Lovers Leap Vineyard & Winery, Lawrenceburg KY

I’m finally getting the chance to check out more wineries in Kentucky. In doing so I’m finding that many are able to produce some excellent wines from the Midwest varieties as well as sourced varieties from other locations. One amazing find is lover’s Lovers Leap Vineyard & Winery.

Even before you enter the lane you will see the tasting room and production facility on the distant hillside along with the vineyards. In the forefront is the Pavilion, which is the 60′ x 80′ wedding venue that seats up to 200 guests along with a bar and dressing facilities.

Lovers Leap Vineyard & Winery is owned by David and Patty Sivinski, along with President, Brian Sivinski.

The vineyards were originally planted in 1994 and consist of 25 acres of grapes: Aromella, Vignoles, Cynthiana/Norton, Chambourcin, Crimson Cabernet and Petite Pearl. A few varieties have been lost due to recent weather conditions, so future plantings are planned.

In addition to estate grown, varieties are also produced from grapes sourced from other regions, like Washington State and New York. Some of the wines planned for bottling in the next few years include Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, and Sangiovese. These are in addition to the Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Malbec, Mourvèdre, Merlot, Vidal Blanc, and other varieties already available.

Winemaker Robert Wonacott, a native of California, has a story similar to many other wine makers. He previously had a career that took him to locations where he was introduced to the wines and vineyards in those regions, such as Western Australia, the Netherlands, France, and Germany. He returned to the United States and after pursuing education in viticulture and enology, planted his own vineyard in Texas and opened Eperon Winery in 2010 in Texas. He has gone on to consult with other wineries and has helped produce many award-wining wines.

The tasting room has a beautiful rustic exterior that has a wraparound porch with outdoor seating. Inside there is a large lounge off the tasting bar. One wall is adorned with staves from a wine barrels that adds a very unique touch to the interior, like the same style sign at the drive entrance.

During our visit, my wife and I had the pleasure to be served by Selene Hutchinson-Zuffi, Tasting Room Manager and Event Coordinator, and Matthew. Both were very knowledgeable and gracious hosts.

Although they have preselected Barrel Room tastings, provided by appointment only, I only took part in the Tasting Room tasting. They have the standard tasting for $15, but thankfully I took advantage of the upgrade to include the Reserve Wines for an additional $7. It was well worth it.

My tasting included the following. I’ve included the winery’s tasting notes along with my own:

• 2018 Chardonnay (dry) – This stainless Chardonnay is light and crisp expressing apple, white peach and citrus with hints of ginger and spice. I truly enjoy Chardonnay, whether oaked or in stainless steel. This one is dry as expected and very refreshing.
• Win-Place-Show Red (dry)- This dry red blend of American, French-American, Hybrid and purely European grapes is very easy on the palate. Smooth in texture and profoundly complex, this is a solid, dry table red for any day or occasion. The blend is Chambourcin, Cynthiana (Norton), Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. It was amazing and one of my purchases for the day.
• 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon (dry) – Often a pleasant surprise to new visitors to Kentucky, our Cabernet Sauvignon has a well-developed tannic structure and a beautiful fruit offering backed by balanced acidity. A nose of violets and dark fruit begin the introduction, as flavors of cherries sprinkled with chocolate are all followed by a solid and glorious finish. Cabernet Sauvignon has always been one of my favorite red varieties, so I always try it wherever I go.
• ​ 2016 Estate Reserve Chambourcin – This “fruit-forward” French-American hybrid, grown in our estate vineyards from 25 year old plantings is bold and beautiful. Deep, dark berry essences, full and round textures along with hints cedar and vanilla give this wine its memorable complexity. Chambourcin is probably my favorite red US Midwest varieties.
• 2019 Mourvèdre Reserve – Mourvèdre also known as Monastrell, originated in Spain and is thought to have been brought to that region by the Phoenicians centuries ago. Look for cherry, earthy minerality as well as spice. Moervedre is one of my favorite varieties. Although used in blends around the world, especially with Grenache and Syrah (GSM), I enjoy the single variety wines that are very dry and tannic in nature, as well as the GSMs. This was definitely one of my purchases.
• Grand Reserve Cabernet Franc – This Non-vintage Cabernet Franc is 100% Cabernet Franc, but it’s a blend of 50% Kentucky Cabernet Franc from 2013 aged ten years in Kentucky oak. The other 50% is 2021 Cabernet Franc from Washington State; the two compliment each other nicely. Cabernet Franc is one of the premiere Bordeaux varieties being grown more and more in the US Midwest and Great Lakes wine regions. Also one of my favorites, and a purchase for the day.
• 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (dry) – This wine was not on the menu. It had just recently been sampled from storage to determine if ready for release. It definitely was!

All of the wines I tries were wonderful. I can’t always say that after a winery visit. I’m anxious to experience the future bottlings of Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, and Sangiovese.

I wish to thank Selene and Matthew for the time they took to speak to us, as well as all of the guess there for a tasting. It’s always a pleasure to be met with kindness, but the knowledge and conversation make the visit so much more inviting.

If after visiting Lovers Leap Vineyard & Winery your travel plans take you south, be sure to take the serene and beautiful drive on Route127, which is a bypass around Lexington. It takes the same amount of time and the view is well worth it.

Lovers Leap Vineyard & Winery, 1180 Lanes Mill Rd, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342