HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) –Naimoli Estate is a winery tucked away in the countryside on Hopkinsville, providing a haven for wine lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape. Recently being added to the Western Kentucky Wine Trail, they continue to reach new wine lovers every day.
Upon entering the 100-acre property, guests are greeted by scenic country roads winding through lush greenery, which is meticulously maintained by Wendy and her team. The transformation of Naimoli Estate began when Wendy and her husband moved to Hopkinsville in the early 90s.
“I lived on this road for thirty years and I would ride my bike past this place and say ‘Oh, what an ugly farm,'” said Wendy. “I never knew it would become mine.”
Creating the vineyard
After finding a shortage of wine options in the area, Wendy and her husband worked together to establish their own vineyard. “My husband went to school in Italy for eight years and he lived on a winery where he learned how to make wine,” Wendy shared. The two made their dreams come true as they grew their vineyard, and transformed their farm.
Later on, when Wendy’s husband passed away, she travelled to California where she visited all the best vineyards.
“It was a healing time and I visited so many beautiful places,” said Wendy. “I couldn’t help but think having weddings and events in such beautiful scenery.”
Unique wedding location and hidden gem
“It’s a very quiet private setting and our wine is very good,” said owner Wendy Naimoli. “People will buy our wine and sit down just because it is so peaceful here.”
Upon returning to Hopkinsville, Wendy expanded Naimoli Estate to include wedding services, special events, an Airbnb house, outdoor kitchens, a swimming pool, and more, a project that took two years to complete. The grounds now host weddings nearly every weekend, catering to gatherings of up to 400 guests at a time.
“We can even host two weddings at a time,” said Wendy. “We can have a micro wedding over here and a larger wedding over there. I am the luckiest person in the world to see beautiful brides every week.”
Wendy stays busy throughout the year as wedding season begins late March. Once it winds down, she spends her time travelling the world, something she says is important for everyone to do.
Despite its rural location in Hopkinsville, many locals remain unaware of the winery’s existence. “Most of our visitors come from around the world for destination weddings,” Wendy told Christian County Now. However, she encourages residents to attend the wine tastings held throughout the week.
Naimoli Estate is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information about wine tastings or events visit Naimoli Estate website, or call 270-839-3848.
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