Rising Sons Winery, Lawrenceburg KY

May 13, 2024 by

I’ve visited some very unique wineries in the past. Some that produce only fruit wines and others that had restaurants with items like “pie flights”. Recently I visited Rising Sons Winery where with their tasting they also include their own bourbon and wine infused jams and jellies, or chocolates and Kentucky cheeses if desired.

Rising Sun’s winery is owned by Francine and Joey Sloane. the former dairy and horse farm was purchased by them in 1996, but the Sloan family’s Italian heritage and love of wine had predetermined the farm’s fate. This heritage is tied to Joey’s Italian immigrant grandparents, Cataldo and Maria Marinaro.

From the early days, the Sloan’s sons Peyton, Logan and Jordan have been involved; from the first plantings in the vineyard through today’s operation of the vineyard and winery.

In 1999 the vineyard was planted with seven different varieties of grapes. After many years of nurturing the winery began in a tent there on the farm in 2012. The winery, which includes the tasting room and covered pavilion, is located in a converted barn.

Most all of the wines produced by Rising Sun Winery are from estate or Kentucky grown grapes, with the exception of a few that are from sourced grapes, such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from California and Diamond from New York.

Rising Sons Winery’s winemaking operations have been moved offsite where they partner with Prodogy Vineyards & Winery for production and storage.

Francine was our host for this visit and tasting. She is extremely friendly and outgoing, and as an owner, very proud of what the family has accomplished. The tasting room became pretty busy, but she claimed to be a one-woman-show, while confessing that there are plenty of friends and family that will pop up to help when needed.

My selections for the tasting included the following (winery notes shown):

CHARDONEL (DRY WHITE) – Similar to a Chardonnay, but housed on oak. Oak flavor is subtle. This is a medium bodied white wine. Has a little spicy flavor, yet rich and crisp. Kentucky grown, but not estate. Very refreshing. One of my purchases.
VIDAL BLANC (DRY WHITE) – This wine is also made in stainless steel. It has a lighter body and a natural sweetness. Similar to a Sauvignon Blanc, but a more crisp flavor.
CHAMBOURCIN (DRY RED) – This earthy, medium bodied red has modest tannins and strong herbaceous flavors with notes of black pepper, cherry, spice.
PINOT NOIR (DRY RED) – A lighter bodied red with complex flavors of cherry, raspberry, spice, and forest floor.
ROSE’ LADY (CHAMBOURCIN – SWEET ROSE’) – This rose’ has a 4% residual sugar. Has tones of black cherry and subtle spice.
DIAMOND GIRL – (SWEET WHITE) – An assertive floral and fresh grape aroma. The Diamond variety is a cross between Concord and Iona grapes. Originating in New York. Sweeter than my typical purchase, but ad to get a bottle for my daughter.

Wait, did someone say bourbon and wine infused jams and jellies?! Rising Sons Winery has a several that are included with the wine pairing. The ones I tried are: