting their Web site at www.loversleapwine.com.
Join the revelry at Lovers Leap from 2 - 6 p.m. March 14 where they will celebrate the Ides of March. Mother Nature will be bringing the vines to bud at that time, springtime will be near and - toga or no toga - folks are welcome to taste wine, hear live music and eat tasty foods. However if you do come toga-clad then know that there will be prizes.