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Wildside Winery By Ray Hunter
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Photographs Courtesy of Brian Oats Photography
ocated south of historic Versailles and just minutes from Lexington, Wildside Winery is a comfortable and charming space, perfect for relaxing with others or just escaping to enjoy a glass of your favorite wine. Owners and operators Elisha Holt and Clint Meier purchased the winery from Neil and Rachel Vasilakes in February 2020. “It’s been quite a ride,” Holt said. “I’m not a horticulturist like Neil, but part of the deal was that the previous owners agreed to give us 18 months of mentorship. It’s been a blessing, and they are so knowledgeable and so nice.” Holt has a background in event coordinating and social media marketing. Her focus is to not only produce great wines but to create an eclectic, fun, and community-driven destination for wine-lovers across the Commonwealth. The name “Wildside” was inspired by the dense sunflowers and coneflowers that grow on the land. Wildside Winery is spread out over 30 acres in the heart of horse country and boasts over 80 rows of grapevines. “We produce six different types of grapes, including Norton. We grow all of the fruit here as well,” she said. “We have blackberries, blueberries, pears, pawpaws, persimmons, peaches, and an apple orchard.” And they are making wine with all of it. There is no shortage in the selection of wines at Wildside.
1 Wildside Winery features a tasting room with over 30 wines to choose from. They also host special events, concerts, and weddings. Whether you choose an indoor or outdoor space, they can accommodate up to 200 guests, and packages start at $250. Visit wildesidewinery.com for a complete list of event pricing and information.
“Before we took over, we really thought that there were too many wines on the menu. There are over 30. We thought we would pare that down as most wineries have 10 to 12, which is much more manageable,” Holt said. “I would say that was 100% wrong. People love coming in and seeing the variety. Whether you’re a dry, a sweet, or a mid-range drinker, you’re going to find not just one or two that you like; you’re going to find eight that you like.” The tasting room also has an impressive beer selection to choose from if you have a craving for something other than wine. All of Wildside’s wines are available for purchase on their website at www.wildsidewinery.com. Each wine is described in great detail, and ordering and shipping information is clearly explained.
60 • January/February 2022 • Kentucky Homes & Gardens
