Category Archives: Wineries

Ohio Wine Month Featured Winery: Old Mason Winery

Parking near the large pole barn, I noticed the dark clouds and picked up my  umbrella as I exited the car.  I was happy to sample a few local wines at Old Mason Winery in nearby Miami County which had opened its doors in 2013.  I entered into a beautifully transformed pole barn, decorated with light colored brick and  granite counter tops.

Several tables with chairs were open in the tasting room, so I took a seat near the beautiful fireplace.  Reviewing the menu, Donna stopped by to provide me with a tasting sheet and explained that I could select five wines in either 1 or 2 ounce pours.  There were so many options available that included:

  • Frontenac, a dry red wine with cherry over tones and characteristics of black currant, plums, leather and vanilla, aged on American Oak.
  • Marquette, a complex ruby colored wine with notes of cherry, berry, black pepper and spice
  • HyBlend is a blend of Frontenac and Marquette grapes. Fermented dry and then aged on American and French Oak, this smoky smooth wine satisfies.
  • Chambourcin – smooth, French oak, smokehouse and earthy

  • Sunlight – This white wine is made from local Cayuga grapes and is fermented dry.  With a slight citrus aroma, it has a crisp citrus taste.
  • Vidal Blanc – a hybrid white grape fermented dry provides a crisp and clean fruit flavor and texture
  • Traminette – a semi-dry white wine with a floral scent and fruit aromas.  The flavor is rich with hints of pear and honey.
  • La Crescent – a sweet wine made with 100% Estate grown grapes.
  • Nature’s Ink – smelling like a fruity Flintstones vitamin, you can tell the sweetness compares to the other Noiret grapes. With a  berry taste / green and black pepper, raspberry and mint, this wine is dry and has tannin structure
  • White Blossom – This white wine is made of three varietals that give it notes of melon with a slight citrus flavor on the finish
  • Dark Rose- a berry flavored wine best served chilled
  • Niagara – typical of Niagara with its off-putting smell, it has an average taste

  • Statesman – my favorite from the list, this is typical Ohio wine with a cherry finish
  • Razz – made from raspberries
  • Apple Blend – made from apples
  • Cool Mango – made from apple and mango

In addition to the Statesman, I also enjoyed the Razz, Cool Mango and LaCrescent and don’t forget their slushies.

As I left Old Mason Winery and Vineyard, the rain had let up and I noticed the picnic area.  I would love to return when the weather is clear.  Surrounded by open fields and lush green grass, the rural setting would be perfect for a picnic.

Have you visited Old Mason Winery & Vineyard in West Milton, Ohio?  Which wines did you drink?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit Old Mason Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels.

Ohio Mason Winery & Vineyard Inc.
4199 South Iddings Road, West Milton, OH  45383
Telephone:  937 698 1122

  • Hours of Operation:  Monday – Thursday from 12 – 6; Friday and Saturday from noon to 9 and closed on Sunday
  • 10% discount on a case of wine

Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast

Passing through the picturesque town of Bellville, I noticed a pristine, gorgeous white bed and breakfast built along the charming main throughway, Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast.  A full moon gave additional light to the brightly lit home advertised as a winery and wine bar.  Catching my attention, I decided to stop for a glass of wine before continuing my drive home from visiting Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron.

The wine bar was open on this Saturday night and I immediately made the acquaintance of the guests sitting to my left, Tammy and Bill, who were staying at the bed and breakfast for the weekend.  They had recently learned that the B&B won the Best of Ohio award and although they lived close by, they wanted to investigate it for themselves.

With the list of beers written on the chalkboard behind the bar, the server explained that there were additional twelve house wines available as she handed me a menu.  I placed my order for the Artisan cheese plate and requested to sample a few of the wines before making my decision on which bottle to purchase.

I started out with an ounce pour of Harvest Moon but favored my next sample of Midnight Rendezvous which was a Niagara/Concord blend sweet wine.  Having learned that the Moscato had won Double Gold at the 2015 Ohio Wine Competition, I requested to try this one and agreed it was a great wine.  My last two samples were Star Bright and Pear (very light and crisp) before I decided that I would order the Midnight Rendezvous.

Brad and Karen Smith opened this beautiful 10,000 square foot bed and breakfast in 2013. With eight guestrooms, decorated with Amish-made furniture, several have fireplaces and balcony access with charming town view.  One room is handicap accessible and the 1200 square foot suite is also available for booking.  Guests are provided a full breakfast using local ingredients and the winery and wine bar are a welcome addition opened over the weekends. Vic and Carrie Swisher (Carrie is Brad and Karen’s daughter) produce the wines in the basement of this elegant 1890’s home, bottling about 1000 gallons of wine per year.

My Artisan Cheese tray arrived and the serving size could have fed a family of four.  I offered to share with my new friends, but ended up having to take half of it home (super exited about that!), only to save it for the next day with my remaining wine (yes, I actually had some wine left over…).  The tray included a variety of local cheeses, served with crackers, olives and meat, worth the $!3.  The next time I will have to try their Buffalo Shrimp Po Boy or the Cuban Pizza Flat Bread (yum!).

Have you had the opportunity to visit Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast?  Did you stay the night or have dinner?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast.  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast
116 Main Street
Bellville, Ohio  44813
Telephone:  419 886 9463

Where to Stay: 

Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast
116 Main Street
Bellville, Ohio  44813
Telephone:  419 886 9463

Where to Eat: 

Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast
116 Main Street
Bellville, Ohio  44813
Telephone:  419 886 9463

I had ordered the artisan cheese and meat board, but there were several exceptional menu items I would have loved to have tried.

Things to Do in Ohio in the Month of June

Ohio Wine Month! Visit these Fabulous Ohio Wineries!

Updated May 17, 2024

In preparation of Ohio Wine Month in June, I began researching Ohio wineries and made a list of those I planned to visit.   Here is a comprehensive list of all of the fabulous wineries in Ohio, according to Sip Magazine!  I have provided links to my blog post for the wineries I have had the wonderful opportunity to visit!  I will continue my quest to visit more wineries and hope that you will explore them for yourselves!

Appalachian Region

Canal Country Region

  • 3 Roses Wine Cellar
  • Al-Bi Winery – CLOSED
  • Barrel Run Crossing Winery & Vineyard 
  • Bent Ladder Cider and Wine
  • Blue Barn Winery & Vineyard
  • The Blue Bird Winery at The Little Forest Inn
  • Breitenbach Wine Cellar
  • Cana Valley Winery, LLC
  • Casella Winery
  • Cherry Road Winery, LLC
  • Country Porch Winery
  • Crafted Artisan Meadery
  • Creekside Cottage Winery
  • Das Weinhaus
  • Diletto Winery
  • Doughty Glen Winery
  • Dragonfly Winery
  • Feisty Brood Meadery
  • Filla Cellars
  • Gervasi Vineyard
  • Gillig Winery – post coming soon!
  • Grape & Granary 
  • Green Eagle Winery
  • GRZ Vineyards, LLC
  • Halliday’s Winery
  • Island Palm Winery, LLC – CLOSED
  • It’s Your Winery
  • JC Wine Cellars
  • LaPorte Winery
  • Lil Paws Winery, LLC
  • Lincoln Way Vineyards
  • Lost Trail Winery
  • L’uva Bella Winery
  • Maize Valley Winery – post coming soon!
  • Mastropietro Winery Inc. – post coming soon!
  • Michael Angelo’s Winery
  • McAlpine Meadery
  • Meniru Meadery – CLOSED
  • Myrddin Winery 
  • Nautl Vine Winery
  • The New Frontier Cider Co.
  • Newman Creek Cellars
  • Perennial Vineyards
  • Red Horse Winery, LLC
  • Salvage Winery
  • Sarah’s Vineyard Winery and Art Gallery
  • School House Winery
  • Silver Moon Winery
  • Silver Run Vineyard & Winery
  • Slutz & Slutz Winery
  • Sunny Slope General Store & Winery
  • Swiss Heritage Winery
  • Tipsy Farmer Winery
  • Troutman Vineyards
  • Twigg Winery
  • Ugly Bunny Winery
  • Viking Vineyards & Winery – CLOSED
  • The Vine n Hop Shop
  • The Vineyards at Pine Lake
  • Vino Fabbricanti, LTD – CLOSED
  • Vino Novello Winery
  • West Main Street Winery
  • Weymouth Winery
  • The Winery at Wolf Creek
  • Winetageous
  • YOLO Winery

Capital City Region

  • 1285 Winery – post coming soon!
  • Autumn Rush Vineyard
  • Bear Vine Winery – post coming soon!
  • Blend of Seven Winery
  • Bokes Creek Winery – post coming soon!
  • Brandeberry Winery
  • Brothers Drake Meadery
  • Buckeye Lake Winery 
  • Buckeye Winery 
  • Bunker’s Mill Winery
  • Camelot Cellars
  • Clearcreek Country Vineyard
  • Cote Winery
  • Cypress Hill Winery – post coming soon!
  • Dalton Union Winery – post coming soon!
  • Eldchrist Winery – post coming soon!
  • Fox Winery – New Winery!
  • Good Vibes Winery
  • Hafle Winery
  • Hidden Lakes Winery
  • Manchester Hill Winery
  • Otter Creek Winery – New Winery!
  • Plum Run Winery
  • The Powell Village Winery & Tasting Room
  • Quail Crossing Cellars
  • Ravenhurst Champagne Cellars
  • Rhetoric Brewing Company
  • Rockside Winery Vineyards
  • Sand Hollow Winery
  • Shamrock Vineyard
  • Signature Wines
  • Slate Run Vineyard
  • Smart 1 Winery
  • Soine Vineyards – post coming soon! 
  • St. Ives Winery – post coming soon!
  • Three Oaks Vineyard
  • The Vault Wine Bar 
  • Via Vecchia Winery – CLOSED
  • Wagon Wheel Wines – New Winery!
  • The Wine Maker’s Shop
  • The Winery at Otter Creek, LLC – CLOSED
  • Wyandotte Winery 

Lake Erie Shores & Island Region

  • Benfeld Wines
  • Brady Vineyard & Heron Creek Winery
  • Chateau Tabeau Winery
  • The Corks Winery – post coming soon!
  • Crooked Tree Vineyard
  • D&D Smith Winery, LLC
  • Firelands Winery
  • Flat Rock Mead and Winery – CLOSED
  • Gar-Nay’s Winery
  • Gillig Winery
  • Heineman Winery
  • Hermes Vineyards & Winery – CLOSED
  • Hillside Winery – CLOSED
  • Jilbert Winery
  • Johlin Century Winery – CLOSED
  • John Christ Winery
  • Jubilee Winery – CLOSED
  • J. W. Dover & Heartland Winery – CLOSED
  • Kelley’s Island Wine Co. – post coming soon!
  • Klingshirn Winery
  • Knotty Vines Farm and Winery
  • La Familia Winery
  • Leisure Time Winery 
  • Lumberyard Winery & Supply
  • Majestic Oak Winery
  • Matus Winery
  • Mulberry Creek Winery
  • Gideon Owen Winery, previously Mon Ami Winery 
  • North Coast Wine Club
  • Paper Moon Vineyards
  • Quarry Hill Winery & Orchard
  • Rocky Point Winery
  • Sandy Ridge
  • Ski Lodge Winery
  • Stoney Ridge Winery 
  • Sycamore Lake Wine Co.
  • Vermillion Valley Vineyards
  • Vineyard at Evergreen Farm, LLC
  • White Shutter Winery
  • The Wineree
  • Wishmaker House
  • Your Wine Cellar, Inc. – CLOSED
  • Wolfs Wine Club

Ohio River Valley Region

Vines & Wines Region

  • Auburn Twin Oaks Winery – CLOSED
  • Bari Beauty & Health
  • Benny Vino Urban Winery
  • Biscotti’s Family Winery – CLOSED
  • Blind Squirrel Winery
  • The Brew Mentor – CLOSED
  • Buccia Vineyard
  • Candlelight Winery
  • Cask 307
  • CLE Urban Winery
  • Country Porch Winery
  • Day Dream Winery
  • Debonne Vineyards – post coming soon!
  • Deer’s Leap Winery – post coming soon!
  • Emerine Estates Winery
  • Emeritas Winery
  • Farinacci Winery
  • Ferrante Winery & Ristorante 
  • Goddess Wine House
  • Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant
  • Grande Wine Cellars – CLOSED
  • Greene Eagle Winery
  • Harpersfield Vineyard – post coming soon!
  • Hartford Hill Winery – recently added!
  • Hundley Cellars 
  • Juliet Sky
  • Kelly’s Island Winery – post coming soon! 
  • Kosicek Vineyards – post coming soon!
  • The Lakehouse Inn Winery
  • Laleure Vineyards
  • Laurello Vineyards, LLC – post coming soon!
  • Laurentia Winery
  • Lina Wines, LLC
  • M Cellars – post coming soon!
  • Maple Ridge Vineyard
  • Markko Vineyard 
  • Old Firehouse Winery
  • Old Mill Winery – post coming soon!
  • Park Avenue Winery
  • Put in Bay Winery – post coming soon! 
  • Rosabella
  • Sharon James Cellars
  • Silver Creek Wine Cellar
  • South River Vineyard & Red Eagle Distillery – post coming soon!
  • Spirits in Willoughby
  • Stable Winery
  • Baci Winery, previously St. Joseph Vineyard 
  • Stonegait Winery
  • Susec Chalet and Winery
  • Tarsitano Winery & Vineyards – CLOSED
  • ThornCreek Winery
  • Urban Vintner
  • Virant Family Winery
  • The Winery at Spring Hill

Make sure you visit the winery’s website to confirm hours of operation, wine menus and a list events for each location as some of the information may change each season.

If you are unable to visit ALL of the Ohio wineries, consider attending one of the many Ohio Wine Festivals throughout the state:

Featured Ohio Winery: Terra Cotta Vineyards

Passing cattle farms along the hilly landscape of Muskingum County, I approached Terra Cotta Vineyards in New Concord, Ohio.  The long gravel drive boasted beautiful full grapevines that would soon be ready for harvest.  It was an early Saturday afternoon, the calm before the storm as a large crowd was expected for the winery’s popular weekend cook outs with a selection of strip steak, marinated pork or salmon cooked over the grill.

The winery, owned by Donna and Paul Roberts, was first established in 1996 sitting in the midst of fifty-six acres.  With an environment similar to the European wine regions, the Roberts family found the perfect terrior to grow quality grapes that can sustain the cold Ohio winters.

Entering the rustic winery, the light woods of poplar accented by the terra cotta walls were overshadowed by the gorgeous open, cathedral ceiling.  The tasting table was to my left where I decided to try a few samples which included the Chambourcin,  Steuben, Baco Noir, Catawba and the Terra Rosa.

I ordered a glass of the Terra Rosa and took a seat on the back porch to admire the dramatic valley views and rolling hills.   I learned that beneath the beautiful green landscape was red clay soil and the region is known for its beautiful clay ceramics.  In addition to their daughter, Alysia’s pottery, it was how the Roberts’ family came up with the name of the winery, Terra Cotta Vineyards.

So while I am enjoying the panoramic view and the delicious wine, I think about the upcoming harvest.  While so many factors have an impact on the quality of the wine, all of the preparation and maintenance over the spring and summer will be important.  But in the end, everything is about the harvest.

I would be interested in hearing about your visit to Terra Cotta Vineyards, if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Do you have a favorite wine or another Ohio wine suggestions?  I would be happy to learn more about the Ohio wine industry and look forward to your message and recommendations.  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Terra Cotta Vineyards
2285 Rix Mills Road
New Concord, OH 43702
Telephone:  740 872 3791

Please refer to the winery’s website for the most up-to-date information such as hours of operation.

Where to Stay:

Hotel Garland
150 Garland Way
New Concord, OH  43762
Telephone: 855 462 9255

Where to Eat:

Theo’s Restaurant
632 Wheeling Avenue
Cambridge, OH  43725
Telephone:  740 432 3787

Looking for authentic home cooking, we stopped at Theo’s Restaurant for lunch and ordered burgers and fries.  The service was excellent and so was the food!

You’re at Home at Meranda-Nixon Winery, Ripley, Ohio

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Located in Ripley, Ohio, east of Cincinnati, is Meranda-Nixon Winery.  Surrounded by beautiful vineyards in a gorgeous rural setting, this winery is the perfect location for scenic views, total relaxation and much-needed wine therapy.

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The charming winery looks like a page out of Country Living  magazine with its fashionable displays and bottles of wine for purchase.   It was a busy Saturday morning and the tasting bar was crowded with wine enthusiasts and first time visitors. Eagerly waiting to ease into an open spot, I couldn’t help but eavesdrop on several conversations to decide which wines I wanted to sample.

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Maura Meranda, co-owner of the vineyard, reached over the crowd to hand me a wine list and welcomed me to the winery.   I began my tasting with the Chardonnay, described as “aged in oak barrels…starting with a buttery flavor followed with a toasty oak flavor with a hint of lemongrass and butterscotch followed with a pleasant citrus finish”.  This complex wine is full of flavor and has a heavenly, buttery smell (Imagine an oaky hot buttered popcorn…yum!).  It won the 2016 Gold Medal Winner in the Ohio Wine Competition.

Easing into the semi-sweet wines, the Trotter White Wine is my next selection which has “tropical flavors with a smooth finish. Summer in a bottle!”   This would be a fabulous wine chilled and enjoyed on a hot summer day.

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The winery’s 2014 Catawba Estate wine is described as “a wonderful blush wine balanced with raspberry and strawberry flavors”.  I loved the sweet hints of fruit that lingered for a perfect, smooth finish and decided to purchase a bottle to enjoy later.

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Sparkling wines are oh-so-fabulous and there is nothing better than a cold bottle on a hot summer day or for a lovely, winter celebration.  Meranda-Nixon’s Estate Sparkling Catawba is absolutely refreshing, winning a Silver Medal in the Ohio Wine Competition.

Crossing over into red wine territory, I am ready to try the Red Oak Creek, a “blend of Traminette and Norton grapes and is aged in stainless steel.  This semi-sweet wine has pleasing berry and raspberry flavors.  Enjoy room temperature or chilled.”  I had just recently been introduced to the Traminette grapes, which I learned is a French-American hybrid native to the state of Indiana.  Known to sustain cold temperatures, it is resistant to fungal diseases and is a popular grape among Ohio wine makers.   The Norton grape, however, was quite new to me.  Used in producing a more dry wine, the Norton was first grown  in the state of Virginia gaining popularity in the 1830s.

For a great wine to drink with burgers, the winery produces their Estate Cabernet Franc which is described as a wine which has “cherry flavors followed by hints of vanilla and a smooth peppery oak finish!”  (Pepper?  I am always looking for that perfect spicy wine).

Winning the 2015 Silver Medal in the Ohio Wine Competition is the 2013 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon that is a “ruby red wine with black cherry notes from start to finish with hints of vanilla and tobacco.”  This wine comes highly recommended with steak.

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Although they only had a few bottles left, Maura poured me a sample of the 2013 Estate Norton.  One of their best wines to date, it won the 2015 Silver Medal in the Ohio Wine Competition.  I enjoyed the smooth, complex taste of this “full bodied, deep ruby red wine that has a little bit of a tart, sweet and bold berry flavor.  It has a delicate but smooth oak finish and is aged 12 months in 100% American Oak!”

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Enjoying the combination of pepper and vanilla, the 2013 Estate Reserve Cabernet Franc was one of my favorite wines at Meranda-Nixon.  This grape grows well in southern Ohio due to warmer temperatures so the grapes can ripen on the vine prior to harvest.  “Black cherry on the mid-palate…it shows complex aromas of freshly crushed fruit (blackberry and plum) pepper and tobacco. Velvet smooth tannins, dense and rich, this elixir fills every corner of the mouth its decadence.”  In addition to winning Best of Show, it also took home the Double Gold Medal in the 2016 Ohio Wine Competition.  James Suckling, former editor of Wine Spectator, compared Meranda’s Cabernet Franc to those wines made in France.

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With a two-hour drive home, I decided to complete my tasting and stock up on a few of my favorite wines.  This has been one of the best wine tastings I have experienced in Ohio to date and the wines are of superior quality.  But don’t take it from me, even their dog Lucy likes to chew the corks.

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I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Maura Meranda to learn more about the history of the winery and to enjoy a glass of wine and the beautiful view.  She explained to me that her husband Seth grew up in Ripley on his family’s tobacco farm.  With over 100 acres, they provided tobacco for Philip Morris until 2003.  Having purchased half of the farm, Seth and his late wife Tina decided to start a vineyard with only three acres.  In 2007, they opened the Meranda-Nixon Winery, planted more grapes and made wine until her passing in 2012.

Seth’s passion for winemaking continued the operation.  He later met Maura and they were a perfect match for producing some of Ohio’s fabulous award winning wines.  What impressed me the most was that I also had the opportunity to meet their children.  It was such a pleasure watching them work alongside their parents and providing tours of the vineyards.  At the age of 15, Austin was so knowledgeable about the wine-making process and telling me about the grapes they grow in the vineyard (I see a future winemaker in the making).

My visit to Meranda-Nixon Winery was more than just a tour and a tasting.  They are a family that loves to share their desire to make great wines. They are committed to giving their visitors an enjoyable experience with an atmosphere that is both welcoming and relaxing.

You may arrive at Meranda-Nixon Winery as a guest, but don’t be surprised if you leave this beautiful place feeling like family.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Meranda-Nixon Winery?  I would love to hear about your visit if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

Meranda-Nixon Winery
6517 Laycock Road
Ripley, Ohio  45167
Telephone:  855 651 9188

  • Hours: The winery is open from 1PM to 8 PM on Friday and from 11AM to 6PM on Saturday.  Monday – Thursday, the winery is open by Appointment only. The winery is closed on Sunday.  Hours are seasonal and are subject to change. Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation and schedule of events.
  • Amenities:  Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, outdoor seating, online shopping, wine, private events and scheduled events
  • Tips for Your Visit:  During the nights when the winery provides entertainment, wine tastings are not available.  As always, please drink responsibly.

Where to Stay:

The Signal House Bed and Breakfast
234 N. Front Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone:  937 392 1640

Voted one of the top Bed & Breakfasts by Cincinnati Magazine in 2001.

Where to Eat:

Ripley Gourmet Tortillas
6 Main Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone: 937 392 4000

What to Read:

  • Ripley, Ohio It’s History and Families, by Eliese Bambach Stivers
  • Beyond the River: The Untold Stories of the Heroes of the Underground Railroad, by Ann Hagedorn
  • His Promised Land: The Autobiography of John P. Parker, Former Slave and Conductor on the Underground Railroad, by John P. Parker

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Featured Ohio Winery: Wyandotte Winery

A small vineyard and a beautifully groomed entrance greeted me as I arrived at Wyandotte Winery. Established in 1977, Wyandotte stakes its claim as the first and oldest winery of Central Ohio.

Entering the front door, I was met by a pleasant server at the wine tasting bar.  As I reviewed the wine list and the small plate items, I placed my order for the Meat and Ohio Cheese plate as well as seven wine samples, which were $1 per pour.  For visitors who buy six bottles of wine, ten free samples are included, while a 10% discount is provided for the purchase of wine by the case.

  • Carmenere Malbec Blend: lovely combination, not as dry as a Malbec, Pinot Noir or Merlot but had a hint of tartness; beautiful deep red color described with aromas of smoke and vanilla, cherry highlights, and a mild black pepper finish. $14.99  per bottle
  • Vin De Cacao – semi sweet red wine infused with cocoa; delicious and great for an after dinner drink; soft thick texture with a hint of chocolate described as off dry. $13.99 per bottle
  • Apple Hill – using apples from an orchard in Mansfield, this wine was crisp with a nice apple taste which was not too overpowering and had a hint of spice.  $13.99 per bottle
  • Grandstand – an Ohio Catawba; sweet white, all about the grape. $13.99 per bottle
  • Sweet William – Sweet American Table Wine mad of Ohio Foch and Niagara, a red/white blend.  A local favorite, this wine is sweet and fruity.  $14.99 per bottle
  • Hope is100% pomegranates making it sweet and tart.  Proceeds from this wine benefit cancer and you can purchase it by the glass for $8 or $14.99 per bottle.
  • Vintage Harbor Reserve Port – luxuriously rich fortified dessert wine available by the glass for $8 or by the bottle for $29.99.

Ask about their Heirloom Chardonnay, the Ice House (Ice wine from Gewurtraminer), Glass House from Vidal Blanc, wine slushies and sangria pitchers.

I enjoyed learning about the history of Wyandotte Winery, first established as Jones Wyandotte Wine Cellar.  The home-style winery was designed and built by Floyd Jones, which included a cellar where the wine was produced, and on the first floor, the tasting room, gift shop and living quarters of Mr. Jones and his family.  Floyd offered a variety of grape-based wines, while creating specialized wines from rhubarb, beets and dandelions.

In less than 10 years, the Jones family turned the winery into a prosperous business and sold it to Bill and Jane Butler in 1985.  Bill successfully continued the wine-making tradition and won many awards for his wine and became well-known for his Raspberry Champagne.  Expanding its operations to include the William Graystone Winery and Restaurant, the Butlers opened a second location in German Village in 1990 hosting elegant dinners and special events.

By 2004, Wyandotte Wine Cellar was up for sale and today’s owners, Robin and Valerie Coolidge re-opened Wyandotte Winery in 2007.

From harvesting and bottling, to fermentation and aging, all stages of wine production are conducted onsite.

Harvesting the estate Marquette grapes as well as collaborating with other fruit and grape growers, Robin incorporates Ohio produce as much as possible in creating his wines.  Some of the best local varietals include the Niagara, Catawba and Concord grapes while Riesling, Gerwurztraminer and Pinot Noir also thrive in the Ohio climate.  French-American hybrids that survive well in the cold temperatures include Baco Noir, Chambourcin, Seyval Blanc and Traminette.

Check out Wyandotte Winery’s wine making operation by signing up for a free wine cellar tour on Saturdays.

Wyandotte Winery offers several events throughout the year which are not only educational, but fun.  Valerie Coolidge is the wine and food pairing expert at Wyandotte and teaches guests how to pair food with wine for a more enjoyable experience.  There is plenty of space to host an event, celebrate a birthday or enjoy a special occasion.  With Wednesday Happy Hour and Friday night music, guests should check Wyandotte Winery’s website for fun events year around.

Valerie is also the genius behind the “Famous Wyandotte Wine Cakes” which are prepared with both wine in the batter as well as in the glaze.  The wine cakes are available both at the winery or by ordering them online.  Samples are available upon request at the winery.

Relax in the outdoor space at Wyandotte Winery and you may find yourself in the hammock.  Buy a bottle or enjoy a glass for $6 (a glass of Port for $8). Wine slushies in cherry, berry or kiwi as well as Sangria are also on the menu.  From the words of winemaker, Robin Coolidge, “Drink what you like!”

Have you had the opportunity to visit Wyandotte Winery  to sample some of their amazing wines?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my fabulous time at Wyandotte Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!  Cheers!

What to See and What to Do: 

Wyandotte Winery
4640 Wyandotte Drive
Columbus, OH  43230
Telephone:  614 476 3624; 877 906 7464

Hours of Operation:
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and Saturday from 1 – 7; Friday from 1 – 9

Wyandotte Winery also owns Rockside Winery in Lancaster under the management of their son Ryan, opened in November of 2014.

Where to Stay:

Hilton Columbus at Easton
3900 Chagrin Drive
Columbus, OH  43219
Telephone:  614 414 5000

Where to Eat:

Cap City Fine Diner and Bistro
1301 Stoneridge Drive
Gahanna, OH  43230
Telephone:  614 478 9999

I was in the mood for real diner food, so I ordered the Warm Pretzel with (beer) Cheese to start and the Diner Meatloaf Sandwich as my entree.

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

  • Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream:  Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
  • North Market:  A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
  • The Thurman Cafe:  The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village.  There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.
  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant:  While the sausage at Schmidt’s is the official food of Columbus, it’s the amazing Cream Puffs that have the locals lining up at the door.

What to Read: 

  • Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
  • Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
  • Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
  • Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper

Photo Guide for Columbus: 

  • Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
  • Columbus Museum of Art:  the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
  • Everal Barn and Homestead:  landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
  • Frank Fetch Park:  gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
  • Franklin Park Conservatory:  beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
  • Gantz Park:  barn, beautiful trees,
  • German Village:  brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
  • Grove City:  brick roads, small town, shopping area
  • Hayden Falls:  wooden walking path, waterfall
  • Historical Village of Hilliard:  a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
  • Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
  • Inniswood Metro Gardens:  gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
  • Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
  • Ohio State University:  campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
  • Park of Roses in Clintonville:  various types of rose gardens
  • Riverfront Park:  city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
  • Schiller Park:  gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
  • Scioto Mile:  city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
  • Scioto Park in Dublin:  statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
  • Short North:  restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
  • Topiary Park:  depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo

Ohio Winery: Stone Crest Vineyard

“It’s all my wife’s fault,” Mike Barker said when I asked him why he and his wife Cheryl opened Stone Crest Vineyard.  Her father, Riece Brown, had been making wine for a few years and the Barkers decided to “hone his craft” and planted their first vines in 2005.   The name Stone Crest is based on both the soil, abundant with sandstone and its location on top of a hill.  Since officially opening in 2007, the Barkers have expanded their vineyards and offer nearly twenty varieties of wine.

Ranging from dry to sweet, Stone Crest Vineyard’s award winning wines are available to sample.  I found a great location at the tasting bar to enjoy some of the vineyard’s amazing wines and had a great chat with Fred.  My tasting included the Chardonnay, Gemstone, Red Stone, Blue Stone and Peach.

  • Chardonnay – lightly oaked, dry white….14.95; My sister loves Chardonnay, so I picked up a bottle for her
  • Gemstone – semi sweet rose blend of pink Catawba 10.95;  I absolutely love rose, so I couldn’t pass up adding this bottle to my collection
  • Red Stone – Concord, sweet red classic concord wine 10.95; Another great wine to have on hand for my friends who like “grape juice”
  • Blue Stone – blueberry and grape, sweet berry blend 11.95;  A gold medal winner at the Ohio Wine Competition for the last 12 years
  • Peach – sweet peach made with peach juice…9.95;  Crisp and fruity

Additional wines on the menu:

  • Winemakers Select 2013 – dry red with dark fruit flavors for 12 95
  • Winemakers Select 2017 (Malbec) – dry, bold red…17.99
  • Pinot Noir (out of stock) – dry red with great finish…17.99
  • Cabernet Franc (out of stock) – dry red with notes of cherry and black currant…17.99
  • Dry Riesling (out of stock) – dry white with hint of lemon….14.95
  • Tranquility (out of stock) – dry white that reminds one of Pinot Grigio …10.95
  • Semi sweet Riesling (out of stock) semi-sweet white with an apricot notes …14.95
  • De Vine – concord semi-sweet red, the fruit of the vine…10.95
  • Bouquet – Niagara – semisweet white with a fragrant bouquet 10.95
  • Dos Vinos – blend of semisweet red where two wines are blended to perfection…12.95
  • Red Raspberry – with a bite of raspberry pie (out of stock) – 9.95
  • Apple – sweet apple with a hint of cinnamon – 8.95
  • Waterfall Wine – out of stock; Niagara sweet white 9.95
  • White Stone (out of stock) – Catawba sweet white with flavors of citrus and kiwi…10.95

In addition to Stone Crest Vineyard’s spectacular wines, they winery offers slushies as well as the mix which is available for purchase. I tried their homemade slushie sangria which was absolutely delectable which is a combination of their Blue Stone, Red Stone, Cherry and Peach wines.  This would be the perfect solution for a hot summer day.

Stone Crest Vineyard is located in the rural plains of Frazeyburg, Ohio. This lovely winery is open year around on Friday and Saturday evenings from noon to eight.  Offering weekend dinners with a selection of two choices, these sold out gatherings include a baked potato, salad, roll and dessert.  Their website’s calendar lists offerings such as pork loin or chicken, prime rib or baby back ribs, scallops with the option of filet mignon or chicken. Reservations required.   Enjoy a bottle of wine with friends relax outside by the hillside waterfall or book a romantic weekend dinner at Stone Crest Vineyard.  The winery accommodates bus tours and private events, so sample a few wines and buy a few wines for the holidays or special occasions.

Have you visited Stone Crest Vineyard?  Which wines did you enjoy?  I would love to hear about your experience if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for supporting The Suite Life of Travel by reading my post and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Stone Crest Vineyard
10310 O’Dell Road
Frazeyburg, OH   43882
Telephone:  740 828  WINE

You can also check out their Facebook page!

Where to Stay:

The Inn at Dresden
209 Ames Avenue
Dresden, OH  43821
Telephone:  740 754 1122

Where to Eat:

The Inn at Dresden
209 Ames Avenue
Dresden, OH  43821
Telephone:  740 754 1122

We enjoyed an amazing breakfast of Bananas Foster French Toast which was absolutely sumptuous!  In addition, we had a light dinner where we were served a couple of Filipino dishes of eggrolls and Chicken Adobo which were robust with amazing flavor!

Engineering Fabulous Wines, Vinoklet Winery

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It was a beautiful day, so I planned a visit to Vinoklet Winery & Restaurant on Cincinnati’s Westside.   As I pulled into the parking lot, I was more than surprised by the number of cars and was having a difficult time finding a parking space.

Vinoklet hosts a buffet style dinner over the weekends and is also a popular place for hosting events.  That evening, there was a family reunion, a business dinner as well as a bachelorette party.  I was incredibly grateful that the hostess found a small table for me in a corner when I explained I was interested in a wine tasting.

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In addition to sampling wine, I decided to purchase the cheese tray which included Swiss, Cheddar and Pepperjack cheese, pepperoni, crackers and grapes.  It was the perfect amount for the tasting, but I wished that I had booked a reservation for the buffet-style meal where fish, steak and shrimp were grilled to perfection served with salads, sides and decadent desserts.

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There are a total of nine wines available for tasting, arranged from dry to sweet with the reds to my left and the whites on my right.  I began my tasting with the Brother Joe, a cabernet sauvignon described as “A premium red wine made with cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and chambourcin grapes.  Rich ripe flavors with an elegant finish”.

The Cincinnatus was next, which is a “dry red table wine made with Merlot and Chambourcin grapes.  Vibrant flavor with a harmonious finish”.  I picked up a bottle for our family cookout that weekend, knowing it would be perfect with steak.

I enjoyed the Sunset Blush and It was such a great, refreshing wine that I ordered a glass after my tasting.  This is a “semi-sweet wine made with Catawba, Vidal and Niagara grapes. Aromatic fruit with a zesty finish.”

The last red wine on the list was the La Dolce Vita, translated as “The Sweet Life” in Italian.  It is a “sweet red dessert wine made with Chambourcin and Concord grapes.  Soft and fruity to enjoy anytime”.

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Halfway into my tasting, I had the privilege of meeting Kreso Mikulic, the owner of the winery.  Checking in with his guests, he was enjoying a glass of wine.  Making his rounds, he stopped by my table after coming in from outside and we chatted a few moments about his winery.

Kreso is originally from Croatia, where wine was a part of his everyday life.  Just like many of the northern Italians, each of the members in his village grew their own grapes to produce wine for their families.  He actively participated in the process as a child and has years of experience making extraordinary wines.

Kreso went on to become an electrical engineer, moving to the US and finding work with the General Electric Aviation division.  He is credited with a variety of patents for the aerospace industry.   Once he retired, he opened the winery in 1980 and has been hosting guests in Colerain for nearly forty years.

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Sunset Blush

Continuing with my fifth sample, I learned that the Traminette is a grape blend of the Seyve, a French American hybrid with the vitis vinifera of German descent.  It is the next wine on my list and described by Vinkolet as a “premium wine with spicy characteristics of honey and florals”.  The taste was strongest towards the back of the tongue.

Tears of Joy is definitely a drier wine and is made with Vidal Blanc grapes.  It is “crisp and full of flavor yet soft to the palate”.  It was a little too dry for me, but I really enjoyed the Dreamer, a semi-sweet wine made with Vidal Blanc grapes and an Ohio favorite, the Niagara. The winery labels it as “perfectly balanced and delicate to the taste.”

In Vino Veritas was another favorite wine at Vinoklet Winery.  Also made with Niagara and Vidal Blanc grapes, this is sweeter than the Dreamer and would be a great wine to enjoy on a summer afternoon.

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Passion was the last wine in the tasting and was absolutely delicious.  I couldn’t resist and had to purchase a bottle to enjoy at home.

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What I liked most about the winery was that it is also a restaurant and banquet facility.  Located on rolling hills, I enjoyed walking out to the acres of vineyards that would soon produce grapes over the summer months.  Relaxing at the bonfire after dinner is a favorite pastime with many of Vinoklet’s customers and the sunsets from here are absolutely breathtaking.

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The Weekend Dinner option includes the buffet and there are Weekend Grillouts over the summer months offering a wide selection of meats.  In the evening, the winery sets up the fire pit when the weather permits.

Vinoklet Winery is the perfect location to enjoy an evening meal or celebrate a special event.  With the scenic views, delicious foods and award-winning wines, we found the winery more than exceptional.  What makes Vinoklet so special is also memorialized in Kreso’s philosophy.  When it comes to wine, “the best wine is the wine that pleases you the most”, and at Vinoklet Winery there are so many award-winning options from which to choose.   It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to make wines, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to be an engineer.

Have you visited Vinoklet and do you have a favorite wine from the winery? Do you have a favorite Ohio winery?  I would love to hear about it to experience it for myself.  If you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below, that would be great! Many Thanks for reading about our evening wine tasting at Vinoklet and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Vinoklet Winery & Restaurant
11069 Colerain Avenue
Cincinnati, OH  45252
Telephone:  513 385 9309

  • Hours: The winery is open from noon to 5 PM on Tuesday, noon to 8 PM on Wednesday and Thursday with wine tastings from noon to 4 PM, noon to 11 PM on Friday and Saturday with wine tastings from noon to 4 PM, from 1 PM to 5 PM on Sunday.  The winery is closed on Monday.  Hours are seasonal and are subject to change.  Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation and schedule of events.
  • Amenities:  Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, outdoor seating, online shopping, wine, private events and scheduled events
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Please note that the wine tastings are only provided during certain hours and are subject to change.  As always, please drink responsibly.

Where to Stay:

Hampton Inn Cincinnati – Northwest/Fairfield
430 Kolb Drive
Cincinnati, OH  45014
Telephone:  513 942 3440

Where to Eat: 

Enjoy the buffet at Vinoklet on Wednesdays and Thursdays or visit on Friday and Saturday nights for the opportunity to grill your own entree with a selection of side dishes, desserts and of course, wine!

Featured Ohio Winery: Ferrante Winery and Ristorante

A sweet, older couple in their 70s were enjoying a glass of wine while sitting at a high top in the tasting room. I had just ordered a few wine samples at Ferrante Winery and Ristorante and took a seat near their table so I could look out the window and feel the warmth of the sunlight beaming in.  I was taken by surprise when the lady, wearing a classy blue and white suit, asked me if I was from out of town.  She noticed that they had not seen me in here before and said that they could answer any questions I had about the wines because they were regulars.  I smiled, thanked them for their hospitality and thought to myself, “I want to be her when I am her age.”  I answered by telling them that indeed I was visiting for the weekend and had a couple of activities lined up for the next couple of days.  Before I had finished my wine samples, Martha, Joe and I were sharing family pictures and had become best friends.   Wine is guaranteed to bring people together.

Entering through the French doors at the stone entrance, I immediately noticed that the facility is quite large with plenty of outdoor space amidst endless rows of grapevines.  The inside was absolutely gorgeous with a restaurant straight ahead or the tasting room and store to the left.   Of course I was drawn to the store with its large selection of wine and beautiful flooring with multicolor slats.  Close by was the wine bar, so after reviewing the wide selection of products, I placed my order for my wine tasting and caught up with the server, who was restocking the wine for the day.

Ferrante Winery provides a number of pre-set tasting menus, so I selected the Proprietor’s Selection Tray which included medium to sweet wines, “ a selection of Ohio’s unique & favorite wines.”  Here is a list of my tasting notes related to this amazing wine selection.

  • American Riesling win the Best Riesling at the Finger Lakes Wine Competition in New York
    • Very clear, no legs and smelled fruity; I could taste apricot and peach and the wine had a perfect finish
  • Finger Lakes Riesling which won 2 double gold awards in multiple competitions
    • Very light wheat color; thicker consistency with a tart smell, tastes fruity with a slight mineral taste and a long finish
  • Grand River Valley Vidal Blanc
    • Similar in color to the American Riesling, this wine was very clear. It had the same consistency as the Finger Lakes Riesling  with a crisp smell of apricot and apple;  with a fuller taste it had a bold acidity;  tasted very similar to an apple jolly rancher
      • In 2017, this wine won Best in Show at the San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition
  • Blanco – won the Gold in the OH wine competition
    • Golden colored, thicker body and a great grapey smell, milder acidity; more fruity in taste (grape) with a short finish
  • White Catawba – Gold OH Wine Competition
    • Very light-bodied wine and very light yellow with a unique bouquet, not too fruity but with subtle grape taste
  • Rosato – Best Blush in the OH Wine Competition
    • Peachy pink in color, light body, subtle berry aroma, lingering acidity and short finish
  • Jester’s Blush
    • Beautiful peach color, lovely smell, sugary sweetness, taste the same over full palate, short finish
  • Rosso
    • Beautiful ruby red, grape juice with a kick; would taste amazing COLD!
  • Pink Catawba – smells like cotton candy, medium body with a sweet finish
  • Ice Wine – the Vidal Blanc is buttery and beautiful!

Founded in 1937 by Italian immigrants Nick and Anna Ferrante, the winery produced the Russo,  Bianco, Concord and Niagara.  Their son Peter moved the winery to its current location in 1979 and added the restaurant.  Located in the Grand River Valley, some consider this area to be Ohio’s Mini Napa and I could not agree more.  The vineyard offers an Italian inspired menu created by chef Nina Salerno.  The gorgeous space is large enough for celebratory get-togethers or enjoy a glass of wine on the outdoors terrace while watching live weekend entertainment.  The original farmhouse has been converted into their wine productio facility and is well-known for producing Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and their famous Grand River Valley Riesling.

For now, I will enjoy the wonderful company of Martha and Joe, learn more about their family and take note for any additional winery suggestions they may have for the area.  Wine is such a beautiful way to bring people together and Ferrante Winery is one of the best Ohio wineries to enjoy a glass or two with new friends.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Ferrante Winery?  Did you have lunch, dinner or enjoy a wine tasting?  I would be happy to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my wine tasting at Ferrante Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

Ferrante Winery & Ristorante
5585 State Route 307
Harpersfield Township, OH
Telephone:  440 466 8466

Where to Stay:

The Lily Cottage
1164 Idlewood Drive
Geneva, OH  44041
Telephone: 440 853 9373

Where to Eat:

Check out Ferrante’s extensive menu!   I thoroughly enjoyed the Gnocchi Brue made of “tender chunks of filet mignon simmered in our Merlot wine demi-glace with Portabello mushrooms and onions.  Served on potato gnocchi and spiked with gorgonzola cheese!

What to Eat: The cuisine in northeast Ohio is very diverse with a wide variety of Old World cuisine.  Here are a few recommendations:

  • Assiette de Fromage (Cheese Plate) from L’Albratos for a wide ranges of cheese
  • Barberton-style Fried Chicken, made from a Serbian recipe is an amazing dish from White House Chicken in nearby Barberton, Ohio
  • Beef Cheek Pierogie’s from Michael Symon’s Lola
  • Corned Beef Sandwiches from Slyman’s
  • Polish Boy at Seti’s is a kielbasa topped with meat, coleslaw and ketchup.
  • Pierogie’s from Sokolowski’s University Inn
  • Veal Parmesan at Trattoria on the Hill in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood