Beer is made by men, wine by God.
– Martin Luther
ABOUT US
Poca Terra Winery
The story of Poca Terra (Italian for “small land”) begins around 1910 when John’s maternal great-grandfather, an Italian immigrant named Giovanni Bianchi, settled in Chicago. One of his first purchases was a wooden wine press, along with a manual grape crusher and wooden barrel. His much-used equipment was eventually passed down to his son, Luigi. John remembers his grandfather purchasing California grapes from the farmers’ markets, filling every available space of his car with crates, and using that same press to make homemade wine in the basement of his Chicago home. John holds fond memories of his grandfather’s wine being served at holiday feasts and other gatherings of his large, extended family.
Four generations later, Giovanni’s wine press found its home at John and Karen’s farm in Marshall County, Kentucky. For many years those old tools served merely as conversation pieces, but in the back of John’s mind grew a desire to continue the family tradition. After much research on grape varietals that grow well in the climate and soil of western Kentucky, we planted a small vineyard of Chambourcin vines, a French-American hybrid that produces superb dry and semi-sweet wines that pair well with a wide variety of foods. So far, every step in making our award-winning, estate-bottled Poca Terra wines is done by hand, from the grape harvest, to pressing the grapes in that handed-down wooden press, to bottling and labeling. Our dry reserve is aged in Kentucky white oak barrels. Poca Terra wines are truly a taste of Kentucky!
We also produce other dry, semi-sweet, sweet, and fruit wines from purchased fruit. We strive to produce and offer a wine to delight every palate.
Our Vision
For many years, Poca Terra has served as our refuge from the stresses of busy jobs. We look forward to sharing the calming ambiance of our home and farm, along with our very special wines, with old friends and new friends alike. Our vision is to convert our 1890-era stock barn into a tasting-room and event center which will serve as the backdrop for monthly events. Renovations are a work in-progress.
We are OPEN for WINE TASTINGS on Fridays and Saturdays from 12noon – 7pm from March until mid-October. Appointments appreciated, especially for parties over 6.
We are OPEN for wine SALES by the bottle or case on Monday-Saturday. Sales transactions can be completed online, over the phone, or in-person here at the winery. UPS shipping or convenient “curb-side” pickup available. We are flexible on pick-up times, just call or text to make arrangements.
Our wines are also available at these locations:
Beehive Liquors on Park Avenue and Southside in Paducah (formerly Roof Brothers)
Eddyville Wine & Spirits
Good Spirits Wine & Tobacco in Benton and Calvert City
Global Wine & Spirits in Benton, Draffenville, and Southside Paducah
Kentucky Dam Liquors in Gilbertsville
Kentucky Dam Village State Park
Our boutique, one-of-a-kind wines make every event special!
Come taste Kentucky!
OUR WINES
Make a Selection
$29.90
Per Bottle
2019 Chambourcin Reserve Dry Red — Estate-bottled
Grown on vines lovingly planted and hand-tended in western Kentucky and aged in Kentucky oak barrels, our limited Reserve brings you right into the vineyard, fully capturing the essence of Kentucky. Pair with richer cuisine including grilled steaks and pork chops, roasted red meats, and Italian dishes. Enjoy now or let it age for even more depth of flavors. Serve at room temperature. San Francisco International Wine Competition – Bronze Metal Winner!
Only 600 bottles produced.
SWEETNESS SCALE
2018 Chambourcin Dry Red — Estate-bottled –SOLD OUT!
This elegant dry red boasts smooth tannins balanced with mouth-watering acidity. Complex flavors of plum, strawberry, blackberry, black cherry, black pepper and fennel. Great on its own, this food-loving wine will enhance your enjoyment of richer cuisines such as grilled steaks and pork chops, roasted red meats, and Italian dishes. Serve at room temperature. Drink now or age for up to 10 years.
Only 675 bottles produced.
SWEETNESS SCALE
$25.90
2020 Cabernet Sauvignon
Bold and fruity with pops of black cherry and red currant evenly balanced by lush tannins with their rustic notes of black pepper and oregano. Perfect partner to rich grilled meats, peppery sauces, smoky BBQ, and dishes with high flavor. Serve at room temperature. San Francisco International Wine Competition – Silver Metal Winner!
SWEETNESS SCALE
$21.90
Per Bottle
2022 Chambourcin Dry Rosé — Estate-bottled
Crisp, fruity, dry rosé with steely-clean hints of strawberry, raspberry and currant. Delightful on its own, this brilliant rosé also pairs well with fish, chicken, pork, BBQ, and spicy foods. Serve slightly chilled.
Only 95 bottles produced.
SWEETNESS SCALE
$21.90
Per Bottle
$21.90
Per Bottle
2021 Chambourcin Oaked Rosé — Estate-bottled
Aging on oak lends complex flavors of vanilla and cola to this gorgeous, dry rosé. Winemaker John calls this creation a “pink chardonnay” and claims it as his favorite rosé. Serve slightly chilled on its own or paired with fish, chicken, pork, or BBQ.
SWEETNESS SCALE
$21.90
Per Bottle
2021 Chambourcin Sweet Rosé –Estate-bottled
Bright and fruity, with just a hint of sweetness. Enjoy on its own or pair with lighter cuisines such as fish, chicken, pork, or BBQ. Originally crafted with Matthew and Blair’s wedding in mind, we recommend that you serve this “glass of happiness” slightly chilled.
SWEETNESS SCALE
Purchase with
$21.90
Per Bottle
$15.90
Per Bottle
American Goldfinch (Peach Blackberry)
Inspired by this intelligent and generous songbird, our perfect blend of peach and blackberry wines will brighten your day with its fresh, fruity delightfulness and easy-going style. Share over a tray of assorted deli meats, cheeses, crackers, nuts, and fresh fruits. Serve chilled.
SWEETNESS SCALE
$15.90
Per Bottle
Red-Winged Blackbird
Inspired by this bold and faithful songbird, his brilliant red wing-patch prominently displayed as he shares his joy-filled song, this flavorful blend of blackberry and white grape wines is delightful all on its own. Also pairs nicely with a platter of your favorite deli-style meats, cheeses, fresh fruits, nuts, and crackers. Serve chilled.
SWEETNESS SCALE
$15.90
Per Bottle
Sweet White Wine
Bright, fruity, and crisp, this delightful wine is best served chilled. Pairs well with fish, chicken, pork, and salads. Relax and enjoy a chilled glass of refreshing sweet nectar.
SWEETNESS SCALE
$21.90
Per Bottle
Black Raven™
Savor the beguiling spirit of our Black Raven™ as it warms your soul with its proprietary blend of luscious blackberry wine, fine white wine, and premium brandy. A balanced symphony of rich flavors with a long, silken finish. Serve at room temperature. 500ml bottle.
SWEETNESS SCALE
$21.90
Per Bottle
$21.90
Per Bottle
Golden Eagle™
This proprietary blend of premium white grape wine, peach wine, and fine brandy embodies the stately dignity of the majestic Golden Eagle – regal, proud, self-assured. Relish at a leisurely pace as you live your own life to its absolute fullest. Suble, yet captivating. Serve at room temperature.
SWEETNESS SCALE
$21.90
Per Bottle
Tawny Owl™
Tawny Owl™ is a proprietary blend of our estate Chambourcin wine, fine brandy and a touch of honey. Aged in oak barrels to produce the signature taste of the owl spirit – wisdom, dignity, self-confidence. Balanced depth of flavors with a smooth finish. Bourbon lovers beware! Serve neat or on the rocks. 500 ml bottle.
SWEETNESS SCALE
$21.90
Per Bottle
GIFT OPTIONS
Make Someone Feel Special
Gift Baskets
$65 – $75
Vineyard-In-A-Bottle
$30
eGift Card
Give a special gift that is sure to please, a gift card for Poca Terra wines or merchandise. Lucky recipients can use your gift for online or on-site purchases. Encourage local friends and family to make an appointment for an on-site Wine Tasting Event and you will be treating them, not only to our fabulous true-Kentucky wines, but to a unique, memory-making experience at Poca Terra Winery.
$15+
OUR EVENTS
Come See Us
“Relax and Re-Wine”
Summer Series at Poca Terra Winery
live music, food vendors & Great Wines!
Join us at Poca Terra Winery on select Saturday evenings throughout the summer, April through August, to relax with live music provided by local talent while enjoying delicious food, available for purchase, through your favorite local vendors. How can you properly Relax and Re-Wine without a glass or two of your favorite Poca Terra wine? Take a bottle home to re-live the enchantment later. Support the incredible local talents of music, food, and wine as you sip and relax under the stars here at Poca Terra Winery. Check out our SUMMER 2023 schedule with each Saturday evening “Relax and Re-Wine” event promising to be unique and delightful.
Please note that it is illegal to bring any outside alcohol onto the premises, a rule that is strictly enforced. Seating is limited so it is recommended that guests bring their own lawn chairs or blanket.
Picnic at the Vineyard
“Sip Back and Relax” With Us at Poca Terra Winery
Our grounds are available for visitors on Fridays and Saturdays from March through mid-October, noon till 7pm.
Sip and snack the afternoon away with a picnic at Poca Terra Winery. Looking for the perfect setting for a romantic getaway, day out with friends, or a small family get-together? Bring you own picnic supplies or call ahead to reserve a Poca Terra PICNIC PACKAGE – JUST ADD WINE! Our small picnic package is ideal for 2-3 guests; the larger package offers a more varied assortment of goodies with enough to please 6-8. Both include a seasonal selection of meats, cheese, crackers, condiments, and more, each specially selected to enhance your visit at Poca Terra Winery.
First-time visitor to Poca Terra Winery? We recommend a Private Wine Tasting Experience, either before or after your Picnic to gain a better appreciation for the very special and unique place that has become Poca Terra Winery.
Please note that it is illegal to bring any kind of outside alcoholic beverages on the grounds, a rule that is strictly enforced.
Private Wine Tasting Experience
$10 per person
Offered Fridays and Saturdays from 12 noon till 7pm
While we make every attempt to accommodate walk-ins, reservations are strongly recommended and appreciated. Why make a reservation? – because we strive to make your Wine Tasting Experience as personalized as possible. These highly popular events generally last an hour and are a unique opportunity to sit down with the winemakers to share the history of the winery, the making of our wines, the art of wine tasting, and whatever else sparks your interest, all while sampling our truly special wines. Held outdoors beneath our magnificent oak trees or under the shelter of a covered patio — so please dress appropriate for the weather.
Tasting Room Barn Renovation
Anticipated GRAND OPENING TBD
We are blessed with an 1890’s era stock barn at our farm, complete with a pretty little pond, which we are currently renovating into what we envision as a incredibly beautiful, rustically charming Tasting Room and Event Center. John is putting his carpentry skills to work! We are excited about this transformation and the additional opportunities it will enable. Wine truly does bring people together. We look forward to bringing even more people together for private tastings, special events, and hosting weddings and other celebratory parties in our “new” Poca Terra Winery venue overlooking the vineyard.
Watch for our Grand Opening!
Harvest Party
September 2022
We love making wine and we are thrilled to share our annual Harvest with a select group of patrons of the winery.
Our 2023 Harvest was simply incredible. It was not a bumper crop. The vines were a bit stressed this year by last summer’s drought and harsh winter temperature. But the grapes we did have were perfect. – huge, gorgeous, healthy clusters that were quickly crushed and settled into their fermentation tanks. A heartfelt THANKS to our outstanding 2023 Harvesting Crew!
Grape harvest and wine making are a time-honored, ancient tradition dating back thousands of years. We are delighted to offer our Poca Terra friends and family this unique and memorable opportunity to be active participants in this hands-on process of making our estate-bottled wines. The annual gathering of the grapes is followed by a delightful celebration of the vineyard’s efforts of the past growing season and a celebration of the next step of our grapes’ journey as they transition into our delicious, pure-Kentucky wines.
Want to be a part of this special experience next year? Attendance is by invitation only and the limited number of spots at this VIP Event must be reserved ahead of time.
CONTACT US
Have a Question?
Contact us to set up a time for your private Winetasting Experience with the Poca Terra winemakers. Includes a generous sampling of our estate-bottled wines. Cheers!
– John and Karen Hlinka