Eddie O'Daniel is the founder and winemaker at Springhill Winery in Bloomfield, Kentucky. The winery has been in three different locations since it first opened for business 17 years ago, but has settled in a permanent locale amid the rolling hills and tobacco farms of central Kentucky. In a family of three generations of winemakers, both Eddie's father and son lent a helping hand in Springhill's early stages. This early family collaboration helped Eddie make Springhill Winery one of the top 10 wine producers in Kentucky.

    Springhill Winery first opened its doors 17 years ago with a small tasting shop in the historic town of Bardstown, Kentucky. An opportunity soon presented itself and the winery was moved to a former ski resort in Carrolton. Springhill sold their wine from this Carrolton location for three years before moving to its current site in rural Bloomfield. The winery now produces a wide variety of Kentucky wines and is open year-round for tasting and sales.

    Eddie O'Daniel's interest in wine began when serving in the military. In the 1960's he was stationed near Napa Valley and the surrounding wineries and vineyards piqued his interest in viticulture. Later, he learned his winemaking skills from an Italian winemaker while stationed in Europe. Upon his return to Kentucky, he started making wine as a hobby, but he soon realized that this could easily become a lifelong career for him. 

    Much of Springhill's operation is located approximately 15 miles away from the tasting room at their winemaking facility in Springfield, KY. Five of their eight vineyard acres are located near this facility, and the remaining three acres are located on the same property with their tasting room and bed & breakfast. Some of their wines are stored and aged at their tasting room location in rural Bloomfield. 

    The winery produces approximately 2,000 cases of wine per year with 80 percent being sold at the tasting room and the remainder in wholesale sales. Springhill's best selling wines are Riesling, Springhill Bordeaux, Harvest Mead and Pinot Gris.

    As with every wine growing region, the weather plays an important role in the grape-growing process. Kentucky weather can be tricky, because Kentucky is on the edge of the cold climate viticulture map. "Although we have had some very mild winters in the past decade, we have had some very cold late freezes and late frost in the spring" says O'Daniel. "Our frost free date is May 15th so this affects the varieties grown and pruning methods. The summers have been hot and dry to give great color for the reds, and cool evenings near harvest for the fullness of the whites" he adds. " I think the terror combined with the limestone water makes the wines as notable as the bourbons."  

    O'Daniel said operating a winery in the heart of Kentucky Bourbon country has actually helped his sales. There are plenty of tourists looking for a change of pace from the Bourbon trail. Springhill offers area visitors a chance to sample wine when they are looking for a break from visiting the region's many bourbon distilleries. 

    In addition to operating a winery, the O'Daniel's also offer an on-site bed and breakfast. Since the winemaker and his wife are your hosts, a stay at the historic B&B offers the total wine experience. You'll enjoy a hearty country breakfast and be treated to chilling stories during your meal about the haunted history of this old tobacco plantation. Being able to chat with other traveling wine lovers over a glass of Beaujolais on the patio is an added bonus.