8 minute read
DISCOVERING KY: Wildside Winery
DISCOVERING KENTUCKY
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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.
Wildside Winery
By Ray Hunter
Photographs Courtesy of Brian Oats Photography
Located 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.
“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.
2 Located 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. The winery is situated on 30 acres of farmland, dubbed “Wildside” for the naturally occurring sunflowers and coneflowers.
The grounds are a perfect venue for large parties and gatherings, as well. The site features several decks with stunning views, a koi pond, and a charming gazebo.
“We host special events, weddings, and indoor and outdoor concerts,” Holt said. “When people think of having events and gatherings, I want them to think about Wildside. If you are planning a party, graduation, anniversary, or baby shower, call us and let’s see what we can put together for you.”
There are also plenty of activities to participate in while visiting the picturesque grounds of the winery.
“Wildside has something for everybody,” Holt said. “We have Spring, Harvest, and Christmas Market events, Sangria Sunday once a month, a yoga series, cake decorating, dinner theater, and Salsa in the Vines (a beginner salsa lesson in the vineyard).”
Holt and Meier’s vision is to offer the opposite of the traditional “snooty” wine-tasting experience. Their tasting room is unique and highlights the family -owned and operated business’s distinctive characteristics. The tastings are served on custom-built trays and include a description of each wine you are tasting as you are enjoying it.
“We want your visit to Wildside to be fun and memorable. Whether you are on your own, with friends, or part of a larger group, you will never forget the look and feel of our winery. And you will meet a lot of great people,” Holt said. “You may even spot our baby boy Axel Holt-Meier, born January 12, 2021, performing his vineyard foreman duties during our 2021 harvest.”
Wildside Winery is located at 5500 Troy Pike in Versailles, Kentucky. Interested parties can call 859-879-3982 or visit their Facebook and Instagram pages @WildsideWinery for more information about upcoming events and special activities in the near future.
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3 “The winery offers a huge selection of wines, mainly because we love making it. But also because everyone is different,” Holt said. “You may love dry red wines while your friend may love semi-sweet white wines, and your spouse may like sweet fruit wines. Or you may like to explore the world of strange and unusual wines; we always have some wild creations.” The tastings are served on custom-built trays and include a description of each wine you are tasting as you are enjoying it.
4 Wildside Winery won a double gold medal for their Cabernet Franc and the Commissioners Cup award for 2018 best red wine in Kentucky. They also won a gold medal for their dry red “Quartet” blend, plus silver medals for Black Barrel Reserve (their bourbon barrel-aged Cabernet Sauvignon), their Petite Sirah, and their semi-sweet Traminette white wine. 4
TASTING ROOM HOURS Sun, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mon - Sat, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
FIND OUT MORE www.wildsidewinery.com
WHEN YOU GO:
SANGRIA SUNDAY 1 P.m. to 5 p.m. Sample Wildside’s sweet and dry sangrias while enjoying live music from local folk/rock band Trippin’ Roots
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