Award Winning Wines at Henke Winery and Restaurant, Cincinnati

11 June 201817 September 2024

Spending the day in downtown Cincinnati, I made a quick visit to my old neighborhood on the west side of the city. Entering Henke Winery and Restaurant, I was surrounded by several wine awards as well as the yummy smell of garlic coming from the kitchen. Sounds of Paul Simon were streaming over the intercom, I could not wait to start my wine tasting and fill up on some amazing pasta.

Escorted into the tasting room, I could not help but notice the beautiful bay window with an urban view of the historic Cincinnati neighborhood town of Westwood. The room was bright, cheery and I found a small table by the bar. While waiting for a few moments, I took the liberty to explore the various wine displays and familiarize myself with the wines I would be sampling.

Established in 1996, owner and vintner Joe Henke has a well-founded approach to his winery and restaurant. With his focus on passion, quality and pride, it is no surprise that awards adorn the walls of the rooms, providing recognition for a large number of his wine blends, using a wide variety of grape varietals. Joe began making wine as a hobby and for nearly 25 years, he has turned his passion into a living. Ohio now boasts over 300 wineries, yet when Joe first started there were a total of 36.

I am excited to be working with Clay, one of the sommeliers at Henke, to assist me with my wine tasting. I am offered seven wines for a nominal cost of ten dollars, which includes the beautifully etched glass as a souvenir.

The Chardonnay is made from grapes grown in the Appalachian region, aged six months in American Oak barrels with a hint of apple, pear, butter and lemon flavors. The color of the wine is a very light lemon shade, served warm, which I rather enjoyed. I could taste the buttery flavors and agreed that there was a low acidity, which gave the wine a very smooth texture. This wine is sold for $6.25 per glass or $14 per bottle to take home.

Bottled in a beautiful blue container, the Vidal Blanc is a white wine made from grapes in the Ohio Valley. Stored in stainless steel containers, this is a sweeter wine with flavors of apple, grapefruit and pineapple. The taste of pineapple is stronger than the other fruits and the acidity of the wine can be tasted at the back of my tongue. It was served chilled and I found it to be quite refreshing. This wine can be purchased for $5.50 per glass.

Winning the Gold Award this year, the Cellar Blush is Henke Winery and Restaurant’s best seller. I love the beautiful peach hue to the wine and the smell is heavenly. Served chilled, it is a sweeter wine with flavors of kiwi, apricot, bubble gum, strawberry with an apple finish, which is what I adore about this wine. This is a rosé, sweet blush wine that sells for $11 per bottle and $5.50 per glass.

The Cabernet Franc has a perfect blend of flavors that include vanilla, blackberry and black cherry resulting in a full body taste. Spending 12 months in new neutral oak barrels, this wine is perfect with steak. The alcohol content of this wine is 15.5% and I can taste the blackberry on the top of my tongue. It is a drier red and as I continue my tasting, there is a wonderful tang of cherry that lingers as well. This wine has won several awards over the last few years both in Indianapolis and Ohio.

Red Zinfandel is one of my favorite wines, so I was looking forward to trying the CinZin. Henke Winery has been making this fabulous wince since the early 2000s and they have definitely perfected it. With flavors of raspberry, prune, raisin and blackberry jam, this amazing combination gives the wine a fruity taste with a spice that hits you at the back of the tongue.

Sadly, I am nearing the end of my wine tasting as I eagerly await the Cabernet Sauvignon. Clay mentions that this wine is similar to the Cabernet Franc in regards to the processing, but only 15.2% alcohol content and no residual sugars.

A glass of Merlot was one my early red wines of choice and this was my next selection. Made from Amador grapes grown in California, this wine exhibits flavors of nutmeg, vanilla, cherry and strawberry. It also has a nutty flavor with a hint of raisin. This wine is divine and rates high above most of the Merlots I have ever tasted.

Throughout this wine tasting, I have enjoyed savoring every drop of wine in my glass and I am down to my last sample, the Vendange a Trois. This wine is a 10% blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, while the remaining 80% is Merlot. With aromas of black cherry and violets, this is a softer wine with an alcohol content of only 13.7%.

There are so many reasons to like Henke Winery, not to mention the fifteen amazing wines they produce. The wine tasting experience is formal and carried out with such precision. I enjoyed the professional manner in which Clay provided me with such in depth information about each wine and gave me plenty of time to enjoy each sample.

I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting Joe Henke, the owner, who has been producing award-winning wines for over twenty years. Prior to opening the winery and restaurant, Joe worked at Mallinkrodt Tool Company, but I could see that he was in his element, greeting customers, visiting tables and noticing how happy he was to talk about his wines. His passion for winemaking extends to ensuring that each patron has a fabulous winetasting experience.

I was fascinated to learn that each year, Henke Winery hosts a cork contest called “The Window Garden”. On display are various objects of artistry that have been created out of corks and some of them are unbelievably outstanding.

I recommend visit Henke Winery and Restaurant for a fabulous winetasting experience and delectable meal. I absolutely enjoyed my visit and was happy to learn that their products can also be found at Cincinnati’s Jungle Jim’s International Market in Fairfield. Henke Winery exceeded my expectations and I look forward to visiting here again soon.

Have you visited Henke Winery and want to share your experience? I would love to hear which wines rank high on your list, so leave a message in the comments section below! Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Henke Winery and Restaurant
3077 Harrison Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45211
Telephone: 513 662 9463

Visit their website for additional information about their wines, weekend entertainment and future special events.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express West
5505 Rybolt Road
Cincinnati, OH 45248
Telephone: 513 574 6000

Where to Eat:

Henke Winery and Restaurant
3077 Harrison Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45211
Telephone: 513 662 9463

For a starter, I selected the Awesome Pan Seared Cheese and ordered the Center Cut Yellowfin Tuna as my entree. Henke makes their own Ricotta Tortellini which is exceptional!

More of My Favorite Places to Eat:

Skyline Chili: My go-to meal at Skyline is the 4-way chili with onion served with oyster crackers and hot sauce. I always pick up two York peppermint patties after cashing out. Cincinnati chili is a beef based sauce served over spaghetti noodles and cheese. Additional toppings include onions and beans.
LaRosa’s Pizza: A local chain pizzeria, this Sicilian style pie is made with a sweet crust and sauce. My favorite menu item is the Caprese pesto Flatbread Pizza.
Graeter’s Ice Cream: It’s the French Pot process that makes Graeter’s Ice Cream so decadent and rich. Towards the end of the process, they pour chocolate into the mix creating large chunks of yummy goodness.
Montgomery Inn BBQ: Visiting the original Montgomery Inn BBQ at the boathouse is a culinary and scenic experience. Their ribs are served with a sweet and tangy sauce that has since made them the “Ribs King” and a favorite among locals. Load up on their amazing BBQ flavored Saratoga chips,
Glier’s Goetta: While it looks like a slab of corn beef hash, this breakfast staple is made of sausage and oats, cooked until crispy. Most breakfast restaurants carry it as a side, especially the local cafes and diners.
BonBonerie: One of the most decadent pastry shops in Cincinnati, their rich confections are absolutely amazing.

Where to Drink:

Moerlein Lager House
115 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 421 2337

Books to Read:

Eligible: A Modern Retelling of Pride & Prejudice, by Curtis Sittenfeld
Running, by J.T. Cooper
Dead Witch Walking, by Kim Harrison
Beloved, by Toni Morrison
Double Dutch, by Sharon M. Draper
Romiette and Julio, by Sharon M. Draper

Photo Guide for Cincinnati (as provided by Chris Thompson on FourSquare):

The John A Roebling Suspension Bridge
- Pick a spot near the Covington pier and shoot north toward the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunset and underexpose by a few stops to get the lights just right.
- The new lights on the bridge create excellent stars when you photograph them using a narrow aperture (~f/16 and above) on your camera. That means you’ll need a longer exposure (and thus a tripod).
General James Taylor Park
- Shoot from the top of the flag pole mound to get more building reflections in your shot. Shoot at sunset or sunrise for great lighting.
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
- Arrive first thing in the morning when the sun is coming up
The Fountain at Fountain Square
- For great photos of the fountain: set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure (2-5 seconds) to capture the running water. Get Carew or the colored lights above Rock Bottom in the background.
Fountain Square (look for reflections in puddles)
Celestial Restaurant in Mount Adams – The restaurant is now closed, but you may still be able to use the parking lot.
Carew Tower Observation Deck
- Provides some neat photos of the highways snaking around the city. Set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure to get moving car trails. It’s only open at sunset a few days each year.
Engine Company 46, 2733 Erie Avenue (at Michigan), Cincinnati
- One of the most beautiful historic firehouses in all of Cincinnati. The firefighters here are used to having their photo taken while they work. Ask nicely and you can get some cool shots.
Cincinnati Observatory Center
Krohn Conservatory
Great American Ball Park
- Shoot the front of the stadium around sunset to get a nice color blue in the sky. Get one of the player statues in your shot for extra effect.
Devou Park
- The overlook next to the Drees pavilion affords a great view of the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting. Underexpose slightly to get the city lights just right.
Newport Central Catholic for fireworks
- Shoot the Riverfest fireworks from this location. Bring a long lens and a tripod. You’ll want a long-ish exposure (5-10 seconds) to capture the bursts, but make sure the skyline isn’t overexposed.
Riverfront Park
- The colorful fountains make a great subject, but you need to use a relatively fast shutter speed (>1/20 or so) to catch the lights before they change color, leaving your pic with plain white lights.
American Sign Museum
- Be sure to bring a tripod to capture all the signs. Manual white balance is the way to go, because there are so many crazy colors of lights that your camera won’t know how to react.

Buccia Vineyard Winery Bed and Breakfast, Conneaut, Ohio

4 June 201817 September 2024

It was harvest time for grapes in Ohio, and with so many vineyards, I planned to spend a weekend exploring some of the more established wineries around Ashtabula County. Traveling as far northeast as possible, I found the little town of Conneaut, the home to Buccia Vineyard Winery Bed and Breakfast, a vineyard with a charming bed and breakfast.

Joanna and Fred Buccia have been tending to their vineyard since the 1970s and I looked forward to sampling a broad representation of this region’s wines. Resting under an arbor of grapes above me, Joanna picked a few grapes for me as she sat down at the picnic table eager to tell me more about the history of grape growing around this area. She reminded me that the weather in May was cold and while July and August were unusually hot, the harvesting of grapes would come early this year.

From dry and full bodied Cabernet Francs to the semi dry Lake Erie blend of Reflections, there seemed to be an endless selection of premium wines and new grapes of which I had never heard. For example, the Baco grape produces a wonderful red wine that was dry, smooth, with a minimum acidity while the Chambourcin, a French-American hybrid that thrives in the cold temperatures, producing a red wine with a higher acidity and low tannins.

Many of the wines at Buccia Vineyard are made from the grapes that they grow on the property, called estate wines, while the remaining grapes and juice come from Chile, Argentina and California. My next sample was the Seyval, another French hybrid that is grown mainly to produce white dry wines.

A small group of four unloaded out of an early model station wagon. Inquiring if they could try a few of the wines, they also asked if they could stay the night at the bed and breakfast. Joanna excused herself from our conversation and tended to the visitors as I overheard Fred tell them that the winery was for sale.

Enjoying the relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by vines full of grapes, I continue sampling the Vignoles and another new wine for me, the Agawan that has “fruity start with an herbal finish”. Rounding out my wine tasting, I poured a small taste of Reflections, a red blend made from the “best of Lake Erie grapes”, then took my last sip of Maiden’s blush, a sweet wine combined with the juices of local blueberries.

Joanna returned after setting up her new guests in one of the four rooms at the bed and breakfast. She gave me a quick tour of the property and showed me the available rooms with quiet decks, hot tubs and fireplaces. I listened to the faint sounds of Jimmy Buffett coming over the radio as I gave Joanna my list of remaining sites I planned to visit in Conneaut. It was a lovely summer day and I had the beautiful shores of Lake Erie to explore.

Have you visited Buccia Vineyard? Did you have a favorite wine? 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 to Buccia Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Buccia Vineyard Winery Bed and Breakfast
518 Gore Road
Conneaut, Ohio 44030
Telephone: 440 593 5976

Where to Stay:

Stay at the Buccia Vineyard Winery Bed and Breakfast or there are several options along the Lake Erie seashore.

Where to Eat:

Biscotti’s Restaurant
186 Park Avenue
Conneaut, OH 44030
Telephone: 440 593 6766

Serving Italian cuisine, I ordered the Medallions Gorgonzola Alfredo to try their homemade Alfredo sauce, so rich and delicious.

A Photographic Review of My 2017 Travel Blogs

5 January 201816 September 2024

I have had so much fun writing about my many travels that took place in 2017 and past travel as well. Here is an overview of my blog posts for this past year. Don’t forget to select the link to check out more photos and additional information regarding each attraction. Enjoy!

Indonesia: Bali

Kuta Beach

An Evening Stroll Along Kuta Beach

North Bali

Ulun Danu Temple: The Most Photographed Temple in Bali

Mexico: Cabo San Lucas

El Arco in Cabo San Lucas

Mexico: Mazatlan

The Port of Mazatlan, Mexico

Mexico: Puerto Vallarta

A Port Day in Puerto Vallarta

Turkey: Istanbul

Hagia Sophia

The Facade of the Hagia Sophia

United States: Arizona

The Grand Canyon

The Colorado River Runs Through the Grand Canyon

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Indian Settlement at Montezuma Castle National Monument

The Painted Desert

The Spectacular Colors of the Painted Desert

Rawhide

Rawhide, Arizona

United States: California

San Diego

Spectacular California Sunset

Sebastiani

An Amazing Visit to Sebastiani

Viansa Winery

Acres of Vineyards in Sonoma, California

United States: Colorado

The Rocky Mountains

Camping in the Rocky Mountains

United States: Louisiana

Mardi Gras

Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans

New Orleans: Black & White Photos

The Old Absinthe Bar

United States: Ohio

The Farm Restaurant in Adena

Enjoying a Fabulous Dinner at The Farm

The Merchant House

Enjoying a Fabulous Dinner at the Merchant House

The Old Arcana Restaurant

The Bourbon Praline French Toast

Cincinnati: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Columbus: Inniswood

Having Fun with my New Camera

Columbus: Ohio Village

Celebrating 100 Years of Beatrix Potter at Ohio Village

Springfield:

Farmer’s Market

The Historical Springfield Farmer’s Market

Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright

The Westcott House

Clifton Mill Lights at Christmas

Gorgeous Holiday Lights in Clifton

Ohio Wineries:

United States: Tennessee

Nashville’s Belle Meade Plantation

Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville

United States: Washington DC

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

United States: West Virginia

New River Gorge

Floating down the Lower Gauley at the New River Gorge

I hope you enjoyed checking out all of my travels and post-related photos for 2017! I look forward to seeing what 2018 brings! Happy New Year!

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

Kinkead Ridge Winery and Its Bright Future

8 September 201716 September 2024

Located in downtown Ripley, Kinkead Ridge Winery is an urban winery that has been producing exceptional wines over the last few years. I had the opportunity to meet the new owners, Dr. Don Bowers and his wife Anna Marie, during a wine event over the Memorial Day weekend.

Dr. Bowers provided me a list of his wines that included a detailed description. I began my tasting with the 2014 Lowell Marie Pinot Gris. “A nose of pear and melon is followed by a hint of fruity sweetness blending melon and pears with a rapidly developed crispness and a late burst of citrus rinds. The finish brings to mind Meyer lemon and shows a light minerality. A fine partner with hors d’oeuvres and milder cheeses, this wine will compliment seafood, white fish and mild chicken dishes. Serve chilled.”

The 2015 Lowell Marie Viognier Roussanne “opens with sweet white blossoms on the nose with a hint of honey. The style is off dry with pineapple and apple flavors from the Viognier (grapes) and mild citrus form the Roussanne (grapes). A relaxing refreshment by the glass, it would be enhanced by sharp, dry cheeses and cured meats. It will pair well with meals of chicken, veal or mild pork featuring creamy sauces and with shellfish especially seared scallops. The alcohol content is 15% while the residual sugar measures at 1.5%. The wine is 70% Viognier and 30% Roussanne.”

The 2014 Roussanne Viognier seemed much sweeter than the Viognier Roussanne, which is the perfect wine for me as I am beginning to learn more about the drier white wines. “This wine begins with orange blossom and flint of the nose revealing the Viognier. The flavor is pineapple with hints of tobacco and a bracing mouthfeel. The mixed herbal note and the distinct finish of lime zest gives voice to the Roussanne. This Rhone style white wine will complement aromatic cheese and salami, sausage and specialty hams and will being a bracing crispness to rich chicken and veal dishes, enrich scallops, cream sauces and pasta with shellfish.” A bottle of this wonderful wine is $14.99.

My last sample of white wine was the 2015 Lowell Marie Sauvignon Blanc Semillon. “This nearly equally partnership of two classic Bordeaux white varieties starts with aromas of lemon and green apple notes. Reflects a surprising smoothness that would enhance soft creamy cheeses, nuts and succulent cherries, figs or plums. This full bodied wine complements oysters, prawns, clams, flaky white fish, grilled salmon or tuna as well as chicken or veil. Serve gently chilled”, this bottle is available for $13.99 per bottle. I am a huge fan of seafood, so I purchased a bottle so that I could try it with my favorite grilled salmon recipe.

The 2014 River Village Cellars Traminette is a semi-sweet “captures the sweet fragrances of warm evenings, of honeysuckle and wild rose, of water lilies and lavender. …Like its parent, Gewurztraminer, this wine stands up to the fiery spices of Asian cuisine but this year’s vintage was a bit softer and sweeter for sipping…Serve chilled.” I enjoyed the spicy aftertaste of this wine which comes from the flavors of nutmeg, rose and star anise.

Described as a “New World hybrid grape with a pronounced character reminiscent of Gewirtztraminer from Alsace”, this wine was made from Traminette grapes provided by McCafferty Bridge Vineyard and has a very light flavor and fruity aroma.

Before moving on to the red wines, I enjoyed sampled some of the complimentary cheese and crackers provided by the winery. Since I love the dry reds, I was so excited to sample the Merlot, a 2014 Lowell Marie. Described as “light bodied and immediately drinkable, it is an early release especially well-suited for refreshing summer drinks and Sangrias as it doesn’t overpower fresh fruits and takes will to a bit of sweetness and sparkle. It also complements lighter outdoor meals and picnics and could be lightly chilled.” It is perfectly priced at $10.99 per bottle.

Kinkead Ridge’s 2013 River Village Cellars comes from the Chambourcin grapes also produced by McCafferty Bridge Vineyard. It is “full-bodied, deep-colored with notes of cassis, berry fruit and plum.” This wine is perfectly paired with “beef, lamb wild game and richly flavored cheeses”. Barrel aged nine months, the retail bottle price for this wine is $11.99. I enjoyed the taste of this wine and loved the aromas of stone fruit.

One of my favorite wines at Kinkead Ridge was the 2013 Estate Bottled Petit Verdot. “Hand harvested…, this intensely-colored dark purple tannic complex wine displays a fragrant nose with tones of violet and leather. Small-lot fermentations with hand punch-downs and classic small scale winemaking techniques were used to create this wine. Aged in premium French and American oak, one can enjoy this wine with beef, lamb or wild game. Tasting this wine will leave you wanting more!” A bottle of Petit Verdot can be purchased for $24.99 and is well worth the price.

Kinkead Ridge boasts two Cabernets and I enjoyed both of these wines immensely. The Sauvignon is “hand-harvested…, this wine is dark ruby red, well structured, and complex displaying classic Cabernet aromas of cassis, plum and black cherry. The process for creating this wine were similar to the winery’s Petit Verdot, also aged in premium French and American oak.” This excellent wine has a lovely, smooth texture.

The Cabernet Franc, bottled in 2013 was also “hand-harvested…this wine’s fragrant aromas of violet and black cherry precede a taste of full-bodied, richly flavored complexity, with raspberry and spice overtones.” This wine is perfect with “beef, turkey, pork and rich stews.”

During my visit, I had the opportunity to discuss the future of Kinkead Ridge’s Winery with new owner Dr. Don Bowers. He is a medical doctor by trade and since I work in the pharmaceutical industry in research and development, I found the explanation of his wine-making techniques to be very interesting…after all, it is all about chemistry. Dr. Bowers and his family are very involved in the day to day process of wine making. Having purchased Kinkead Ridge, the established winery has a long list of venues where their wines can be purchased and the owners have plans for expansion. I look forward to visiting the winery again in the future and continue to follow the winery’s success.

Have you had the opportunity to try some of the fabulous wines produced by Kinkead Ridge Winery? I would love to hear about your favorite wines and your experience with the winery if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

I would like to thank Dr. Don Bowers and his family for their time and hospitality during my visit!

What to See and What to Do:

Kinkead Ridge Winery
904 Hamburg Street
Ripley, Ohio 45167
Telephone: 216 551 9093

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

Cohearts Riverhouse
18 N. Front Street
Ripley, OH 45167
Telephone: 937 392 4819

Delicious burger with a fabulous view of the Ohio River!

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

Cheering Myself Up at Brandeberry Winery

25 June 201716 September 2024

“Wine cheereth God and Man” is a Proverb posted on the wall of the Brandeberry Winery and I could not agree more. Having spent the afternoon in the charming village of Yellow Springs, I was happy to visit this lovely winery in nearby Enon.

It was a beautiful country drive to the winery where I easily found the entrance into the tasting room. I immediately noticed the impressive display of awards that hung from the wall and was greeted by the winemaker himself, Jim Brandeberry. He is an extremely smart, soft-spoken man with a passion for wine who was eager to share with me the history of Brandeberry Winery and the wines that he produces.

There are several award winning wines on the tasting list and I had the opportunity to try a few of them. While I made my selection, I read through the descriptions and noticed the many accolades. From Bronze medals to Double Gold, there were also a few that held the honor of the Ohio Quality Wine Award. I decided that I would choose six wines so that I could keep the complimentary glass. Most of the samples cost $1.00, with the exception of the Reserve Premium Syrah and the Polar Crush Ice Wine which are $1.50.

My first selection was IKE, a dry white table wine. This wine was originally named after Hurricane Ike, whose strong winds reached the Midwest region in 2008. It was during that time that a stray cat found his way to their front door and made the winery his home. “Ike” immediately became a part of the family and was a favorite resident among the winery’s guests.

I was happy to see a wide selection of sweet wines, which are popular varietals produced in Ohio. The remaining samples that I selected just happened to fall under this category and I was ready to try the Sweet Mingo. It too is named after one of the Brandeberry’s beloved pets and is a grape wine with natural peach flavors. Mingo is a sweet little black and white dog that the family rescued when he was just four months old. For the past three years he has been seen hanging around the winery greeting customers and adding to the wine tasting experience. The Sweet Mingo was definitely one of my favorites wines.

I could not resist sampling the blackberry wine, made from 100% blackberry juice. It was no surprise that this was a silver medal award winner.

Pink Passion is a delicate wine made from a blend of Cayuga grape and cherry wines. This beautiful pink wine is absolutely delicious.

The cherry truffle is a blend of cherry and grape wine with a flavor of chocolate and of course I had to try the Polar Crush Ice Wine. Made from the Vidal Blanc grape, Polar Crush has an elegant peach color and tastes just as sophisticated.

After my wine tasting, Mr. Brandeberry provided me with an impromptu tour of his production room, which was quite impressive. I enjoyed learning about the technology and science that goes into creating wine. Although he is an engineer by trade, he explained the process in a language I could understand. I admire his passion for making wine and great sense of humor.

Brandeberry Winery provides live music, holds several events and caters to private parties. One of their most popular events is the Annual Dogtober Fest where patrons bring their dogs dressed up in their favorite Halloween costumes. On occasion, the winery will also host release parties to introduce their new wine creations. This summer they will release a new wine titled “Party Girl”. I had the pleasure of seeing a draft of the label and it is going to be spectacular.

In addition to the wines, what I love about Brandeberry Winery is its support of the community and local charities. When their wine, Sweet Mingo was first released, the winery dedicated a percentage of its sales to aid their local Humane Society, an organization dedicated to help stop animal cruelty and suffering. They are also supporters of Honor Flight Dayton which is “dedicated to honor the service and sacrifices of [war veterans] and their friends”. This organization raises money to transport World War II veterans to Washington DC to honor them and offer them the opportunity to explore our nation’s Capitol.

Brandeberry Winery recently hosted an event, The Red Affair, on Saturday May 28, 2016 from 12PM to 10PM as both a release party for its latest wine and a benefit for Honor Flight Dayton. The winery’s latest creation is a dry blackberry merlot, “Not Your Mother’s Red”, an honorable tribute to the memory of Jim’s mother, Virginia Brandeberry. I felt privileged to try a sample during my visit and wished it had been available for sale. For each bottle sold, Brandeberry Winery donated $5 per bottle to Honor Flight. The event was a success with patrons dressed in 1940’s costumes to celebrate this new vintage while supporting a great cause.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Brandeberry Winery? I would love to hear about your experience and what wines you enjoyed, so if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below, that would be great! Cheers!

To learn more about Brandeberry Winery and their fabulous charities, visit their website at www.brandeberrywinery.com. You can purchase their wines from the winery as well as local stores such as Belmont Party Store, Wine Works and Keg & Cork. The winery also creates beautiful gift baskets for sale as well.

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

What to See and What to Do:

Brandeberry Winery
5118 W. Jackson Road
Enon, OH 45323
Telephone: 937 767 9103

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jim Brandeberry and his family for their time and hospitality during my visit. Please note that all comments provided were based solely upon my own opinions and experience.

Hours: For Fall (September to December), the winery is open from 12 PM to 8 PM on Thursday, 12 PM to 9PM on Friday and 12 PM to 10 PM on Saturday. The winery is closed from Sunday thru Wednesday. Hours are seasonal and are subject to change. Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation.
Amenities: Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, wine club, wine baskets, wine, gift shop, private 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:

Mills Park Hotel
321 Xenia Avenue
Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Telephone: 937 319 0400

Where to Eat:

Winds Cafe
215 Xenia Avenue
Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Telephone: 937 767 1144

My favorite menu is the Winds Charcuterie Plate, a selection of Winds kitchen’s pates and terrines, including imported and domestic cured meats, pickles and house condiments.

What to Read:

Not That I Could Tell, by Jessica Strawser

Photo Guide to Yellow Springs:

Clifton Gorge
Colorful, Artsy Streets
Glen Helen Nature Reserve
John Bryan State Park
Sunflower Field, located at 4625 US-68, Yellow Springs (The Tecumseh Sunflower Field)
Wall Murals
- Preparation for Life Work by Axel Horn hangs in the Yellow Springs Post Office
- Village Cyclery is the location of the oldest mural in Yellow Springs
- “Kieth’s Alley” located behind the shops on the east side of Xenia Avenue between Cory and Glen Street showcases several murals
- Winds Cafe displays one of the largest murals in town
- Ohio Silver Co. displays a beautiful painting by Maxfield Parrish
- The patio of Sunrise Cafe
- The Smoking Octopus displays the works of Sarah Dickens
- The Xenia Avenue Shops’ painting was created by local Mandy Knaul (Mandy Sue)
- Corner Cone mural designed by Pierre Nagley
- Kings Yard murals

The Lakehouse Inn and Winery, Geneva On The Lake, Ohio

18 June 201716 September 2024

The bridal party was waiting for the ceremony to begin when I entered the Lakehouse Inn and Winery. The bride was having a private conversation with her father as her bridesmaids stood in line waiting to begin the wedding procession. The groom was standing at the end of the stone platform where attendees had taken their seats for the event. The gorgeous blue lake and small sandy beach provided the perfect backdrop for exchanging vows. The view was absolutely stunning and I had almost forgotten I was visiting a winery in Ohio.

I quietly ducked into the restaurant before the festivities began. The elegant tasting bar, with its large window, looked out onto Lake Erie. As I reviewed the wine menu, the bartender listed a number of wines that were no longer available, including Red Sky, the Scarti Di Cantina and the Cabernet.

I began my tasting with the Pinot Noir, one of my favorite varietals. I enjoyed the silky texture of this wine and could taste and smell a hint of berry.

The Vino Della Casa NV, translated as the “wine of the house” is a semi-dry, light-bodied, oaky wine with a very nice finish.

Their strawberry wine was a semi-dry and had undertones of strawberries in both its smell and taste.

Just Peachy tastes exactly as it sounds. I enjoyed the smell of this wine and the light orange color that looked like a freshly picked peach.

I decided to enjoy a glass of the Pinot Noir while looking out onto the lake and although I did not have a direct view of the wedding from where I was sitting, I could not help but feel as though I was imposing. Selfishly, I was hoping for the ceremony to end soon so that I could take the path down to the beach and relax in an Adirondack chair.

By the time I had finished my Pinot, the wedding ceremony was completed and I opted for a glass of Just Peachy that seemed more appropriate for the beach. There was a light breeze and just enough cloud coverage for a comfortable summer day. I was mesmerized by the view of the lake and found it difficult to believe I was in Ohio. Far from the Caribbean, I felt like I was on island time and swore to return at least one more time before the colder temperatures invaded this tropical paradise.

Have you visited Lakehouse Inn and Winery or one of the other Ohio wineries near Geneva? I would love to hear about your favorite wines and wineries if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reviewing my visit to Lakehouse Inn and Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Lakehouse Inn and Winery
5653 Lake Road, East
Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH 44041
Telephone: 440 466 8668

Where to Stay:

The Lakehouse Inn and Winery
5653 Lake Road, East
Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH 44041
Telephone: 440 466 8668

The Lakehouse Inn and Winery offers luxurious accommodations along Lake Erie. Their cottages are situated 100 yards from the water. All accommodations include breakfast at their restaurant, Crosswinds Grille.

Where to Eat:

Crosswinds Grille
5653 Lake Road, East
Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH 44041
Telephone: 440 466 8668

During the afternoon, we enjoyed a lovely winetasting within the restaurant and ordered the Charcuterie & Salumi Board (assorted house made cured meats, pickled vegetables, local cheeses and crostini) as well as the Baked Brie (Mayfield Road brie, puff pastry, seasonal jam, candied walnuts, toast points). We ordered a bottle of wine and headed out to the beach to relax on the Adirondack chairs for an afternoon of relaxation.

For dinner, we returned for the Caprese Salad and the Wood-Fired White Pizza (garlic, four cheese blend, red onion, red pepper and chicken).

What to Eat:

Madsen Donuts
Slovenian Hot Dogs at Eddie’s Grill

What to Read:

Geneva on the Lake, A History of Ohio’s First Summer Resort, by Wendy Koile
Geneva Lake by Carolyn Hope Smeltzer

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

Featured Ohio Winery: Leisure Time Winery

12 March 201716 September 2024

Returning from the Spangler Candy Company, I decided to stop in Napoleon, Ohio to visit Leisure Time Winery where “Time for turning moments into memories!” is their motto. Cruising through the beautiful countryside of northeast Ohio, I was looking forward to sampling a couple of wines and enjoying a Saturday night of live music.

The sun was beginning to set when I arrived and I had a drive ahead of me to reach Columbus. I wished I would have set out earlier so I could enjoy the outdoor patio, but at least I was able to make it in time for the gorgeous sunset.

I made a stop at the bar to check out the selection of wines and began my tasting with Comfortably Numb, a bold red wine lightly oaked and a perfect balance of acidity. According to the wine list, this lovely red pairs perfectly well with steak and an assortment of game.

My next sample was Hocus Pocus, a semi dry, perfect blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. I thought it would be fun to have a couple of bottles in preparation for the upcoming Halloween holiday.

I decided to review the menu and learned that Leisure Time is known for their pizzas. I wanted something light and ordered the pretzels, a great choice for sampling wine.

The Lazy Daze Riesling was surprisingly delicious. More sweet than dry, it was perfect and recommended for the summer months.

The staff are super friendly and placed my order for a cheese quesadilla as I decided on my next selection from the 12 wines which are all made on site. I opted for Comfort Zone, a semi-sweet wine which was so easy to drink. A sweet blend of chancellor and concord grapes, I could have easily mistaken this generous pour as a glass of grape juice.

I learned that the wines at Leisure Time Winery are made from grape juice that they purchase from various vendors. The Wine O’ Clock, made from local Niagara grapes, was the best sample I had sipped so far. I decided to buy a couple of bottles as well as purchased a glass to enjoy while listening to the amazing local, live band.

An hour passed while enjoying the entertainment and the wine, so it was time for me to begin the trek towards Columbus. I enjoyed my evening at Leisure Time Winery and wished I had lived a little closer so that I could stay a little longer.

Have you visited Leisure Time Winery in Napoleon? What was your favorite wine selection? 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 winery visit and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to Do and What to See:

Leisure Time Winery
16982 Country Road, M2
Napoleon, OH 43545
Telephone: 419 758 3442

Open Wednesday to Friday from 5PM to 9PM and Saturday from 12PM to 9PM. (Check their website for their summer hours). They are also open Mondays and Tuesdays for art & painting classes.

The winery is located 2 miles south of State Route 24 between Defiance and Napoleon. Check out their Facebook page for the most up to date information and hours of operation.

Where to Stay:

Sauder Heritage Inn
22611 OH-2
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

Where to Eat:

Leisure Time Winery
16982 Country Road, M2
Napoleon, OH 43545
Telephone: 419 758 3442

You don’t have to travel far for good food when visiting Leisure Time Winery. With a full menu, you can order their famous pizzas, paninis, large list of appetizers and desserts. The Margherita Pizza with jalapenos is my favorite!

Featured Ohio Winery: Mon Ami Winery, now Gideon Owen Wine Company

18 June 201616 September 2024

Update: Mon Ami Winery is now Gideon Owen Wine Company

Sumptuous smells of garlic and cheese reached the table within seconds before my pizza arrived. I ordered the Margherita Pizza, a glass of Concord and the menu’s recommended wine pairing, Pinot Noir. I had just spent the Labor Day weekend exploring nearby Lake Erie’s Put-in-Bay and planned to stop for lunch at one of Ohio’s oldest and largest wineries, Mon Ami Restaurant and Historic Winery.

I arrived early passing through the Mon Ami arch to avoid the Saturday night crowd. Mon Ami’s weekend entertainment and decadent seafood buffet can leave visitors waiting hours for a table.

The dramatic façade of the winery, constructed of limestone and sand, was designed and built by George Loeb. Construction of the initial structure began in the 1850s, but was halted during the Civil War, becoming a temporary, make-shift prison for the Confederates. The building was finally completed in 1872.

The history of Mon Ami began in 1873 when a cooperation of grape growers and vintners established Catawba Island Wine Company. While Prohibition saw the closing of many Ohio wineries, Mon Ami survived by producing and selling altar wine. Generating 130,000 gallons of wine, the estate was purchased by Mon Ami Champagne Company in 1937, one of the few American wineries producing the finest champagne.

The fire of 1945 destroyed much of the upper rooms of the original winery and it was at this time, Mon Ami decided to open its restaurant, collaborating with the local Zapone family. Mon Ami continues its tradition of offering up-scale cuisine in its Main Dining room with a selection to include Alaskan crab, Prime Rib and Executive Chef specials. Sommology recommendations are listed on Mon Ami’s menu, making it easy to decide which wine to pair with one’s food order.

The Chalet offers a more casual seating environment with live Jazz on Sundays and additional entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.

I passed on dessert so that I could sample some of Mon Ami’s wine in the wine tasting room. Tasting Flights range from $5 – $7 or $1 per wine and an additional charge for dessert wines, liquors and champagne. I was so excited to sample the limoncello in additional to some of my favorite wine varietals.

Mon Ami’s spectacular collection of wines include California premium wines of Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Zinfandel in addition to their Ohio line of estate wines such as Proprietor’s Reserve Chardonnay and Cabernet, Riesling, Gewurtztraminer and Pinot Noir.

Mon Ami Winery hosts, on average, seven weddings over a weekend not to mention additional banquets and special celebrations throughout the year. From photographs in the arbor and rose garden or weddings in the wine cellar, the winery offers a wide range of on-site venues to celebrate that perfect occasion.

I inquired about the Loretta Pagnini Cooking School which features demonstrations and classes taught by Pagnini, a teaching chef who offers cooking tips, teaches a wide range of kitchen techniques. I knew that this would be a wonderful experience for a weekend with the girls.

Have you visited Mon Ami Winery? What was your favorite part of your visit? Dinner? Wine Tasting? 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 fun afternoon at Mon Ami Restaurant and Historical Winery and wishing you Many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Mon Ami Restaurant & Historic Winery
9845 East Wine Cellar Road
Port Clinton, OH 43452
Telephone: 419 797 4445

The winery is open seven days a week, but the hours differ from the Winter to the Summer season, so check their website for hours of operation. Reservations are only taken on select holidays (Easter, Mother’s and Father’s Day, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve), so it is first-come, first-served. For Holiday Reservations call 419 797 4445.

Many stores throughout Ohio carry the popular Mon Ami wines, but purchases can also be made through Mon Ami’s online store.

Where to Stay:

South Beach Resort
8620 E. Bayshore Rd.
Marblehead, OH 43440
Hotel Reservations; 419 798 4900
Cottage Reservations: 419 798 5503

Where to Eat:

Mon Ami Restaurant & Historic Winery
9845 East Wine Cellar Road
Port Clinton, OH 43452
Telephone: 419 797 4445

During the weekends, Mon Ami hosts a seafood buffet on Saturday and Sunday brunch which are both very popular. Arrive early!

What to Eat:

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

Hafle Winery in Springfield Offering a Great Selection of Ohio Wines – NOW CLOSED

11 June 201616 March 2025

Springfield, Ohio is making its mark on the Ohio wine industry with the re-opening of Haflé Winery in 2015. Many residents may remember the winery which once occupied the estate located on Upper Valley Pike in the 1970’s. For many wine enthusiasts and local residents in the surrounding area, this was a welcome comeback.

Family-owned and operated, Haflé Winery is a quaint winery and restaurant offering a unique selection of wines, as well as a full-service bar. Located in the northwest region of town, the lovely estate and winery resides in a rural setting surrounded by a dense forest of fifty acres.

There was a comfortable, cozy feeling as I entered the dimly lit wine tasting area and bar. I took a seat and placed my order for a glass of wine. I sipped on a White Zinfandel by Vista Point and began a conversation with the patrons who make Haflé Winery a weekly stop each Tuesday. With beer specials and discounts on wine, I could choose from over 40 wines available to sample before making my purchase. The best deal at Hafle is a flight of five wines (with generous pours) for ten dollars.

The wine menu was unique in the fact that it offered Ohio-made wines in addition to amazing reds and whites from all over the US. I learned from one of the customers sitting beside me that Dan Haflé, Jr., the owner, was working behind the bar. Mr. Haflé helped me choose five samples according to my wine preference and he was eager to tell me about the history of his family’s winery.

Without a moment of hesitation and while keeping up with his clients at the bar, Dan explained that it was his father, Dan Sr., who first came up with the idea of opening a winery in the late 1960s. According to Dan, his father had a friend in fellow farmer Ken Schuchter who also shared his passion for drinking wine. They would both soon turn their love of wine into a business with Haflé Winery based in Springfield and Valley Vineyards in Morrow. By 1969, Dan Sr., planted his first vines and through trial and error successfully began producing his own wine and so it was there in 1974 that the original winery came into existence. Over the next 20 years, the Haflé family would find themselves in a continuous struggle to grow grapes in the soil of this region, and by 1994, the outlook seemed bright. And just when the business was continuing to grow, the EPA presented them with another challenge. With the expansion of the winery, the EPA determined that the current sewer structure was inadequate. The Haflés would either need to pay for their own stand-alone system or connect to the city which would cost them thousands of dollars. Due to the complicated logistics and expense of the agency’s requirements, the Haflés were forced to close their doors for business in the mid-90s.

Fast forward twenty years later and Dan Haflé, Jr. has revived Hafle Winery having re-opened in 2015.

And as I sat on the edge of my seat throughout Dan’s amazing story, my flight of wine had already been poured. I chose the Vista Point Merlot, a red wine from the Napa Valley of California.

The next glass was the Dark Horse Petite Sirah (dry) from Modesto, California.

Next I sampled a local Ohio winery, the Rodeo Red (semi sweet) from the Winery at Versailles and then the Mon Ami Concord (sweet), also an Ohio wine.

My final selection was the St. James Blackberry wine (sweet) from St. James, Missouri and I determined that the Rodeo Red from Versailles was my favorite wine from the flight.

I decided to order dinner before the kitchen closed and was excited to try a thin crust pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. The specials for the night included a Cuban Sandwich ($12), Blackened Tuna Dinner for $15 and Black Bean soup.

I leisurely enjoyed my wine and soaked up the atmosphere while continuing my conversation with Dan. He explained to me that during the warmer months, the winery offers outdoor seating and scheduled entertainment. They also supply steaks and seafood that customers can cook on the grill.

It was an incredible evening of drinking wine, catching up with old friends and making new ones.

It is true that Ohio is becoming more recognized as a state producing award winning wines. In addition to the wide selection of wines, what makes Haflé Winery unique is that it holds liquor licenses to both produce its own wine as well as serve liquor in its establishment. And although outsiders may recognize Haflé Winery as a newcomer to Ohio’s wine industry, they will be surprised that it has a rich history of winemaking all its own.

Do you have a favorite winery in Ohio that you like to visit? Have you visited Haflé Winery and would like to share you experience? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about my visit to Haflé Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Haflé Winery
2369 Upper Valley Pike
Springfield, OH
Telephone: 937 399 1221

Hours: The winery is open from 5 PM to 9 PM on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 5 PM to 10 PM on Friday and 12 PM to 10 PM on Saturday. 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.
Amenities: Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, wine, gift shop, private events and weekend cookouts.

I would like to thank Dan Haflé, Jr. for his hospitality in providing me with the history of Haflé Winery and recommending some great wines!

Where to Stay:

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown
100 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone; 937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Hafle Winery’s menu offers a wonderful selection of appetizers, sandwiches, dinners and salads. The winery hosts popular weekend cookouts with live music entertainment.

More favorite Springfield eateries:

Schuler’s Donuts: Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
Simon Kenton Inn: This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue. With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
Guerra’s Krazy Tacos: One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
Salato Deli: I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
Le Torte Dolci Bakery; Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.
Mike & Rosie’s Deli: This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.

Where to Drink:

Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company: Springfield’s only brewery, Mother Stewart’s showcases nine craft beers produced onsite.

What to Read:

The Book of Springfield, Ohio, 1906, by Springfield Commercial Club
Springfield, Ohio: A Summary of Two Centuries, by Tom Dunham
Ridgewood in the Country Club District, by Tamara K. Dallenbach
Still Standing: A life of pain, adversity and perseverance, by James Cooper
Hometown Killer, by Carol Rothgeb

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:

Hartman Rock Garden
Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright House
Glen Helen Nature Preserve in nearby Yellow Springs
Heritage Center of Clark County
Tecumseh Land Trust in nearby Yellow Springs
Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio

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

Making Wine at Grape & Granary for Ohio Wine Month

4 June 201615 September 2024

Located in a small shopping plaza in one of Akron’s industrial districts is the hidden gem, Grape & Granary. Drawn to the opportunity of making my own wine, I had no idea what to expect. The thought seemed interesting and I was looked forward to learning more about the process. With a long list of wines available for purchase and production, I was a little overwhelmed, but decided to sample a few wines while reading over the instructions and information for making my own.

Selecting a table, I quickly learned that I was seated near a wedding party, They were deciding which wine to make for their reception and choosing their labels for the wine.

In front of me was a selection of several wine glasses as well as spices for dipping oils and a basket of bread. With a small fee of 50 cents per wine sample, I wanted to try a few flavors before making my purchase. I was offered a long list of wines as well as specialty blends that I had never tried before. Here is the list of wines that I sampled:

Strawberry White Merlot – delicious, great strawberry taste
Kiwi Pear – LOVE this one…it was like eating fresh pears
Sangria Zinfindel Blush – has a wonderful, fruity aftertaste
Raspberry Dragon Fruit – sweet and tastes like kool aid
Cranberry Chianti – not too tart
Strawberry Riesling – a sweet, full strawberry taste
Summer Surprise is a watermelon Jalapeno wine; the watermelon flavor breaks the heat, but I thought it was too sweet
Jalapeno Ice Wine – AMAZING! WOW! I had to buy a couple of bottles of this one! So unique!

I learned that the Peach Apricot Wine is their best seller, but they were sold out during the time of my visit.

Grape & Granary is also a distillery, so I had a list of options such as Grappa, Whisky, Brandy, Gin, Caffe Liquor or Limoncello. Since the limoncello was a dollar per sample, I simply couldn’t resist.

One of the advantages of visiting Grape & Granary is that they also provide bread and dipping oils to sample. The Herbes de Garlic Sea Salt was one of my favorite blends so I purchased a small jar for home.

During my visit, I was able to witness an engaged couple bottling wine for their upcoming wedding. They had already selected their wine from a list of prepared wine juices. Choosing the Luna Rossa, they met with the winemaker to incorporate the yeast into the juice and waited 7 weeks until it was ready to bottle. The cork is then added and later a label would be placed on the bottle after printing.

The couple selected their label which would be ready in a couple of weeks and then the process would be completed. For the particular wine they chose, the cost would be $165 which would include 28 – 30 750 ml bottles. The cost for labels was 30 cents and the bottles an additional charge.

I was so thankful for the opportunity to watch the wine making process and found it to be a fun, educational experience. The Grape & Granary sells a wide variety of wine making kits and offers orders from their online store and catalog. I decided to purchase a wine kit in hopes that I would have some success and then start a winery in Napa.

Have you had the opportunity to make your own wine at Grape & Granary or at another wine making venue? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading my post and I wish you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Grape & Granary
915 Home Avenue
Akron, OH 44310
Telephone: 330 633 7223

Where to Stay:

Country Inn & Suites
1420 Main Street
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
Telephone: 330 926 1233

Where to Eat:

Beau’s on the River
1989 Front Street
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
Telephone: 330 920 7530

I was so excited to find this amazing restaurant with a fabulous view along the Cuyahoga River. I ordered a Wedge Salad and the Caprese Flatbread for my main entrée.