Your first stop is Brooks Hill Vineyard and Winery. Known as the little winery on the hill, this winery offers a modest selection of flavorful, barrel-aged wines. Relax in the outdoor tasting area (reservations required) and sample the Estate Reserve with notes of plum, black currant and blackberries. Or try the reds and whites like the Sauvignon Black and Riesling. Don’t skip the dessert wine, the port-style Chocolate Razz. Visit on Saturday nights for live music at the pavilion.

Located in downtown Mt. Washington, Gallant Fox Brewing Company serves up a variety of rotating beers on tap, over 150 bourbons, classic cocktails and a mouthwatering food menu. Relax inside or in the outdoor beer garden and try the Light Bullitt Lager or Nutty By Nature – a peanut butter milk stout. If you find the bourbon offerings overwhelming, order a flight of three pours. Feeling hungry? Enjoy classic pub grub, such as cheese curds, burgers and hot dogs.

MillaNova Vineyard and Winery is home to Italian-inspired wines, from fruity reds and dry whites to sweet dessert flavors. Nestled on 22 acres, you can sample and savor by the glass or bottle in the charming tasting room or from the covered pavilion with breathtaking vineyard views. Try the Sweet Falls of Niagara – it’s packed with grape flavor and hints of florals. Or sample the Sinful-Leah with notes of raisin, spice and plum.

Tucked away on 16 acres along Pine Creek Trail, Wight-Meyer Vineyards features award-winning wines paired with gorgeous views of rural Kentucky. Explore the vineyard, relax on the covered patio or enjoy a six-wine tasting in its cozy tasting room. Sip and savor flavors such as Amy’s Apple Pie (it tastes like a slice in a glass) or the award-winning Black Diamond Red with hints of blackberries. During the growing season, the winery puts on live music performances on select nights.

Considered the gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, James B. Beam Distilling Co. features 225 years of bourbon-making history. Learn about the First Family of Bourbon, take a behind-the-scenes look at manufacturing (you can even visit the rackhouse), and, of course, taste a variety of award-winning bourbons – some tastings offer samples straight from the barrel. In addition to good bourbon, enjoy Kentucky-inspired dishes and cocktails at The Kitchen Table Restaurant (order the bourbon balls).

If you want a laid-back bourbon-tasting experience, check out Four Roses Warehouse and Bottling Facility in the Cox Creek countryside. Take a bourbon-tasting class and sample unique recipes, such as Four Roses Small Batch and Single Barrel, featuring notes of plum and cherries. Tour the grounds and learn about the bourbon aging process – you’ll even take home a signature tasting glass. Stop by the gift shop and pick up bourbon-scented candles, kitchen accessories and other goodies for the road.

Take a detour from your bourbon adventures and explore the 16,000-acre Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest. As you stroll the grounds, you'll find 40 miles of walking trails, public art displays, a sensory garden, the Children's Play Garden, and Forest Giant sculptures made from recycled wood. See the sights from 75 feet on the Canopy Tree Walk. And if you’re hungry, Isaac’s Café offers a fresh and seasonal menu of salads, sandwiches and soups made from ingredients grown in the on-site garden.

Just across the street from Bernheim Forest, the Forest Edge Winery is home to the most renowned winemaker in the state, Raymond "Butch" Meyer. Stop in for a $5 tasting of six of their award-winning wines, from the Kentucky Cabernet Franc with hints of raspberry, strawberry and oak to Raymond's Reserve - a blend of blackberries, currant, black cherry and vanilla. Order a wine slushie from the bar; it's a local favorite. The winery hosts various events, including Yoga & Wine and live music.