Y'all, I did something today that I'd recommend to literally anyone who likes wine, wine slushies, or a good afternoon out — I drove over to Purple Toad Winery in Paducah for a tasting (that started out as “content creation”), and I am not the same woman who left this morning.
Here's the best part: no reservation needed. You just walk in, belly up to the tasting counter, and start working your way through their lineup. Maggie and Lexi were so helpful! They're open daily, though they stay open a little later on Fridays and Saturdays if you want to make an evening of it. I tried eight of their wines (ok, so maybe nine), but let's talk about the real star of my afternoon - the frozen strawberry lemonade wine slushie. I don't know how to describe it except to say it tastes like summer decided to become a beverage. Mango breeze was a close second.
By the time I made it to the register, I had two boxes full of bottles — because apparently that's what happens at Purple Toad. I was shopping for the next Local Wine Down so don’t judge. (Also there IS a quantity discount.) I grabbed their top-selling Black & Bruised, the Semi-Bruised for something a touch less sweet, and a Fruit Punch Sangria that's basically summer bottled up. Last night, we enjoyed the Chardonnay and the Bourbon Barrel aged Cabernet lakeside at sunset. Awwwww!
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But my real secret weapon is the Strawberry Lemonade Margarita wine — made with real agave spirits — and nobody at my next Wine Down on August 28 has any idea it's coming. I'm not saying I'm a genius, but I'm not not saying that either.
Speaking of spirits — Purple Toad isn't just a winery anymore. They've branched out into distilling their own spirits too, and it's official enough now that they've earned a spot on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. So if wine's not your only love (or your significant other is a bourbon drinker), there's a whole other side of the place to explore the next time you go. And if you're the type who likes a little music with your wine, keep an eye on their Facebook page — they host live music some evenings, and there's nothing better than good wine and a good band on a Kentucky afternoon. They recently opened a new location in Bowling Green, if you're in the area!
Now for the tea behind the place, because I love a good origin story. Purple Toad got its start back in 1998, when owners Allen and June Dossey took a trip to Napa Valley and came home with an idea. Allen had played golf for years, but after a couple of shoulder and elbow surgeries, he couldn't keep it up — so he and June planted 2,500 grapevines on an old golf driving range on their property, of all places. He spent about a year teaching himself winemaking from books and the internet before they officially opened in 2009. They figured a quiet Wednesday morning opening wouldn't draw much of a crowd — instead, fifty people were lined up outside before they even unlocked the doors, and the family ended up bottling wine until midnight just to keep up. These days, Purple Toad is the largest winery in Kentucky. And that quirky name? It comes from the old-time way of pressing grapes by foot — the kind of tradition that'll turn your toes purple. This is the most interesting fact you will learn today.
If you're planning a stay with us at The Lakehouse Inn and want to make a wine-country afternoon part of your trip, Purple Toad is an easy one to add to the list. Come back afterward, pour yourself a glass on your porch or by the firepit, and let the rest of the evening take care of itself. We'll have your room ready — there are real wine glasses in your room, ice just a few steps away, robes on the hook, and no rush to be anywhere.
See y'all at the lake!
Cindi
The Lakehouse Inn at Sledd Creek 270-362-4254 | www.LakehouseInn.com
Updated 7-29-26
