Verona Vineyards

My husband and I visited this winery with our friends from Union, Kentucky. It is a beautiful winery. After sharing my wine preferences I was given a sample, and it was terrific. The owners were very welcoming. Mark Aulick was playing, and he is fantastic. We will definitely return.

This is by far the best, memorable and my favorite Vineyard in Kentucky. I’ve never felt so welcomed and left with so much knowledge!
I’ve been wanting to come here for years. I saw the reviews and wanted to check it out myself. I went on a Saturday early afternoon. I called and made sure that I didn’t have to make an appointment. Wine tastings are $ 5.00 and you can try any wine you like (white or red). You go through a gravel road and all of a sudden you see a gorgeous house on the left (George-​Vest House which is Boone County Historical landmark), and on the right is vintage barn where you can enjoy the wine tastings. The far back is the farm and you can also see the vineyards if you go down further. I got out of my car and noticed guests lounging on the patio and enjoying lunch (you can bring your own food if you like) picnic style. I knew that I was going to love it here! As I walked in, I was greeted by Rachel. She was so friendly, helpful, and detailed. As she was explaining and pouring my samples, you can tell she had a loved for wines and enjoyed her job. Very approachable and that I can ask her anything (did not feel rushed).
Here is what I tried:
–Encore– A unique Kentucky twist on a traditional Cabernet Franc. This smooth red wine has notes of pepper, chocolate and vanilla enhanced by the time it spent aging in a used Kentucky Bourbon barrel.
–Trio– Their vintner’s blend of their light, peppery Cabernet Franc, bold and complex Dornfelder, and a Malbec aged in a bourbon barrel.
–Malbec– Aged in bourbon barrel also has a peppery finish and a great kick! Very smooth.
–Cabernet Franc — A soft easy to drink red wine. Light, peppery, with notes of oak and smoke with a nice leather and fruit finish. Even though it’s a fruit finish, it’s not sweet.
–2010 Chardonnay– This wine has citrus and zest with a soft bouquet of banana and floral notes and a crisp finish. I liked this better than the 2012 chardonnay. Rachel was explaining to me that both wines are the same grapes but grown in different temperatures. If I remember correctly this one was grown during rainy season.
–2012 Chardonnay– An unoaked Chardonnay with sweet notes of honey, pineapple and pear forward with a crisp citrus finish.
–Moscato — A semi-​sweet light patio wine with notes of peach and apricot that finishes semi-​dry. Suprisingly, I thought this would be VERY sweet, but it wasn’t. LOVED it!
–Gewürztraminer — A sweet forward wine with hints of honey, pear and apple with a light dry finish. I found this wine to be very sweet. This is definately a dessert wine.
After the tastings, I wanted to enjoy a glass of the Malbec before I leave. I ended up purchasing a bottle of the TRIO ($ 23.00)
I want to describe the inside of the barn– which is very rustic and vintage. (love the old school décor). There are tables where you can sit and enjoy your wine. She even showed me the library where they stored their best wines (not for sale).
Rachel and another kind employee wanted to introduce me to one of the owners. I met Peggy and OMG! She was so down to earth. I sat with Peggy and her father Charlie and talked about their Vineyards and the history behind it. A few minutes later, I got a personal tour where they make their wines. I got to try in their barn two tastings of the Cabernet Franc and Zinfandel. Where could I find a place that would go out of their way to give you your own personal tour by the owner?! I was already excited and psyched, so after my tour I walk around and took MASS pictures of their gorgeous farm! As I walked up another barn I was also greeted by their dog, Sam. One of their caretakers walked up to me and showed me around. They had a horse, donkey, sheeps, and goats.
After I took the pictures, they had a hammock which I took advantage of and chilled out. The weather was perfect and I could have taken a nap if I wanted to. You can say I was there for hours. I wasn’t expecting to stay that long. They were so generous! I also got to meet Peggy’s husband, Dan which he walked up and introduced himself.
Earlier, I mentioned this was the best vineyard. My preference is Dry Red Wine. The owners are also lovers of Dry. Most places I’ve been to in Kentucky are sweet even though it reads dry (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, etc) This Vineyard holds up to it and wines are GREAT quality.
Their wines are currently $ 15/​bottle for the majority of their wines. The Vintner Selects and Limited Edition Wines are $ 23/​Bottle
They also have a wide selection of craft beers, soft drinks, artwork and gift items available in their tasting rooms. On the weekends they have live bands and also have events and pottery class. I signed up email newsletter.
This place is very intimate and laid back. I HIGHLY recommend Verona Vineyards and cant wait to come back with my friends. Thank you Peggy and staff for your hospitality, making me feel like I am at home and special. You guys are truly the best!

Beautiful vineyard and pleasant picnic area make this a nice stop after a long drive around the rolling hills of Kentucky. Verona Vineyards has many different varietals so there should be something to satisfy your palate. I recommend coming towards the end of the day as the sunsets are spectacular while sipping on a glass of their grapes. The inside has plenty of room if you wanted to host a party, reception, or get together. The staff are friendly and of course let you sample the product before buying a bottle or two.

I guess you could call us «summer people»…you know, the people that flock back to a town or place when the warm season comes around. We belong to a CSA nearby to Verona Vineyards, and while I spent a lot of time (and money) at the vineyard last season, my visits (and their hours) wained in the winter months. But we’re back, and so is the vineyard, with a great selection of new white wines and some new reds!
Saturday found us attending a lovely art show on the grounds of the vineyard showcasing local and regional unique artists, jewelry makers, herbalists, etc. It was a great way to meet new artists, and sample some locally made (really good!) wine in the gorgeous rolling hills of Verona, Kentucky.
Since I typically drink Reisling, Savignon Blanc or Pinot Gris in the warmer months, I tried the «sweet white» sampler, which is new for this year. Turns out they had a lot of requests for Reisling type white wine. The sampler started with the Reisling (not the sweetest) to the last wine, the sweetest, which happened to be their Gerwrutztraminer. In between, and not to be left out, was the Trifecta White – a little horseracing influence in the name, but really moreover describes the blend of whites in the wine. And it’s wonderful. Happily took home a bottle and paired it with spicy Thai for supper.
When in Verona, stop by Verona Vineyards and enjoy a sampler – do call ahead to make sure they are open, but typically, they are open on Saturdays throughout the warmer months from 1:00 to 5:00. They are also participating in the Boone County Heritage Farm Tour at the end of this month, which showcases historical farm/​agro businesses thriving in Boone County. Wish I could attend, but have a birthday party to go to in Indy!