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Category Archives: Wineries

Featured Ohio Winery: Hanover Winery

3 June 202022 September 2024

The Pink Toad Party, Hanover Winery’s fundraiser for breast cancer was well underway when I entered the tasting room.   A steady stream of women, many dressed in pink, stood in line to order the winery’s Pink Toad Blush in support of a great cause for loved ones and fellow breast cancer survivors.  I felt honored to listen to some incredible journeys of survival from the brave women who had battled cancer and the dear family members who cared for them along the way.

I have since returned to Hanover Winery several times because of its picturesque, rural setting, its charming tasting room and of course, wonderful selection of wines.  I, myself, am particularly fond of the Statesman and the Black Dahlia wines, yet there are over twenty-five wines to sample and purchase.  From wonderful dry reds to a wonderful range of fruit wines, the winery offers a wide variety of award winning wines that are sure to please.

Here is a list of wines I have sampled:

REDS:

  • 2015 Malbec: Robust, full body dry red with interesting notes of plums and dark berries. Notably higher tannins with a sweet tobacco finish.  $23.99;  Residual Sugar: 0%;  Alcohol:  3%;  This wine was awarded a Silver Medal at the 2018 Finger Lakes International Competition
  • Cabernet Sauvignon: Bold layers of dark fruits with subtle notes of vanilla and caramel.  Medium smooth tannins.  Well balanced in oak with a nice finish. $36; Residual Sugar: 0%; This wine was awarded the International Double Gold Medal at the 2017 Competition
  • Chambourcin: A complex red wine with rich dark fruit flavors, oak aged;  $13.99;  Residual Sugar:  1%;  This wine was awarded a Gold Medal at the Ohio Wine Competition

  • Black Dahlia: Merlot Blackberry, dark and delicious; $18; Residual Sugar:  5%;  This wine was awarded the Bronze Medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
  • Baco Noir: A bold dry red with layers of plum and vanilla flavors, oak barrel aged;  $17; Residual Sugar:  1%
  • Pink Toad: Flavorful Catawba, a nice blush wine; $9.99; Residual Sugar: 9%; This wine was awarded the Bronze Medal at the Ohio Wine Competition

  • Sweet Lizzy: Sweet rose’ wine named in memory of our black Labrador Lizzy.  $10.99; Residual Sugar:  9%;   This wine was awarded the Gold Medal at the 2018 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and a Bronze Medal from the Ohio Wine Competition

WHITES

  • Chardonnay: Stainless steel fermented lightly oaked; $13.99; Residual Sugar  5%
  • Vignoles: Dry, oak aged with hints of pineapple and apricot.  $12.99; Residual Sugar:  1%; This wine was awarded the Bronze Medal at the Ohio Wine Competition

FRUIT

  • Dammit Annie: A delicious blend of Blackberries and Haskap Berries; Sweet enough for dessert.  Named after their Labrador Annie;  $16.99; Residual Sugar:  5%
  • Peach: A smooth and delicious peach wine. A great summer treat  $11.99;  Residual Sugar: 9%; This wine was awarded the Silver and Bronze Medals at both the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and the Ohio Wine Competition

PORT

  • Attitude: A port style dessert wine, oak barrel aged.  Alcohol 19.5%; $23.99; Residual Sugar: 5.9%; This wine was awarded the Silver Medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.

SPECIALTY

  • Unleashed: Raspberry Riesling, a sweet Riesling blended with real raspberries.  Labeled in memory of our yellow Labrador Ellie; $13.99; Residual Sugar:  5%;  This wine was awarded the Silver Medal at the Ohio Wine Competition

Additional wines available at Hanover Winery include:

REDS

  • 2015 Tampranillo
  • Marquette
  • Marechal Foch
  • Hanover Red
  • Mason’s Red
  • Soft Red

WHITES

  • Soft White
  • Vidal Blanc
  • Riesling – New Release
  • Traminette – New Release
  • Seyval Blanc
  • Hanover White
  • Kiss Me

FRUIT

  • Blackberry
  • Ohio Apple
  • Cranberry

SPARKLING

  • Bubbly

My drive from Oxford took only about ten minutes and the rural route was a welcoming change to my city life.  I could use a little leisurely wine time and knew I had finally arrived when I noticed the rows of Marquette and Seyval grapes.

According to Eddie McDonald, co-owner of the winery, the vines were planted in the spring of 2016 and it will take a few years until the crop produces grapes.  He and his wife Elizabeth opened the winery in 2009 after making wine for family and friends as a hobby for over ten years.  Known as Butler County’s sole winery, the gorgeous property is perfect for relaxing along the pond with a bottle of wine, enjoying the weekend entertainment or attending one of Hanover Winery’s many sponsored events. Visit their website to learn more about Hanover’s Annual Summer Wine Festival in August (expect a large turnout) and their Annual Animal Rescue Fundraiser in the Spring.

Business was soon picking up and Eddie was needed to bring some more wine up from their “wine cellar”.  He asked if I wanted to check it out and of course I was curious to see where the magic happens.  The entertainment was setting up on the patio, so I stopped by the tasting table and ordered a glass of Pink Toad to enjoy the pond.  I brought my list of wines to purchase for upcoming events, and bought a few favorites for my friends and family.   While Hanover Winery is one of my favorite wineries to visit because of the hospitality of Eddie and Elizabeth and the delicious award winning wines, I always enjoy visiting with the resident celebrities, Mason and Annie.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Hanover Winery?  What wines did you try?  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 one of my favorite Ohio wineries and wishing you many Happy Travels.  Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Hanover Winery
2165 Morman Road
Hamilton, OH  45013
Telephone:  513 863 3119

Where to Stay:

The Elms
75 South Main Street
Oxford, OH  45056
Telephone:  513 524 2002

Where to Eat:

LaRosa’s Pizza Hamilton
770 NW Washington Blvd.
Hamilton, OH  45013
Telephone:  513 347 1111
Website:  www.larosas.com

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Ohio Winery: Powell Village Craft Winery

8 September 201919 September 2024

Taking a seat at the beautiful rustic bar at Powell Village Craft Winery, I couldn’t help but notice the young lady sitting next to me talking into her phone.   Overhearing her conversation, she was trying to set a date to move to Colorado.  Working out the logistics, she sat in front of her computer enjoying a glass of wine.

I ordered a wine flight and soon thereafter, Katie had wrapped up her plans and made a phone call to her boyfriend to pick her up.  She explained that lately she has been down on her luck and it seemed that her car wouldn’t start.  Waiting at the winery, she had managed to schedule her move out of state all while enjoying a glass of Merlot.  I guess her luck was starting to change.

Conveniently located in a charming suburb of Columbus, the winery, owned by Jeff and Gina Kirby, has been open for six years.  Currently, they are in the process of opening another winery in Tucson, which is similar in design and construction to Powell Village and are looking to franchise the winery.

I hardly waited  five minutes when the server offered to pour me a paddle wine flight or four half glasses for $15.  Since there were quite a few selections that I wanted to try, I opted for the $1 per tasting.   Their reserve wines and ice wines are $2 each were worth the additional cost.

Their menu included a variety of flatbreads, butcher’s block, bread and dipping oil, cheese plate, garlic bites and hummus with veggies.  Perfect combinations to pair with a large assortment of wines.

Each sample was a generous one ounce pour and I began my tasting with the Pinot Noir. Medium bodied, this beautiful brownish red wine has a tangy first sip with a perfect finish.

In addition to Pinots, I love Merlots and this one caught me off guard with a sweet start but it finished with a smooth texture and taste.

Switching over to some of the sweet wines offered by Powell Village, the blackberry has a super sweet smell and a gorgeous ruby color, with a light, airy fruity taste.

I wrapped up my last three samples trying some of the lighter, fruity wines which are  popular with Ohio wineries.  The peach smelled like fuzzy peaches picked right off of the tree, having a thick texture with a simple fruit flavor.

The white cranberry is just as tart as one would expect but it was a perfect blend with grapes.  My final sample was kiwi-pineapple, heavy on the pineapple taste yet an extremely refreshing wine.

The winery also offers seasonal sangrias like the pomegranate and cherry during the spring and summer months while the cranberry is popular for the fall.  There are also wine slushies, a popular option where wine is combined with a mix and frozen as a fun, fruity drink.

In addition to Happy Hour on Fridays and Saturdays, Powell Village Craft Winery is available on Sunday and Monday for private events, while Thursdays are Ladies’ Night.

I finished my last glass of wine and Katie had finally confirmed a date for moving her belongings out west.  She decided to call her boyfriend for his ETA while I purchased a bottle of Soulmate, Powell Village’s yummy Merlot.  Here’s hoping that if I am ever stranded, a winery will be close by.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Powell Village Craft Winery?  What was your favorite wine?  I would love to hear about your visit if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Powell Village Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!  Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Powell Village Craft Winery
50 Liberty Street
Powell, Ohio  43065
Phone:  614 505 7465

Where to Stay: 

Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center
100 Green Meadows Drive South
Lewis Center, OH  43035
Telephone: 855 892 4543

Where to Eat: 

Powell Village Craft Winery
50 Liberty Street
Powell, Ohio  43065
Phone:  614 505 7465

Why leave when you can try one of Powell Village Craft Winery’s amazing flatbreads?  We ordered the Buffalo flatbread with spicy chicken, buffalo sauce and Mozzarella cheese.  They will give you ranch dressing for dipping should you need to cool the heat.  Yum!

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An Awesome Approach to Wine Tasting…Blend of Seven Winery

30 July 201915 February 2025

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When I arrived at Blend of Seven Winery, I could not have imagined what I would learn about wine this afternoon.  Taking a seat at the busy bar, I was in for an unforgettable wine tasting experience.

Located on a quiet, country road in Delaware, Ohio, Blend of Seven has a sweet beginning that centralizes around the importance of family.  “It was how we came up with the name of our winery.” said Steve, co-owner and winemaker.  “When Sandi and I married, our blended family totaled seven with my three children and her two”.

You will notice that many of the wines are named after their children and their grandchildren as well.

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Steve takes pride in his ability to create unique wines that would make even Willy Wonka proud.

So it came as a surprise when I learned that Steve was not always a wine drinker.  He quickly credits his wife, Sandi for introducing him to wine and he was hooked.  On one of their dates, they decided to visit a winery and for Steve’s next birthday, Sandi bought him a wine making kit.   After a couple of years of developing their own wines, they opened a winery on London Road and the Blend of Seven Winery had its start.

The winery shortly grew out of their space and they had to find another location to expand.  They purchased the property once home to historic Delaware restaurant, The Branding Iron.  After months of renovations, the Blend of Seven Winery reopened in October of 2015.

What I find fascinating about Steve is his unique, fun-loving approach to introducing his wines.  With so many varieties on his list, I asked him to select the  best sellers and I decided to start from there.

Kimmie K, a sweet wine, was my first pour.  This is a “Cabernet Sauvignon with acai berry and raspberry with a hint of chocolate”.  After taking a sip of this delicious wine, Steve brought over a piece of dark chocolate and told me to take another taste after eating the candy.  I was blown away by how the chocolate changed the flavor of the wine.

I have always been a fan of the Pinot Noirs, Merlots and Malbecs, but living in Ohio, there are so many sweet wine selections that I have come to enjoy these wines as well.  For my next selection, Steve suggested that I sample his signature concord wine, Trouble and I enjoyed drinking this intoxicating grape juice.

Blend of Seven is known for developing wines from a wide range of fruit, so I decided it was time to try Ricki’s Peach Tree.  Served chilled it is described as an “amazing blend [that] tastes like peach right off the tree,”  Steve suggested I close my eyes, imagine that I was in Georgia and that I would “feel the fuzz on the roof of my mouth.”

My next selection was the semi-dry, Blue-Eyed Beauties, a Niagara wine with blueberry added.  The taste of the berry really comes out with this wine.

One of Blend of Seven’s specialty wines is the Coconut Wonder which is a “refreshing blend of coconut and pineapple”.  I had not thought about fermenting coconut, so I was curious to try a sample.  I could taste the coconut, but it was the pineapple that gave this wine its boost of sweetness.  Pair this wine with a piece of dark chocolate and you have an “Almond Joy”.

Steve had one more trick up his sleeve when he provided me with a generous pour of Tosha’s Chaos.  Described as a sweet wine with a unique blend of raspberry and a cotton candy aroma, I could have sworn I was drinking a Jolly Rancher.
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I had completed my list of wine selections, and Steve asked if I would be interested in trying another creation he co-developed with a local ice cream maker.  He returned with a container of homemade blackberry ice cream and poured Kimmie K over it.  Steve also combines his concord wine, Trouble with peanut butter ice cream and Ricki’s peach tree with vanilla ice cream for an “adult float” type of dessert.

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My visit to the Blend of Seven Winery was mind-blowing, and I left amazed at the various ways non-traditional foods and wines could be paired together.   I also admired the laid-back atmosphere and Steve’s exceptional technique of thinking outside of the box.   He doesn’t take his job too seriously, just serious enough to keep Blend of Seven Winery in business and surprising their patrons with new and improved combinations.  I say with deep respect and admiration that he is the Willy Wonka of Winemakers.

Blend of Seven Winery is also very generous and holds charity events to give back to various organizations such as the Wounded Warrior project.  They also sponsor a chili cook off each fall where the winner can decide which charity to support in place of winnings.  Each year, at the end of May, the winery invites all of its customers to an anniversary party which lasts a full day with plenty of food, music and of course, fabulous wine.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Blend of Seven Winery?  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 outrageous visit at Blend of Seven Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels! Cheers!

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Steve and Sandi for their time and hospitality during my visit.  Please note that all comments provided were based solely upon my own opinions and experience.

What to See and What to Do:

Blend of Seven Winery
1400 Stratford Road
Delaware, OH  43015
Telephone:  740 417 4286

  • Hours: The winery is open from 3 PM – 8:30 PM from Tuesday through Thursday, 3 PM – 9 PM  on Friday, 12 PM to 9PM on Saturday.  Kitchen closes at 8:15 PM Tuesday through Thursday and closes at 8:45 PM on Friday and Saturday.  The winery is closed on Monday.  Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation and list of entertainment/activities.
  • Amenities:  Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, wine, private events, and scheduled events such as Thirsty Thursday, Canvas & Wine, Sip & Craft, Movie and Popcorn Dinner Nights and Sip & Mani
  • 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:

Hampton Inn Columbus/Delaware
7329 State Route 36 & 37
Sunbury, OH  43074
Telephone:   740 363 4700

Where to Eat:

Bun’s Restaurant
14 W. Winter Street
Delaware, OH  43015
Telephone:  740 363 3731

You can’t miss the sign for Bun’s in the charming town of Delaware.  I wanted to stop in for a small bite to eat at the bar and ordered the Tzatziki & Hummus.  Served with pita bread, one can also request an order for vegetables for an additional charge.

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
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Naughty Wines at Knotty Vines Winery

9 July 201918 September 2024

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Several groups of ladies sat around a table enjoying a few bottles of wine as I entered the Knotty Vines Winery in Wauseon, Ohio.  Clearly, “The best wines are the ones we drink with friends.”

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It was my first visit to Knotty Vines and I was pleasantly greeted by Layla, who patiently waited for me to place my order.  I enjoyed reading the menu with its detailed stats on each of their wines from the price per wine and residual sugar (RS) levels.  Knotty Vines offers the opportunity to sample five wines for the cost of three dollars and I could not wait to get started.

My first selection was the Knotty White which is a sweet and fruity  white wine made from their “signature sweet Cayuga grapes.”

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My next wine selection just happened to be the winery’s best seller, the Knaughty Blush.  I enjoyed the “signature sweet pink Catawba, sweet yet delicate, Ohio’s Lake Erie Claim to Fame variety!”  I understood why this was a winery favorite with its sugary sass and intoxicating watermelon color…not to mention the label is too darn cute.

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Knotty Red is another irresistible blend produced by the winery.  Listed as one of its newest wines, this grape jelly flavored sweet wine is their “signature sweet concord & deChaunac blend, with a distinct aroma of Grandma’s jelly”.

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As Layla poured the Knotty Blue wine, I noticed the blue hue and distinct aroma of blueberries.  While this is a grape and blueberry blend, there is no doubt that I could taste the tartness of the berry on the finish. This is also a New Release from Knotty Vines Winery and I thoroughly enjoyed the perfect balance of the blend.  The winery describes it as “signature sweet blueberry with a kick of tart”.

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The Peachy Keen, which is a peach dessert wine, is my final sample. It has a golden hue that sparkles like a million dollars.  Layla mentions that some claim to taste cinnamon, but for some reason, all I was picking up was peach. It is described as a “peach dessert wine that finishes with apricot undertones, perfect to sip and savor”.

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During my tasting I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Julie Nofziger, who owns the winery with her husband, Steve.   She is extremely kind and with a modest pride, told me about the success of their winery.  “This is our second career”, she stated, “prior to opening the winery, I was a teacher.” Knotty Vines Winery is in its fourth year and has grown exponentially since opening.  They have already accomplished their five year goals in two and a half years and will continue with their expansion to include additional fruit wines in the near future.

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The grapes that are harvested to create the wines for the winery were planted in 2008.  The winery sits in the heart of the crop, surrounded by endless vines, providing a scenic view.  It will be exciting to see the beauty of the vineyards at the height of their harvest, which takes place in late August and early September.  Future plans to plant a few hundred additional vines will bring the winery up to capacity, which means more delicious wines.

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By 5 o’clock in the afternoon, Knotty Vines Winery was a busy place.  I love that there are so many regulars who make this their afternoon stop after a long day of work.   I learned that the wine slushes, a fruit flavored mix which can be added to wine and frozen, are a great hit.  In addition to selling their wines, the winery also serves a variety of snack plates and a wonderful selection of wine-related merchandise.

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Knotty Vines Winery hosts a number of events and weekend nights of entertainment.  This year, they participated in the Defiance Home Show where they took place in a “tasting garden”, providing attendees an opportunity to sample their delicious wines.  In June, they bring in food trucks as a way of showing their customer appreciation and also host their “.5k wine crawl” where patrons are awarded with wine and food pairing stations strategically placed to complete half of a 5k distance.   This year, the event takes place on June 11th for a cost of $45 per person.
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I completed my wine tasting and decided to enjoy the ambiance of the winery with one more glass before heading home.  I had a difficult time making my decision among the 12 wines on the menu, but I decided that I would order the Naughty Blush and took a table in the newly expanded seating area at the winery.  I had a beautiful view of the vineyards from the window and mapped out the route I would be taking towards my way back home.  It was such a relaxing end to a wonderfully busy day and I see why it draws its happy hour crowd.

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

Have you had the opportunity to visit Knotty Vines Winery?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Knotty Vines Winery
2920 CR 19
Wauseon, OH  43567
Telephone:  419 446 WINE (9463)

The winery is open all year around with changing hours to accommodate the winter and summer seasons.  For more information about the winery, the wines and to confirm the hours of operation, visit their website.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express & Suites
8135 OH-108
Wauseon, OH  43567
Telephone:  419 335 1177

Where to Eat:

Sullivan’s Restaurant
141 North Fulton Street
Wauseon, OH 43567
Telephone;  419 335 0790

I was looking for a nice cold beer and a simple dinner when I found Sullivan’s Restaurant in Wauseon, OH.  To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised by the extensive menu selections.  I decided on the Kettle Chip Crusted Walleye, since this is a popular fish found near Lake Erie.  The portion sizes are enough for at least two meals and the service was spectacular.

What to Read:

  • The Great Black Swamp:  Historical Tales of 19th Century Northwest Ohio, by Jim Mollenkopf
  • The Great Black Swamp III, by Jim Mollenkopf
  • The Firebugs of Northwest Ohio, by M. A. Mimi Malcolm
  • Railroad Depots of Northwest Ohio
  • Glass in Northwest Ohio, by Quentin R. Skrabac
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Raven’s Glenn Vineyard and Winery: A Sweet Wine Experience

2 July 201918 September 2024

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If you live in Ohio, you have most likely heard of Raven’s Glenn Vineyard and Winery.  I first learned of Raven’s Glenn while attending the AAA Travel Show in Columbus.  Meeting the winery reps attending the booth, I was excited to see they were pouring wine.  Promising to visit, I made a weekend of exploring the Three Rivers Wine Trail near Coshocton, Ohio and I could not have picked a better day for wine and wanderlust.  Entering the winery, I felt miles away, surrounded by Tuscan charm and endless rows of vines.

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I approached the tasting bar at the perfect time as a motor coach had pulled in with a busload of excited wine tasters.  Within minutes, the winery was packed with visitors enjoying an afternoon of wine tasting and lunch.  Raven’s Glenn Vineyard and Winery produces a long list of wines that are sure to compliment any wine lover’s palate.  The winery makes it easy to decide which wines to sample with pre-selected packages and recommendations.  I couldn’t pass up the semi-sweet and sweet wine options which included the following:

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White Raven which is described as a “semi sweet white, inviting, fruity, fragrant.  Blended Niagara varietals, grapey, crisp and clean finish”…all I can say is this hardly tastes like a wine but rather grape juice which is absolutely spectacular.   It would not be difficult to enjoy this wine chilled by the pool on a hot summer day.

My next selection is the Raven Rouge, a semi-sweet red is a “Concord blend with other estate grapes, fruity and grapey, serve chilled or room temperature.”  I found this wine delightful and very similar to the White Raven, a wine I could keep on hand at all times.

The White Merlot is a semi-sweet Rose which is described as “smooth with a mixed berry taste, sweet jammy flavors, clean finish worthy to bear the name Merlot.”  This is not your average, dark red, drier Merlot, but I wouldn’t turn away a glass of this fabulous wine.

I had the opportunity to try the Strawberry Lemonade which is a semi-sweet with “hints of strawberry with lemon aromas.  Citrus tones with a clean berry finish”.  I was absolutely smitten with this wine because it is so different than what I had expected.  Another wonderful summertime selection for a tropical day.

I was excited to try Raven’s Glenn Sangria which is a sweet wine described as “a delightful combination of luscious, zesty, tropical fruits that started as crisp apple wine”.  Like they say…an apple a day.  I will take two bottles please.

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I was pleasantly surprised to see a tropical wine on the menu.  Tropical Temptations is a sweet wine described as a wine of “ripe mango and papaya with hints of coconut and a smooth lingering finish.  This wine was perfect for transporting me to an exotic beach with the sound of waves crashing around me.  I enjoyed the fruit combination of this blend.

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Raven’s Glen Wildly Cherry is also a sweet wine with a “deep yet gentle flavor….reminiscent of eating a fresh picked black cherry”.  I was delighted by the beautiful color and smooth taste of this fabulous, fruity wine.

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The Blackberry Wine is super sweet, but I was also able to try this as a spritzer which cuts down the sweetness and makes it a fun bubbly wine to drink for all occasions.  It is a “sweet and smooth…well rounded blackberry aromas will prepare your senses for a gentle modestly sweet wine”.  It is perfectly priced at $13.99 per bottle.

Chantilly Lace is an incredibly tasting dessert wine with “soft aromas of apricots and honeysuckle, succulent sweet and creamy flavors with a long lingering finish.  I remembered tasting this at the AAA exhibit a couple of years ago and fell in love with this wine.  Priced at only $9.99 per bottle, I had to pick up a couple of bottles.

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After experiencing a fabulous wine tasting, I made a reservation with the restaurant where there were a few visitors ahead of me waiting to be seated.  From where I was standing, I noticed the towering stone fireplace and stunning picture windows which let in the afternoon’s light.  Tables were at a premium as they were occupied with customers who had just completed their tasting and couldn’t wait to enjoy the fabulous Italian selections from the menu.  I could smell the mouthwatering aroma of pasta and cheese and decided to order the Three Cheese Manicotti and the Arancini,   IMG_0892

Sitting along the Tuscarawas River, Raven’s Glenn Winery provides romantic river views and an opportunity to dine outdoors along the scenic waterway.  I found the location of this winery reminiscent to some of the beautiful wine estates that one would find out west.  The intricate design and thought that was given to the details of this estate added to the wine tasting experience.  No wonder it is consistently rated one of the best wineries in Ohio.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Raven’s Glenn Winery?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks and Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Raven’s Glenn Vineyard and Winery
56183 County Line Road 143
West Lafayette, OH  43845
Telephone: 740 545 1000

Where to Stay:

Hampton Inn, Newcomerstown
200 Morris Crossing Avenue
Newcomerstown, OH  43832
Telephone: 740 498 9800

Where to Eat:

Raven’s Glenn Vineyard and Winery
56183 County Line Road 143
West Lafayette, OH  43845
Telephone: 740 545 1000

The cheese manicotti was flavorful and creamy.  I had also ordered the Arancini, which has become one of my favorite Italian dishes.

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Wine Barrels at the Entrance of Raven’s Glenn Vineyard and Winery

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Sampling Some Redneck Love at Kennedy Vineyard, New Madison, OH

25 June 201918 September 2024

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Kennedy Vineyard was a welcome sight among the crops of corn and soybean of Darke County.    As I approached the graveled driveway leading to the winery, grapevines were loaded with juicy varietals most popular in the Ohio wine region.

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Having just opened for the afternoon, I entered the warm and welcoming winery with a casual and country style.  There was plenty of seating but that would not last for long. As I took my place at the tasting bar, I was greeted by winery co-owner, Louisa Kennedy.

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The large windows looking out into the vineyard provided stunning views of the DeChaunac grapes, planted over 10 years ago, by Barbara Kennedy, Louisa’s mother-in-law.   Fields of corn were converted to vineyards and after many years of producing wine, the winery opened over two years ago.  Additional varietals that thrive at Kennedy Vineyard are Chambourcin, Vidal, Cayuga, Concord, Steuben, Niagara and Catawba grapes.

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The first wine I sampled was Lone Cedar Red, described as “a well-balanced and full-bodied wine with notes of sweet cherry”.  Winning the 2015 Bronze Medal at the Finger Lakes Wine Competition, this wine was very smooth and beautiful in color.  Named after the sole cedar tree which stands on the property, it is perfectly paired with a steak or can be enjoyed as a casual drink after a long day at work.

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My next wine was “a semi-sweet wine full-bodied  with bold flavors of blackberry and lingering black cherry.”  Made with a blend including DeChaunac grapes, I enjoyed the wine’s subtle finish and beautiful label. I was not surprised to learn that it had won the 2015 Silver Medal Winner, Finger Lakes Wine Competition.

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One of the qualities that I admired about Kennedy Vineyard was their passion to give back to their community.  By purchasing their wine Resilient, proceeds from the sales are provided to help fund epilepsy research.  I learned from Louisa that the teens that were photographed for the label are from a local high school. Although these students were diagnosed with epilepsy, they were excited for the opportunity to bring awareness of their illness and to show that they can live healthy productive lives.

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While sampling the apple wine, Louisa explained their future plans to convert their barn into a processing room and to further expand the winery.   She has an intense passion for wine and she is currently pursuing a degree in viticulture.  Eager to share her knowledge and expertise, I enjoyed learning more about Kennedy Vineyards and the process of making wine.

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I was ready for my next sample, Kennedy’s Redneck Girl.  This is a beautifully colored blackberry wine which is one of their top sellers.   A “soft sweet wine with lots of character and soft notes of cherry and raspberry”, this wine was awarded the 2015 Silver Medal at the Finger Lakes Wine Competition.

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Louisa poured me a sample of Love at First White.  A chilled sweet wine, this “elegant sweet white blend with bold flavors of the Niagara grape” is perfect  for a hot summer day.

So what do you have when you combine Redneck Girl with Love at First White?  Redneck Love, a perfect wine combination.  I decided to purchase both bottles so I could enjoy these wines at home.

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Spending time with the Kennedys was a great way to enjoy my afternoon.  I was off to find a place for dinner when John recommended The Merchant House in Greenville.  He insisted I try the Pig Candy and mentioned that the restaurant had recently opened about a month ago.  Apparently it was already creating a local buzz, so I knew I had to check it out, but not without resisting the temptation to play with the winery’s adorable kittens one last time.

Have you visited Kennedy Vineyard and have a favorite wine that you would like to share?  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 amazing visit to Kennedy Vineyard and wishing you many Happy Travels. Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Kennedy Vineyard
3911 State Route 722
New Madison, OH  45346
Telephone:  937 273 8381

  • Hours: The winery is open from 6 PM to 9 PM on Friday and 2 PM to 9 PM on Saturday.  The winery is closed from Sunday thru Thursday. Hours are seasonal and are subject to change. Please refer to the winery’s Facebook page for any updates to its hours of operation and listing of events.
  • Amenities:  Weekend entertainment, wine tastings, wine club, wine baskets, wine, gift shop, 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.

Find Kennedy Vineyard on Facebook and don’t forget, they can also ship wines directly to you as well!

Where to Stay:

Best Western Monroe Inn
40 New Garver Road
Monroe, OH  45050
Telephone:  513 539 4400

Where to Eat:

The Merchant House
406 S. Broadway Street
Greenville, OH  45331
Telephone; 937 459 4405

Pig Candy is hands-down my favorite appetizer on the menu! Smoked, candied bacon, with cinnamon, sugar and unique blend of spices makes this selection a favorite of the restaurant’s patrons.  The Pig Candy BLT is also a popular offering, which includes the amazing appetizer on bread with lettuce and tomato.

For pizzas, I can’t get enough of the Detroiter and Cherry Margherita pies!

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A Million Dollar View at Georgetown Vineyards, NOW GEORGETOWN TAVERN ON THE HILL

18 June 201916 March 2025

IMG_0323Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Georgetown Vineyards was established on a parcel of land once owned by Thomas Jefferson.  In addition to producing their estate wines, Georgetown Vineyards also makes wine from California grapes under the label, J. Nico Wine.  In January, their Moscato made Amazon’s White Wine list.

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The smell of cheese and tomato sauce was coming from the wood-fired pizza oven as I entered the winery.   I selected a seat at the counter and decided to try a flight of sweet wines.  I collected my wine samples and exited the tasting room to explore the pavilion and enjoy the intoxicating view of the city of  Cambridge below.

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There was plenty of seating both indoors and out to experience the wines of Georgetown Vineyards.    The relaxed setting and friendliness of the staff felt as though I was stopping off at a friend’s house for the afternoon.

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Georgetown Vineyards offers a list of pre-selected tasting options of four samples for the cost of $3.50.  I decided upon the grouping that included an apple wine and three grape varietals, Fredonia, Concord and Niagara.  Each sample was the size of a one ounce pour and there were additional flight options for the same price.

Here is an overview of my winetasting experience:

  • Apple – light tasting, not too strong, has a very light alcohol flavor and would be a super refreshing at a very cold temperature
  • Fredonia – loved the smell! Beautiful, dense reddish pink color with a sweet aftertaste, but colder, this would be another refreshing summertime drink.
  • Concord – love this grape! Cranberry color and so easy to drink.  The flavors come out towards the back of my throat and tastes very similar to Fredonia.
  • Niagara – clear wine from one of the most popular grapes grown here in Ohio, it was not my favorite wine, but one that seems to be a common selection at most Ohio wineries.

These are just a few of the fabulous wines that are available at Georgetown Vineyards.

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While enjoying the fabulous views and sipping my wine samples, I had the pleasure of meeting the resident cat, Miles.  He’s a friendly little guy and if you give him attention he will be your friend for life. I am a cat lover, so he could have hung out with me all day.

In addition to wine tastings and a great selection of food options, Georgetown Vineyards schedules a wide range of activities for visitors throughout the week.   Wednesdays are wine and paint nights with a local high school art teacher from Cambridge.  Live entertainment draws a great crowd on Saturdays and a bonfire is lit as long as the weather cooperates.

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There is nothing more entertaining and relaxing than the spectacular view from this cute winery on the hill.  Looking down into the town of Cambridge, the location is nothing less than spectacular.

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The total property covers fifty acres, with approximately four acres dedicated to the vineyards, which include Fredonia and Niagara grapes.  These are perfect grapes for Ohio, hearty for acclimating to the winter months of the state.

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The owner and winemaker of this fabulous winery is John Nicolozakes whose family originates from the Greek island of Crete.  Growing up in the Greek tradition of pairing sumptuous food and delicious wines, he has become quite the expert at producing wines that mirror this Greek culture for which he is accustomed.   He began developing his winemaking skills as a hobby out of his garage while working full time as a miner back in 1993.  It wasn’t long after that he planted the first vines and opened up the winery for business in 1998.   More vines were planted in 2013 to extend their vineyard an additional 140 x 30 feet wide.

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Coming soon, Georgetown Vineyards will be selling craft beers under the label, Southside Brewing Company. This will be a great addition and will appeal to craft beer lovers to the winery as well!  With the breathtaking view, exciting entertainment and a wide option of choices of food and drink, Georgetown Vineyards is positioned to continue its amazing success.

Are you already a fan of Georgetown Vineyards or have just recently visited?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Georgetown Vineyards
62920 Georgetown Road
Cambridge, Ohio  43725
Telephone:  740 435 3222

  • Hours: The winery is open from 11 AM to 8 PM on Monday – Thursday, 11 AM to 8:30 PM on Friday and Saturday. 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, Southside brewery, private events and scheduled events to include
  • Tips for Your Visit:  During the nights when the winery provides entertainment, wine tastings are not available.  As always, please drink responsibly.

There is an interstate sign off of I-70 and additional signage that will bring you to the winery.  They are open year round and offer a variety of wines for tasting as well as brick-oven pizzas.  There is a gift shop and of course, one of the most scenic views for an Ohio winery.   Visit their website for more information about their wines, hours of operation and upcoming events or check them out on Facebook.  Please note that the winery’s hours change from the winter to summer months.

Where to Stay:

Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center
14755 Cadiz Road
Cambridge, OH   43725
Telephone:  740 439 2751

Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center is one of Ohio’s State Park Lodges.  This fabulous property offers a great selection of summer activities including pontoon rentals, hiking, fishing, archery, outdoor pool, beach, lounge, restaurant and more.  The rustic accommodations of the lodge rooms were perfect for our extended weekend stay.

Where to Eat:

Georgetown Vineyards
62920 Georgetown Road
Cambridge, Ohio  43725
Telephone:  740 435 3222

Georgetown Vineyards offers a great selection of custom-made Wood-Fired Brick Oven Pizzas. I ordered the Margherita Pizza which was absolutely delicious with a perfect blend of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and basil, drizzled with olive oil.

Timber’s Restaurant at Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center
14755 Cadiz Road
Cambridge, OH   43725
Telephone:  740 439 2751

During my first night’s stay, I had expected to order a full dinner, but after having left-over pizza from Georgetown Vineyard, I decided on an order of chicken wings with the tropical habanero sauce. The appetizer was the perfect size and I enjoyed the heat and sweet of the wing sauce.

The Forum
2205 Southgate Parkway
Cambridge, OH  43275
Telephone:  740 439 2777

Flaming cheese Saganaki is one of my favorite dishes and you can’t go wrong by ordering the Greek sampler.  All foods are made from scratch and are absolutely delicious!

Books to Read: 

  • The Mansfield Killings: A Novel Based on True Events by Scott Fields
  • Green Bay Tree by Louis Bromfield
  • The Haunted History of the Ohio State Reformatory by Sherri Blake

Photo Guide to Mansfield: 

  • The Ohio State Reformatory’s Facade, Cell Blocks and scenes from the movie, Shawshank Redemption
  • The Iconic Carousel at Richland Carousel Park
  • Kingwood Hall, the peacocks and gardens at Kingwood Center Gardens
  • Malabar State Park’s home of Louis Bromfield, the farm animals on the property and Mt. Jeez
  • The beautiful view of Georgetown from Georgetown Vineyards
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Wining Down in Old Mission, Michigan

9 April 201921 September 2024

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Did you know that Michigan is not only known for its production of cherries, but also its wine?   I took the day to explore the Old Mission region of Michigan to visit their wineries and started my afternoon at Black Star Farms.

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Black Star Farms has three tasting rooms located near Traverse City and two wine processing facilities.  I browsed through the charming gift shop to wait for a space at the tasting bar in search of a wine to bring back home.

  • Sparkling Fruit Wine: Black Star Farms Hard Apple Cherry Cider:  Bubbly with crisp apple & cherry;  $12 per bottle
  • Fruit and Sweet Wine: 2013 Arcturos Late Harvest Riesling, Rich apricot, pear and honeysuckle notes   $17.50 per bottle
  • Sweet Red Wine: Artisan – Fruit driven with very soft tannins; $13.50 per bottle
  • Dessert Wine: Sirius Raspberry Dessert Wine – excellent!!!  $27.50 per bottle
  • Dry White Wine: 2013 Arcturos Pinot Noir Rose: Bright & fresh berry fruit notes; $13.50 per bottle
  • Dry Red Wine: 2012 Arcturos Pinot Noir, peppery; bright berry nose delicately touched with spicy oak; $25.00
  • 2012 Vintners Select: Rich dark fruit flavors and a hint of cocoa and spice $25.00
  • 2012 Arcturos Cabernet Franc: Raspberry & blackberry with herbal spicy oaks $28.50 per bottle

Recommended:  Red House Red – fruit driven with layered flavors and hints of oak;  $14.50 per bottle

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A Premium Flight included 5 wines from the regular list, 1 from the Reserve List and a complimentary wine glass.  There were quite a few wine selections from which to choose.  A Reserve Tasting included 2 selections of their more expensive wines for $5.  For $5, Black Star Farms offered a sample of their dessert wine.   I decided on trying their Ice Wine Sample Tasting for $5, which included the 2013 A Capella Ice Wine. The grapes for this wine were frozen on the vine and then picked and immediately pressed.  This process results in an extremely concentrated dessert wine exploding with the flavors of ripe fruit, exotic flowers and subtle spices.  It could be purchased for $92.50 per bottle.

Before continuing on to my next winery, I realized it would be best if I ordered something to eat at Black Star Farms’  Hearth  & Vine Cafe and decided on the Arugula Pizza.  While I would have preferred to have ordered the Cured Meats and Aged Cheese Board, the serving size would have been more than enough food for at least two guests.

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Driving further north on the Old Mission Wine Trail, I found another highly recommended winery, the Chateau Chantal.  Charming wine barrels posed at the entrance and fabulous views of the vineyard from the tasting room added to the experience of tasting some of the best wines Michigan has to offer.

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I was greeted by the Sommelier (pronounced So-Mo-Yare), who recommended a few wines after learning that I love the dry reds and fruity locals.   For only $3 I had the option to choose five wines or for the same price I could have opted for the pre-designed flight.  The wines I chose included:  Proprietor’s Reserve Cabernet Franc, Naughty Apple Michigan Hard Cider (new), Cherry Wine, Last Harvest Riesling and Nice Red.

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At the time of my tasting, there were twenty-four wines as well as six brandies and dessert wines.  My first choice was the Proprietor’s Reserve Cabernet Franc 2012 retailing at $26 per bottle. It was described as “rich with red berry flavors and is robust but not aggressive”.  My next selection was a new product listed as a semi dry wine, the Naughty Apple Michigan Hard Cider.  It was created from Michigan Golden Delicious and Gala apples.  It was such a light tasting wine and not as dry as I had expected.  I bought a bottle to enjoy that evening which cost me only $12.

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Wine Sample number three was Cherry Wine, which was appropriate as Michigan is the Cherry Capitol of the Nation.  I had to buy a bottle of this to enjoy at a later date, especially for hanging out by the pool on a hot day.  This wine was another great buy for only $10.  The winery suggests having this wine with pork, chicken, beef, salads and sunny days.

Before ending my tasting with the Nice Red, I selected the Late Harvest Riesling ($16).  I was drawn to this wine by the description it was given…it is “sweet, but it has something a lot of sweet wines don’t have – acidity to give it backbone and structure. The nose is lively lime, honeysuckle & Gala apples. The palate is light-bodied but the fruit & acidity are lively & the sugar & alcohol give a little viscosity to it”.  They suggest drinking this wine with spicy Asian dishes and fruited desserts.

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My last wine was the Nice Red ($10), which was served chilled.  It is a “fruity, semi-sweet wine made from a blend of the first red grapes.” It was an excellent selection to round out my tasting and I learned that it could be served with most any type of food…I had to buy a bottle.   Three fabulous wines for just a little over $30.

I was sad to leave Chateau Chantal, but I had made plans for lunch. Just as customary with most wineries, the venue can be rented out for special occasions and events.  In addition there is a bed and breakfast on the grounds, perfect for a long weekend stay.

What do you think of the wineries in Michigan? I would love to hear your recommendations or to hear about your experience at Black Star Farms or Chateau Chantal.  Please leave a message below in the comments section. Many thanks for reading about my visit to some of the amazing wineries in Michigan and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Black Star Farms
360 McKinley Road
Traverse City, MI  49686
Telephone:  231 944 1270

Hours of operation are seasonal, so check out the website to confirm when the winery is open.

Visit the Heart and Vine cafe for simple meals which are absolutely delicious!

Chateau Chantal
15900 Rue de Vin
Traverse City, MI  49686
Telephone:   231 223 4110

Hours of operation are seasonal, visit the website to confirm when the winery is open.

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The Vineyard at Black Star Farms

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The Wine Press at Chateau Chantal

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2019 Travel and Blog Schedule for The Suite Life of Travel

5 January 201927 July 2024

2019 will be my busiest travel year to date….and I can’t wait!  So many opportunities that I could not pass up, so they are booked and I am counting down the days!

Belize:    Port of Belize, Xunantunich, Scuba Diving

China:    Beijing, Tiananeman Square, Imperial Palace and the Forbidden City, tri-shaw rides, hutongs, Zhangjiajie (the land of Avatar), Tianzishan Ten Miles Natural Gallery highway, Bailong Elevator, Tianmen Mountains, Gui Gu Plank Road, Highway to Heaven, Tianmen Fairy Fox Show,  Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and the glass-bottom bridge, Baofeng Lake,  Chengdu,  Jinli Ancient Street, Qing Cheng Mountains, Dujiangyan Panda Valley, Panda Conservation,

Egypt:   Cairo, Giza Plateau and the Pyramids, the Sphinx and Valley Temple, Khufu Ship, Camel Rides, Cairo Museum, Khan El Khalili (Souk), Felucca Ride and Belly Dancing; Nile Cruise starting in Luxor, Luxor, Karnak Temple, Thebes and the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Ramesses III, Dier El Madina,  the Locks of Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples, Aswan and the High Dam, Philae (the most beautiful temple in Egypt, Coptic Cairo, Sakkara and diving in Alexandria.

Honduras:   Port of Honduras, Altun Ha, Scuba Diving,

Israel:   Qumran,  Caesarea Maritima, The Dead Sea,  Masada, Mount Arbel, Capernaeum, Mount of Beatitudes, Church of the Fish and the Loaves, Sailing the Sea of Galilee, Cana, Nazareth, Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemene, Sepphoris, Mount Zion and the Upper Room, Jerusalem, David Center in Jerusalem, Southern Wall Excavations and the Teaching Steps, The Western Wall, Pool of Bethesda, The Via Dolorosa, The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, The Temple Mount, The Garden Tomb, Ein Karem, Nebi Samuel, Valley of Elah

Mexico:  Cozumel, Cancun, Chitzen Itza, Tulum, Cenotes, Underwater Park

United States: 

California: Yosemite, Napa, John Muir State Park, Hearst Castle, San Francisco, Sausilito

United States: 

Connecticut:  East Haddam, Gillette Castle, Mystic, Hartford

United States: 

Michigan:  Upper Peninsula:  Soo Locks, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Pictured Rocks National Seashore

United States:

Ohio:  Cincinnati,  Bellefontaine, Dayton, Greenville, Yellow Springs, Ohio Wines

United States:

Louisiana:  New Orleans

What travel plans await you in 2019?  I would love to hear about them, so list your future adventures in the comments section below!  Wishing you an amazing 2019 and lots of Happy Travels!

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Featured Ohio Winery: Barrel Run Crossing Winery & Vineyard

18 June 201817 September 2024

It was a beautiful spring day and I had set out for Barrel Run Crossing Winery & Vineyard to sample wine on the Canal Country Wine Trail.  The tree branches were just beginning to bud with new leaves as I approached the winery.  I had stopped short of a set of railroad tracks ahead in rural Rootstown, Ohio.  Stepping through the arbor, I entered the beautiful white farmhouse turned winery.

What was once a family farm over the last four generations, is now a vineyard with French-American hybrids.  These varietals, known to successfully grow in the climate of Ohio, are cold-hardy vines and resistant to disease. Barrel Run Crossing planted their first crop in 2008 with a selection of grapes to include Corot Noir, Frontenac, Frontenac Gris, Marquette, Noiret, St. Pepin, Traminette and Vidal Blanc.

Excited to sample a few wines, I studied the menu and soon realized the selections were cleverly themed around the railroad.  The $9.95 BRX Wine Tasting flight included a choice of five wines and a customized wine glass to take home.  Hardly noticing the description of the wines, I based my decision solely on the names starting with Locomotion, Engine Number 5, Tipsy Conductor, Off the Tracks and All Aboard.

Locomotion was labeled as a dry white blend of Chardonnay, Traminette and Vidal, a new crafted wine recently added to the menu.  The combination of estate grown varietals with the Chardonnay was the perfect balance resulting in a nice, smooth finish which could find myself easily pairing with a white sauce pasta.

“A True Ohio Dry Red Blend Wine with Cherry Notes and Blackberry and Plum Aromas” adequately described the Engine Number 5.  I enjoyed the subtle tart stone fruit flavors of this wine while tasting a hint of blackberry at the finish.

An estate wine, “crafted entirely from Frontenac and Frontenac Gris grown onsite”, the Tipsy Conductor is satisfyingly crisp with a lovely sweetness from a semi-sweet white.

All Aboard, was a white wine much sweeter than my previous selections.  Produced from the estate grown Vidal Blanc, I imagined this wine would be perfect on a spring or summer afternoon.

Off the Tracks, a sweet red created from the local estate Frontenac grapes is popular among Ohio wine drinkers.  The addition of blackberry juice gives this wine an added element of sweetness.

Barrel Run Crossing offers the Sugar-Luv chocolate pairing of truffles with five complementary wine samples for $7.50, every third Friday of the month.  They also host a food and wine pairing event by reservation only and encourage visitors to facilitate the space for family gatherings.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Barrel Run Crossing Winery & Vineyard?  I would be interested in hearing about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reviewing my port about my visit to Barrel Run Crossing and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Barrel Run Crossing Winery & Vineyard
3272 Industry Road
Rootstown, OH  44272
Telephone:  330 325 1075

Where to Stay:

Rocking Horse Inn
248 W Riddle Avenue
Ravenna, OH  44266
Telephone:  330 297 5720

Where to Eat:

Lil’ Paisan’s Pizzeria
4129 Tallmadge Road
Rootstown, OH  44272
Telephone: 330 325 4000

I went for the 9-inch Deluxe Supreme made with homemade pizza dough and fresh toppings.  I wished I would have ordered a larger size it was so good!

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About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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