Baker-Bird Winery, Augusta

When the sun sets on the Baker-Bird Winery and its proprietors depart, the sturdy stone walls come to life, whispering stories across the expansive space. They rehash the 150-year history of the estate winery, which sheltered women and children during a key Civil War battle. Their tales outline the German immigration, which brought those wishing to cultivate a new life to the region to work the rich Kentucky soil. Then the sun rises and the walls close their stony eyes, allowing the winery's history to speak for itself through guided tours.

In the warm afternoon, groups wander amid framed historical photographs, documents, and wooden cabinets lined with wines, artisanal cheeses from Kentucky, and exotic chocolates. Because all proceeds from the sale of the wine goes to restoring the historic estate and supporting Kentucky farm families, visitors can feel that they’ve done a good deed without rescuing a cat from a tree and taking it to see the ocean for the first time.