The Stories We Tell

Quick Trips: Local Wineries and Distilleries

By: Diana Hoffman

Can’t get to Napa this year? No worries! Cincinnati has a vibrant history in the wine industry started in the 1850s with the creation of the first viable wine business in North American. Today, wineries and distilleries have kept the vibrancy alive with award-winning wines and more to check out. Here are a few to taste: 

Baker-Bird Winery Augusta, Kentucky

Built-in the 1850s by Abraham Baker, Jr. the Baker-Bird Winery is known as the “most historic spirits in America”. It still has its original land that survived a City War Battle and is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The wine cellar alone is the largest and oldest in America and is the home of Bourbon Barel aged wines and internationally acclaimed wines. Open on 

Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM for dinner, tastings, and tours. All proceeds support the historic landmark restoration and Kentucky farm families. 

Address: 4465 Augusta/Chatham Road

Website: Baker bird winery

Brianza Gardens and Winery Northern Kentucky

There’s a piece of Italy in Northern Kentucky. Started in 2015 by owner Tony Parnigoni, Brianza Winery offers twelve award-winning wines with 3800 grapevines and perennial gardens with over sixty varieties. Enjoy the grounds and event space for tastings, weddings, receptions, showers, and birthday parties. Live music is played on the weekends and tastings from Tuesday – Friday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The indoor and outdoor seating offers a getaway that shouldn’t be missed. 

Address: 14611 Salem Creek Road Crittenden, Kentucky 41030

Website: BrianzaGardens

Henke Winery West Cincinnati

For over twenty-five years, Henke Winery offers award-winning wines and has consistently medaled in international wine competitions. It’s ranked as one of the top urban wineries in the United States by Food Republic and has also been awarded as a top wine shop in Cincinnati. Open Tuesday – Saturday with tastings and a restaurant that is sure to please every palette.  

Address: 3077 Harrison Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45211

Website: Henkewinery

Skeleton Root Over the Rhine 

Skeleton Root brings to life the rich heritage of the 1850s when vineyards lined the region and Cincinnati was known as the largest wine-producing city in the country. Located in Over the Rhine, it offers an event and tasting space with an array of wines that honor the history and authenticity of its roots. Open Thursday through Sunday. 

Address: 38 W. McMicken Avenue

Website: SkeletonRoot

Vinkolet Winery and Restaurant Northwest Cincinnati

Vinkolet Winery is the only working winery in Hamilton County in Ohio with 12 award-winning wines and over 12,000 vines across 30 acres in Colerain Township. The winery hosts tastings and events throughout the year but is also known for its annual Art and Wine Festival every September. Open Tuesday – Sunday. 

Address: 11069 Colerain Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45252

Website: vinkoletwinery

Contributing Writer Diana Hoffman @Brianza Gardens and Winery

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