Nestled in the heart of horse country, Wildside Winery in Versailles, Kentucky, boasts a story as enchanting as the landscapes surrounding it. In 1998, the founders planted the seeds of their dream on a 30-acre plot, once adorned with the remnants of a tobacco crop. Surrounded by the rolling hills and horse farms of Versailles, the winery found itself immersed in the charm of the region.

 

As the founders lovingly cultivated their vineyard, they crafted wines that echoed the beauty of the horse country that enveloped them. In 2019, as they contemplated passing the torch, they reached out to Elisha Holt and Clint Meier, who were seeking a haven in Woodford County. The idea of Wildside Winery, nestled amidst horse farms, captivated Elisha and Clint's imagination.

 

Excitement bubbled within them as they envisioned the adventure ahead. Elisha, with her expertise in event planning and social media marketing, and Clint, with his background in food processing, formed a dynamic duo perfectly suited to carry Wildside into its next chapter. The transition seamlessly unfolded, and on February 1, 2020, they officially became stewards of the winery in the heart of Versailles.

 

Despite the challenges that came their way, including the unforeseen hurdles of the Covid-19 pandemic, the team at Wildside Winery stood resilient. They adapted swiftly, introducing innovative solutions like wine delivery services and socially distant drive-in concerts against the backdrop of Kentucky's picturesque horse country.

 

In January 2021, amidst the rolling hills and surrounded by the equine beauty, Axel, the newest member of the Wildside family, was born. Growing up on the farm, Axel became an integral part of grape processing and a delightful presence at the winery's events.

 

As Wildside Winery celebrates its twentieth year of winemaking excellence, their history is woven into the fabric of Versailles, the heart of horse country. The charm of the surrounding horse farms adds an extra layer of magic to the winery's story. Looking ahead, Elisha, Clint, and Axel eagerly anticipate the next two decades of crafting exceptional wines and continuing to serve the community in this idyllic corner of Kentucky. Excitement still dances in their eyes as they toast to the enduring spirit of Wildside Winery and the horse country that graces its doorstep.

 

Cheers to the next twenty years of delightful winemaking!