We spent an afternoon visiting an enchanting, family-owned winery in Versailles, Kentucky known as Wildside Winery. Owner, operator, and chief grape picker, Neil Vasilakes welcomed us with a warm smile.
Upon arrival you may be greeted by the barn kitty, Snowflake, aka Frankie due to his beautiful, baby blue eyes. Outside the tasting room you’ll find comfortable patio seating and a lovely gazebo, ideal for wedding ceremonies. There is a large, covered area perfect for receptions, as well as roomy, indoor space suitable for crowds should the weather require a sheltered venue.
Neil and his wife purchased the 30-acre farm in 1998. They actually planted fruit trees before starting to build their own home! In 2004 they opened their fine winery and have since conducted a successful business for over 14 years. They have wine-making down to a refreshing art.
Their mission is to make exploring the world of wine a casual, fun, relaxing, and affordable, yet exciting experience!
The tastings at Wildside are reasonably priced at $6 for eight samples or $3 for four. The selection is extensive with about 30 wines from which to choose. They offer dry, semi-sweet and more fruity wines. A wide assortment of grapes are grown on the property together with a plethora of fruits and berries. Among their fruit wines are blackberry, blueberry, peach, apple and pawpaw.
Schedule your next get together at the Winery, often rental free for up to 12 people during regular operating hours. Larger events are affordable and some are complimentary. This is a good place for a home based business sales event or book club meeting. Throw a party (birthday, engagement, anniversary or celebration). Hold a reunion, marketing event, girls night out, or view a sporting event on the winery’s big TV.
Wildside Winery offers plenty of options regardless of your tastes. Iām a dry kinda girl and concentrated mainly on the dry and semi-sweet. Among my choices were the Chardonel, Chardonnay, Sirah, Traminette and BBR (Bourbon Barrel Red). The Chardonnay, aged in stainless steel was pleasing. It lacked the oak flavors I sometimes find a bit hard. The Traminette is a Kentucky grown grape that produces a semi-sweet note with a nice, fruity flavor. I had to sample at least one sweet and enjoyed the Black Walnut which is made using walnut meat and aged in a bourbon barrel. The BBR, a semi-dry, aged for a short while in bourbon barrels hints at Kentucky’s other famous beverage and was my preferred of the offerings. I brought a bottle of this delightful red wine home to share.
Be sure to check in while at Wildside, mention and tag my blog and you will receive two free tasting glasses to take home and enjoy!
Wildside Winery is just a few minutes from downtown Versailles. Include an entertaining stopover to enhance a pleasant drive, day-tripping across the bountiful Bluegrass!
Mark your calendar for the Fall Festival hosted by world famous basketball player, Tony Delk at Wildside on Saturday, October 13th from 12-6PM. There will be a bounce house for the kids, live music by Ned and Mike 12-2:30 and Valerie Hines from 3-6PM.
Monthly yoga on the second Thursday of each month; Yoga, 6-8 social hour hosted by Homegrown Yoga studio (Versailles).
Wildside Winery
5500 Eire Lane
Versailles, KY 40383
Open Tuesday through Saturday from 12-7 pm. Sunday 1-5 pm
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