Brooks Hill Winery
The Little Winery Up On a Hill
We were in Louisville for a photoshoot and decided to explore nearby wineries. We discovered Brooks Hill Winery, located about 30 minutes from the Clifton area where we were staying.
Morgan was our host, and it was a delight to chat with her. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the wines and shared her enthusiasm for both the wines and the winery itself. Established in 2007, Brooks Hill has been offering a distinctive selection of wines ever since.
The tasting room features a spacious bar for tastings and cozy seating around a fireplace for those chilly days.
From May to October, they host live music and food trucks on weekends, which attract a good crowd. Unfortunately, we were there too early to enjoy the music but plan on returning in the future.
Morgan enthusiastically explained the tasting and was more than willing to answer any questions. I opted for the dry reds, as I typically do, and I was thrilled with my choice. They were exceptional. I began with the Estate Reserve, a balanced blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Lemberger. The grapes are cultivated at Brooks Hill and aged in Kentucky White Oak barrels for 14 months. This wine would pair perfectly with a steak dinner.
Next, I sampled the Lemberger, a robust and spicy wine aged in American oak. It’s a must-have for your next pasta night. Following that was the Cabernet Sauvignon, which is also aged in Kentucky White Oak barrels. With its dark berry and fruit aromas, accompanied by flavors of black cherries and spices, it would complement a steak dinner wonderfully. The Merlot followed and was my favorite—at least until I tasted the Tempranillo. I knew a bottle of that one was definitely coming home with me.
While we were there, a group of girls arrived, excited to kick off their bachelorette party. They were thoroughly enjoying the wine tastings and perusing the gift shop for souvenirs.
During the tasting, Chris, the winemaker, made his entrance. He has been with the winery since his grandparents acquired the property in 2006. In 2021, after honing his skills, he earned a promotion to the role of winemaker. Following 17 years of ownership, the original proprietors decided to retire, leading to the sale of the winery. Chris continues his journey there as the winemaker. He brings a youthful energy and innovative approach to the winemaking process, while still honoring the traditions that his grandparents established. His passion for crafting unique and high-quality wines is evident in every bottle. As he joined us, Chris shared some fascinating insights into the winemaking process, from selecting the perfect grapes to the art of barrel aging.
It was clear that Brooks Hill Winery was not just a place for tasting wine, but a community rooted in tradition, innovation, and a love for the land. We left with fond memories and a few bottles of our favorite wines to enjoy at home, eager to return for another visit in the future.
Brooks Hill Winery
2746 Brooks Hill Road
Brooks, Kentucky 40109
