By Mike Rutledge
Enquirer staff writer

CAMP SPRINGS - When Dennis Walter started growing wine grapes five years ago, he didn't know his great-great-grandfather had done the same thing, not far away.

"He did it over the ridge here and down the road," said Walter, who last weekend opened what he believes is Northern Kentucky's first wine-tasting room at his vineyards, known as StoneBrook Winery.

Walter has been selling grapes to other Kentucky wine producers. This fall, he and wife Bonnie plan to start making their own wines on his properties along Vineyard Lane. They also plan to sell Kentucky crafts and host corporate meetings.

Walter has almost five acres of grapes, and his established vidal blanc vines on Wednesday had grapes about the size of peas.

"We are hoping to put this area back on the map as a grape region," he said.

Meanwhile, the Behringer-Crawford Museum in Covington's Devou Park is continuing its "History of Wine in the Rhine Valley of America" exhibit through July 17. The exhibit, which focuses on the early wine industry along the Ohio River in Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and from 1-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. It is closed Mondays. Admission is $3 for adults; and $2 for students and senior citizens.

STONEBROOK WINERY

6570 Vineyard Lane, Camp Springs.

Open 5-9 p.m. Fridays, 1-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Vineyard and farm tours are available by appointment.

The grand opening will be July 8-10.

For more information, call (859) 635-0111 or go to www.stonebrookwinery.com.