Campbell County Wineries: Sip, Sip, Hooray!

By Mary Casey-Sturk

There’s no need to travel to the Napa Valley to enjoy some award-winning wines. Campbell County is home to several wineries, all part of the Northern Kentucky Back Roads Wine Trail, and all offering several varieties to try and buy.

The history of wine in this region is as rich as the land the grapes are grown. America’s commercial wine industry started in Kentucky in 1798. Switzerland-born John James DuFour along with statesman Henry Clay founded the Kentucky Vineyard Society. On 600 acres in what is now Jessamine County, America’s “First Vineyard” was born. Their initial barrels were even sent to Thomas Jefferson.  By the late 19^th century, Kentucky was the third-largest wine and grape-producing state. However, with Prohibition, this all came to a halt. These days, there are around 70 wineries in Kentucky and business is thriving. 

Staying Local

12 Mile Creek Winery in California is a family-owned winery along the banks of 12 Mile Creek. This small farm winery has a cheery yellow building that welcomes you to enjoy a glass of wine and a charcuterie board in their new pavilion. 

Jalapeno wine? Yes! This spicy number makes a perfect jalapeno wine Bloody Mary and has been produced since 2016. The owners love blending new ideas with family recipes and traditions and welcome you to visit and try one of their wines or specialty drinks. 11093 Flagg Springs Pike, California.

Camp Springs Vineyard welcomes you and your pets for a visit. They offer a selection of five wines to taste for a fee and you can bring your own snacks.

Their warm wooden-clad tasting room is nestled on a hillside surrounded by vineyards on 50 rolling acres of Kentucky hills. Their reds include the St. Croix, made from their St. Croix vines and they also have a rich Concord from their own vines. 6685 Four Mile Road, Camp Springs.

Seven Wells Vineyard and Winery has weekend tastings and tours (just ask-it’s free). Many gather in warm weather for their concert series with performers from all sorts of genres. Started in 2004, they’ve continued to grow with grape varieties including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Vidal Blanc.

Current wines include their Howling Coyote (a classic dry chambourcin) and Sip Happens (a sweet vidal blanc).  1223 Siry Road, California

StoneBrook Winery offers tastings in their renovated 1980s farmhouse. You may notice the sign for horse parking as you drive up their hillside, and they mean it. Saddle up and settle in for a glass of grape or fruit wine.

Blackberry, Sunset Blush, Chocolate Kiss and seasonal wines like Pumkin Spice keep even those in cars coming back. In recent years, the winery has added a stone house available for lodging. 6570 Vineyard Lane, Melbourne.

Every winery is unique, locally owned, and their staff are passionate about wines. Check in advance for operating hours, events, and rental options for your own event.

Northern Kentucky Back Roads Wine Trail

Pick up your wine trail VIP passport from any winery on the trail. Bring your passport to each of the 8 wineries on the trail (including those in Campbell County), enjoy a tasting and get your passport stamped. In addition to the Campbell County wineries, you might want to visit:

Baker-Bird Winery and Distillery (Augusta)

Redman’s Farm and Winery (Morning View)

Schoolyard Winery (Verona)

Atwood Hill Winery (Morning View)

Whether your taste is red, white or rosé, the wineries in this area of the Bluegrass State have you covered!

Scenes around StoneBrook Winery. Photos by Mary Casey-Sturk