My humans, Mike and Karen, brought me to Louisville in March 2007, I was 8 weeks old.  It took me a couple of days to adjust to my new home in Louisville.  I don’t remember the first day I came to the winery but, I do remember it didn’t look like a very nice place to me.  I tried to ignore how it looked and just run and romp and play.  However, it soon became apparent to me that if we were ever going to get this dream of Mike’s off the ground I was definitely going to have to start taking charge of the place.  Anyway that is when I started supervising clean-up and construction and before you knew it we were opening our doors in September 2007.  It was a chore but we did it and we are still plugging along and having lots of fun!

             I cannot believe it was September 2009 the last time I updated you on what has been going on around here.  The holiday season was great fun as usual and we had our ornament exchange again.  WOW!  The season flew by and then came the winter snows.  Mike and I had great plans for getting things done around the winery during the winter season, and we did accomplish some painting and cleaning, but mostly it seemed like all we were doing was shoveling snow!!  Otherwise I had a very lazy winter season.  Things changed quickly once the snow stopped.  Mike, John, Christian, John-Michael, Stuart and I had to get busy in the vineyard.  We were on a short schedule to get all the vines pruned and sprayed and then to get the dirt pulled back from the roots before the bud-burst started.  I am beginning to think that I am too old to work that hard in the vineyard and still be expected to greet all of our guests too!!!!  Alas, we were able to get it done and to get all the pruned vines picked up from the vineyard too!  The place is looking more beautiful by the day.  I can’t wait for you to see it.

            There is a lot of work and much activity going on at the winery this time of year.  We are gearing up for our “Free Concert” series.  This year we will have a concert every two weeks beginning with Mother Jane on May 22, 2010 and running through the end of October.  I don’t know everyone who is going to be playing but you can check the Events page for the details.  You will definitely enjoy the entertainment, but I want to remind you to be sure to bring a picnic dinner to add to your enjoyment – it will certainly add to mine!! 

            Some of our more popular wines are back, thanks to Butch’s hard work ‘Lili’s Red & Blackberry  are back and Butch is putting the finishing touches on Cherry-Cranberry & Chocolate Razz – they should be on the shelf for your enjoyment soon.  Some of our wines are now available in retail establishments, for those days when you just can’t make it out to see us.  The Kentucky Derby Festival had its 2010 wine competition in April.  Butch’s efforts brought honor to BHW with -Roe Hill Red and Rose of Sharon winning GOLD medals - Vidal Blanc and Blackberry winning SILVER medals, and Sweet Martyne winning a BRONZE medal.

            
            Karen is still working on getting Lilies planted that won’t be mowed down or sprayed with weed-killer – as usual she is fighting a losing battle.  Mike and I are humoring her for now but soon I think she will be on to us and we will have to settle down and help her accomplish her goal – since she will not be deterred!

            
            I am really looking forward to seeing you at Brooks Hill Winery real soon!  I love meeting new humans and seeing familiar ones as well.  In spite of my duties in the vineyard, I will meet you when you come in the door.  Maybe while you are enjoying a bottle of our wine you will pause to take a walk in our beautiful vineyard or hike through the woods, you will be glad you came!