A retrospective of the work of the late Clifford Amyx, a former University of Kentucky art professor and art historian, goes on display at the Smith-Berry Vineyard and Winery on December 7, 2002.  The exhibit opening, from 3 – 8 p.m. that day, includes a special tasting of the winery’s newest barrel-aged wines.

During his nearly 30 years at the University of Kentucky, Clifford Amyx was a major influence on the school’s art department and students.  The McKee, Kentucky, native studied at UK as well as the University of California – Berkeley and the California Institute of Fine Arts.  The exhibit features paintings, drawings and prints created by Amyx during his travels in California and Europe, as well as hand-made books he printed during his retirement.

The opening will include tastings of five Smith-Berry wines straight from the barrels.  The white and red wines have been aged in French, American and eastern European oak barrels to round out the natural flavors of the grapes.  Visitors can also enjoy a sumptuous buffet of foods specially selected to pair with each of the wines. 

Tickets for the gallery opening, wine tasting and buffet are $15 in advance and can be reserved by calling the winery at 502-845-7091.   Tickets are available the day of the event for $20.  The price includes a complimentary Smith-Berry Vineyard and Winery glass.  Visitors can also tour the winery and sample Smith-Berry’s other offerings, including wines by the glass and by the bottle, gift baskets, and distinctive gifts. 

Smith-Berry Vineyard and Winery is a small family farm located in Henry County, Kentucky, on the northern edge of the state’s famous Bluegrass Region. Since 1981, proprietors Chuck and Mary Smith have operated a traditional cattle and tobacco farm in the area where their families have lived for generations.  Now they have diversified into grape growing and wine-making. The venture is patterned on the family farms of Europe that have been producing fine wines for centuries.   In addition to the winery, the Smiths and their three daughters produce organic beef and vegetables, as well as pasture-raised poultry.

A highlight of the Smith-Berry Vineyard and Winery is the Dee and Clifford Amyx Gallery, named in honor of the Berry-Smith's maternal grandparents.  Since opening in August, the gallery has hosted an exhibit of photographs by Kentucky Poet Laureate James Baker Hall and a reading by Kentucky writer Ed McClanahan.

Smith-Berry is conveniently located in New Castle, Kentucky, just 45 minutes from Louisville, 60 minutes from Lexington and 75 minutes from Cincinnati.  From Louisville or Cincinnati, take Interstate 71 to exit 34, Campbellsburg. Turn onto Hwy 421 south. Drive about 8 miles. Turn left onto Hwy 202, Drennon Rd. Smith-Berry is the second farm on the right.  From Lexington, take Interstate 64 to exit 35, Shelbyville. Turn onto KY 53 north, continue straight onto Hwy 55. Drive through New Castle and take the first right outside of town, Hwy 202, Drennon Rd.

Smith-Berry Vineyard and Winery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  For more information, call 502-845-7091 or visit the website www.smithberrywinery.net.

--John Gregory
--Cameron Lawrence