About Henry County, KY

After a successful and fun trip to Florida, my husband and I decided we need to get out more! So we are planning some local jaunts to places we have never been and playing tourist in our own area.

First stop was the Smith-Berry Winery in my native Henry County, Kentucky. It was a pleasant country drive just outside of New Castle. What we liked was the fact that the road signs were unmistakable - if you get lost then you can't read!

My first thought was "What a beautiful place! I know I'd want to visit again in the summer when everything is green." Everything was clean and well-maintained, even the long gravel driveway leading up to it.

The place was busy - we got there Saturday around noon, and four different groups of people sampled some wines while we were there. One group even had a real estate admin like myself! Surprisingly, one of the owners, Chuck Smith, was behind the bar and admitted that he used to be a real estate agent himself! Small world.

So, on to the wine tasting...we knew literally nothing about wines, but that did not faze Mr. Smith, who pleasantly explained to us the differences. We were looking for a gift wine to send to a friend, and the Brother John was similar to what she likes.

We also wanted a gift for my mother-in-law's birthday. I told him, "She is German if that helps." They even had a German wine called Gewurtztraminer, an off-dry white. It was strong and she liked it. We also got her Bluegrass Blush.

My personal favorite was Flat Rock Red, a sweet red. I didn't think I liked red wine, but I am glad I liked this one, because I have always heard that red wine is good for you in moderation. There is an ingredient in red wines called Resveratrol that has been known to lower blood sugar and is an antioxidant.

Smith-Berry's wine prices are very reasonable and I enjoyed the taste of all of the six or so wines I sampled, even the blackberry wine. You can buy it by the glass there as well, and they have 17 varieties available in bottles and lots of accessories for sale. In the summer, starting Memorial Day weekend, they have concerts at the winery some weekends, and that sounds like a fun thing to do. We will be back!

They are open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, and Sunday 1:00 - 6:00 pm. Smith-Berry is located on 855 Drennon Road in New Castle KY. For detailed directions or other information, give them a call at 502-845-7091 or toll free 1-888-845-7091, or visit their website at smithberrywinery.com.

We have heard a lot of people mention Huber's Orchard & Winery as well, and plan to make a trip there within the next few months. As for now, I can't wait to go back and try more of Smith-Berry Winery's excellent wines. It is only 20 minutes away from LaGrange, Kentucky, and less than an hour from Louisville, so why don't you stop by and see them too?

~Lynda

Well, the men are finally home for a few days until Muzzle Loading Season. My husband has been making venison Chilli the last couple of days which is so good. My son-in law has been begging for the recipe for several days now and my husband finally gives up his secret VENSION CHILLI Recipe So for those of you who like venison I have passed it on just as he has written it. Hope you enjoy the last of the Mountain Men Pictures for this season, Unless they get something like a bear or elk this next week.

FLANNERY'S VENISON CHILLI

1. 1 - 1.25lbs of ground venison meat

2. place in pot, a splach of olive oil, butter, wine vinegar,cider vinegar, thawed meat (if frozen) cook slowly adding 1 large chopped white onion

3. after mostly browned meat cooking slowly, add, 1 oz Jack Daniels Whiskey, 1/3bottle of Good Beer (BUD) Dark Mustard (1tsp) black pepper, 2oz Red Wine,Splash (½ oz Worcestershire sauce.

4. Turn Heat to Low and simmer for 1 or more Hours,(covered Pot) Important " DO NOT DRAIN MEAT"

5. Stir in 1 ½ pack of Chilli Powder (Mild or Original) McCormick Brand

6. Add 3 Cans Dark Red Kidney Beans juice and all(15.50z)

7. Add 1 Can Tomato Paste (12oz)

8. Add 1 can Diced Tomatoes (15.5oz)

9. While this warms to boil add splash "Red Hot Sauce" More Black Pepper, Turn heat down to low and let simmer at least 1 hour

WHILE Cooking "Drink rest of BEER and have a sip of Jack Daniels.If Chilli not good, WHO CARES!!