Kentucky may be known for bourbon, but its wine history goes back three centuries, making it one of the oldest wine regions in the country. To explore (and taste!) this unique area of the Bluegrass State, plan a trip along the Western Kentucky Wine Trail. Thanks to its sweeping vistas and pastoral rolling hills, it’s the perfect weekend getaway. From how the trail got its start to nine must-try Kentucky wineries along the way, here’s everything you need to know — including how to make the most of your travels with the trail’s passport program!
THE HISTORY OF THE TRAIL
The earliest iteration of the Western Kentucky Wine Trail was inspired by a Swiss immigrant named Jean-Jacques Dufour, who traveled across the Atlantic in 1796 to leave his mark on winemaking in the newly independent United States of America.
Jean-Jacques went on to establish “First Vineyard” in Kentucky, but an 1809 freeze killed off his grapes and set the Kentucky wine industry into a century-long standstill. Wineries and vineyards began reappearing in the 1970s; today, there are over 70 in the state.
Nine of those vineyards comprise the current Western Kentucky Wine Trail, each with a distinct personality and style. Here’s why these stops should be on your radar; we’ve also organized them by region for easy planning!
Use the links below to jump to a specific region of the trail:
BOWLING GREEN
Home of classic cars, history, and incredible natural sights, Bowling Green is a destination filled with iconic Americana. Visit the National Corvette Museum or get caught up in the underground magic of the Lost River Cave, where you can take a boat into an otherworldly wonder. You’ll also have three vineyards and wineries to visit, with horses and incredible pastoral views leading the way.
Bluegrass Vineyard | Smiths Grove, KY
Woman-owned Bluegrass Vineyard draws in visitors for its views of expansive rolling hills and an incredible variety of wines. You can find over 30 sweet and dry wines, including classics like cabernet and merlot, and fruit wines made from blackberry, elderberry, peach, and other seasonal favorites.
SB Tip: A Tuscan-inspired vacation rental is available on the property if you prefer to spend all day enjoying tastings and walking just a few steps to bed at night.
Reid’s Livery Winery | Alvaton, KY
Reid’s Livery Winery is a small farm winery with an equine touch. Serving over 20 wines, including fruit-forward and grape varietals, Reid’s Livery Winery is a four-time Commissioner’s Cup winner for the “Best Boutique Wine” in Kentucky. But wine isn’t the only appeal here. There are farm animals throughout the property, including horses. You can saddle up for a horse riding lesson, then hit the tasting room — preferably in that order.
Traveler’s Cellar Winery | Rockfield, KY
Traveler’s Cellar Winery offers wines ranging from sweet to dry. They also have a charming farm winery experience that includes a tiny home Airbnb on the property, where you can stay for a wine country getaway. The owners, Derrick and Deserea Huff, are international travelers who’ve visited wine regions across the world, and they bring that passion and expertise to their own winery. Check out their calendar for events, including live music and seasonal markets!
LOGAN COUNTY
Founded as an outlaw town, Logan County is a rural county with outdoor adventure, walking and nature trails, and the small town of Russellville. If you’re looking to do some sightseeing before or after your wine tasting, visit the SEEK Museum or the South Union Shaker Village.
Carriage House Vineyards | Auburn, KY
Carriage House Vineyards is the first winery to open in Logan County after Prohibition. This charming spot was started in 2013, and today, it grows eight different grape varieties across three acres of vineyards. The Carriage House team wants everyone to feel at home on the property, and they make everything from dry to sweet wines as well as refreshing wine slushies. You may also see the winery serving beverages at large events near Bowling Green.
HOPKINSVILLE
When it comes to quirky claims to fame, Hopkinsville has one that’s sweeter than all the rest. It’s known as the Batter Capital of the World — delicious products like Ghirardelli brownie mix, Cracker Barrel biscuit mix, and Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix are all made in the region. When you want to expand beyond ready-to-bake treats, there’s history, a charming downtown district, and, of course, a winery.
Naimoli Estate | Hopkinsville, KY
If you want to enjoy an elegant ambiance with your wine tasting, head to Naimoli Estate. The beautiful winery was founded by a couple with Italian heritage who sought to recreate the experience of an Italian wine tasting in Kentucky. They planted vines on a property with acres of lush, rolling green hills and built a tasting room that’s a perfect backdrop for afternoons spent sipping Bluegrass State wines. Not to mention, Naimoli Estates has established itself as one of the most gorgeous wedding venues in the area.
MAYFIELD-GRAVES COUNTY
Mayfield-Graves County is home to the unique Wooldridge Monuments, a set of statues standing tall over a cemetery that have been featured in Ripley’s Believe it or Not. This is also where you’ll find four delicious restaurants that are part of Kentucky’s Western Waterlands BBQ Trail. You can fuel up at any of the eateries before winding down with a wine night.
Fancy Farm Vineyard & Winery | Fancy Farm, KY
Fancy Farm Vineyard & Winery was founded on the belief that you can successfully grow European grapes in Kentucky. They have varietals across six acres of land, including merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and pinot grigio. They’re also producing fruit wines like blackberry, blueberry, and pear, as well as jellies. Grab a glass, gather around the fire pit with friends, and raise a glass of fine Kentucky wine!
KENTUCKY LAKE
Kentucky Lake is where you go to disconnect and get away from it all — to get out on the water and feel your shoulders relax while you gaze at the sparkling shoreline. Whether on a beach or a boat, there’s no wrong way to experience Kentucky Lake. You’ll find resorts, fishing, hiking, and golfing here. This is where you can reconnect with nature … and taste wine, too.
Buckhorn Creek Vineyard | Gilbertsville, KY
Spend your morning out on the lake and your afternoon at Buckhorn Creek Vineyard. This 30-acre vineyard is only steps from the northwest shores of Kentucky Lake. Sip on dry and semi-sweet wines made from chardonnay, riesling, cayuga, and cabernet sauvignon, among other varietals. The winery can accommodate groups of up to 25 for tastings, which works well if you’re visiting with a large group for a family reunion or wedding.
Poca Terra Winery | Benton, KY
The owners of Poca Terra Winery were no strangers to the wine industry when they ventured into winemaking. Owner John Hlinka’s great-grandfather immigrated to the United States from Italy, purchasing a wine press to make his own wine from California grapes. Several generations later, the wine press inspired a small vineyard of chambourcin vines, and John and his wife Karen, a retired biologist and professor, have found themselves serving as winemakers and small business owners. Their stunning property is the perfect spot for a picnic (which they offer — with charcuterie boards!).
PADUCAH
Paducah is a charming river town and a UNESCO Creative City. Of course, there’s dining and shopping in Paducah, but it really stands out through its arts and culture. Whether you want to take a quilting class, visit one of the many arts centers, catch a show at the Market House Theatre, or spend an elegant evening at the Paducah Symphony Orchestra, the opportunities for creative expression and appreciation are endless.
Purple Toad Winery | Paducah, KY
With one of the most creative names on the wine trail, Purple Toad Winery is a must-visit in Paducah. The winery was founded after owners Allen and June Dossey and their son Steven took a trip to Napa Valley in the ’90s. Inspired by the incredible dedication of the local winemakers, they decided to create their own version in Kentucky. Today, they have over 43 wines and a charming tasting room where you can make your way through the menu.
Don’t Forget to Grab Your Wine Passport!
Before you hit the trail, pick up a Western Kentucky Wine Trail Passport to keep track of all the spots you’ve visited and help you compile your wine-tasting notes and favorite memories from the trail.
You’ll also collect stamps at each winery, earning more than just bragging rights. As you make your way through the wine tastings, you will be entered to win a Kentucky wine trail-themed giveaway that includes a bottle from each of the nine wineries, a gift basket, and more.
Once you get that ninth (and final) stamp, you’ll receive a commemorative stemless wine glass celebrating the Western Kentucky Wine Trail.
This article is sponsored by the Western Kentucky Wine Trail in partnership with Kentucky Department of Tourism.
