equus run vineyard
The sweltering days of summer will soon fade as crisp autumn nights loom on the horizon. Instead of sneaking off to crystal pools or sublime bodies of water for weekend getaways, tailgates on the lawn will tempt us from our desks and ensuing deadlines. But with these changes also comes the necessity to celebrate the harvest as the bounty of fall is ripe for all to enjoy. To begin the festivities of the season, there is no better place to raise a toast than at this month’s Hidden Treasure, Equus Run Vineyards.
Dubbed by CNN Travel as a “Must See Hidden Treasure” of the United States, Equus Run Vineyards is situated in the picturesque town of Midway amidst historic stone fences, rolling hills and sprawling Kentucky thoroughbred horse farms. It is nestled on 35 acres in the heart of the central Bluegrass Region and provides the perfect locale for enjoying a picnic or playing a game of croquet and bocce ball. While you are there, be sure to take a stroll through the gardens or if you prefer, be sure to explore the inviting South Elkhorn Creek by fishing and kayaking.
After a day filled with adventure on the grounds, enjoy a delightful refreshment in the stone tasting room resembling a fairy tale cottage. Formerly a farm shed to store tools on the property, the tasting room inside the gift shop features a tiered deck overlooking the Riesling vineyards. Join Equus Run Mondays through Saturdays from 11am until 7pm for sipping and socializing on their beautiful deck or Sundays from 1pm until 5 pm.
Once you have tasted a plethora of scrumptious wines, you can choose your favorite to take home to be savored later. Fortunately, Equus Wines Vineyards boasts a wine portfolio to suit every palate and preference. Offering fifteen varieties in total, the portfolio includes dry, semi-sweet, Rose’, Red and Dessert wines.
To begin with the Dry varietals, try the light Chardonnay with a granny smith apple tasting finish, an Oak Chardonnay perfect for fall picnicking, or perhaps you prefer their Blank de Blank crisp and delicious for finishing out the summer. Moving on to the Semi-Sweet section, Equus Wines offers a refreshing Vidal Blanc, an aromatic Summer White filled with fruit flavors and Riesling, (one of my personal favorites) which has hints of both pineapple and pear.
When you feel like something in between white and red, always go for a Rose’ wine and choose one of this Vineyards finest. Bacchus Blush is comprised of aromatic whites and a touch of red delicately blended together as well as the Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc de Noir offering the flavor of a summer crab apple, a bit of cherry and a light sugary sweetness.
The robust Reds featured are the smooth and delicate Grenache Noir, a deep fruity and spicy Zinfandel, a satiny Cabernet Sauvignon, a dry red with a long finish, complex and clove-y Merlot, Tempranillo, a dark ruby wine. Finally, end the night with an incomparable dessert wine called Passionate Kiss, infused with chocolate and a hint of vanilla.
Any of these delectable wines are perfect companions for helping you fade out of summer and phase into all the glory that fall has to offer.