Tag Archives: chambourcin

The Winery at Wolf Creek in Norton, Ohio

Taking the last sip of my wine sample of Space Cowboy, I noticed a group of bubbly young college students walking through the door of The Winery at Wolf Creek, dressed for a bachelorette party. They approached the tasting bar where I was enjoying a glass of wine when we struck up a conversation.  It was their first time here, so they asked what I was drinking and if I had any suggestions for what they should order.

This was their first winery experience but they were not new to wine. We discussed which types of wine they would normally purchase and I shared with them my wine list with all of my hand written notes.   I suggested that they start out sampling some of the wines before they commit to a bottle.  They agreed that the sweet, fruit wines were more their style so they started out with samples of Blue (blueberry), Original Sin (apple) and Space Cowboy (peach).

The server set them up as I took a glass of Redemption out to the patio, waiting for a pizza from Fat Boys.  Redemption is a French-hybrid blend that is light on the sweet side which I absolutely enjoy chilled.

I took a menu outside to look over the beer selection that includes craft beers from local and popular breweries as well as ciders and fruit based ales.  The Winery at Wolf Creek has a limited menu of cheeses, meat and crackers but they welcome patrons to bring their own foods to enjoy with their wines while enjoying the spectacular view.

With a few minutes to spare, I reviewed my tasting notes and information that I had collected from my server.  Distracted by the beautiful view of the Akron skyline, I noted which wines I would be purchasing before leaving the winery.

The Vignoles was my first sample which is a semi-sweet estate wine that I found had a lingering sour finish.  This having been my first experience with this wine, I was curious to learn about specific food pairings that may alter the taste of the wine and found an unusual list to include pumpkin and ginger-based foods as well as gingers snaps*.

One of the varietals grown on the estate, Vignoles is one of three grapes that make up about 80 percent of their white wine production which also includes the Pinot Gris and Leon Millot.

Peppery and smooth, the Zinfandel was my absolute favorite but having learned that the winery makes a great Cabernet Franc, I had to sample this wine as well.

Summit County provides a grape growing terrior that includes sandy loam, clay loam and gravel.  Because the climate is similar to the Loire Valley in France, this provides the potential as a perfect location for growing Cabernet Franc and Chambourcin varietals.

Switching over to sweet wines, Sweet Revenge is a beautiful Ohio rose that the winery has been making for over twenty years.  A blend of Seyval Blanc and French Hybrid wines, this crisp, delicious wine is a classic.

I am always interested in sampling the fruit wines from Ohio wineries because they have the potential to be extremely fruity or combined with grapes, have subtle notes of fruit flavor in the blend.  Blue, a semi-dry blueberry wine was rich in color as well as a little tart which I found to be an absolute lovely combination.

Original sin is the perfect name for this crisp, apple based wine, but it is Space Cowboy that wins my vote with its full peach flavor in every sip.

The sun is starting to set on this beautiful, brisk October evening. I bring myself inside where I can continue admiring the outside view from the beautiful glass windows of the tasting room.

My pizza had just arrived, so I ordered a bottle of Zinfandel, knowing that the winery can repackage the remaining wine for me to take home.

The Winery at Wolf Creek is open year around, with limited hours during the winter season.  Cellar tours are available by appointment and wine tastings are offered daily.  The winery offers a great selection of wine accessories, clothes, gift baskets and of course, wine which ranges from $14 to $24 per bottle.

The bachelorette party is going strong in the tasting room and I stop by to inquire how they enjoyed the wines.  The bride-to-be, dressed in red, mentioned that they had such a difficult selecting a favorite that they purchased one of each to enjoy with their large group.  I told her to beware of the Big Bad Wolf as I exited the winery, happy to see they were having the time of their lives.

Have you had the opportunity to visit The Winery at Wolf Creek?  Did you pack a picnic or order some food?  What was your favorite wine?  I would love to hear about your visit to The Winery at Wolf Creek if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading my post about The Winery at Wolf Creek and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Winery at Wolf Creek
2637 South Cleveland Massillon Road
Norton, Ohio  44203
Telephone:  330 665 1445

Where to Stay:

The Whimsical  Pig Bed & Breakfast
2682 South Cleveland Massillon Road
Norton, OH  44203
Telephone: 330 576 6104

Ron and Sue Bishop were absolutely lovely hosts.  The French toast for breakfast was amazing!

Where to Eat:

Wolf Creek Tavern
3044 Wadsworth Road
Norton, OH  44203
Telephone: 234 571 4531

Seated on the outside patio, I was so excited to try an order of homemade pierogis and I selected the fish and chips for my entree.

Featured Ohio Winery: Hanover Winery

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

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

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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!

Buccia Vineyard Winery Bed and Breakfast, Conneaut, Ohio

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.

Kinkead Ridge Winery and Its Bright Future

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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.

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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.

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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

Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant, Manchester, Ohio – NOW CLOSED

UPDATE:  Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant is permanently closed.

Gorgeous vineyards overlooked the Ohio River and a secluded gazebo offered privacy to guests who wanted to enjoy the spectacular scenery of Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant. Sounds of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett shared the airwaves as I waited for my wine tasting on the second story balcony with a riverfront view.  I flipped through the menu and found myself immediately drawn to this mystical place, so I read the fascinating decades of history that had eventually led to the opening of the winery.

It wasn’t long and the fifteen small pours of wine were delivered to my table.  I could smell the fruit from the wines and slushies on the tray and was so excited to start my tasting.

  • Starting out with the Chardonnay, it is a dry white with a clean finish, very smooth with a beautiful clear color; it has a slight sweet aftertaste.
  • The Vidal Blanc is an estate grown grape that is also very clear in color and I find it to be a little drier, yet smoother than the Chardonnay.
  • River Valley White is a moderately sweet estate blend that has a sweeter smell with a dry finish that lands towards the back of my tongue.
  • Merlot is full bodied with an oak taste that I absolutely enjoy.
  • Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich full bodied dry red and it is absolutely perfect for a Cab.
  • Chambourcin is an estate grown wine.
  • River Valley Red is another moderately sweet estate blend with a perfect balance of sweet and dry. It has a fruitier taste than the Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • Country Home Red is the most popular wine at Moyer Winery and Vineyard and it is a sweet red made from the Concord grape. Smelling like grape juice it has a rich, full jammy taste.
  • Blush is a semisweet with a hint of Concord, which makes this wine such a beautiful color, a light pink with a very light smell it has a floral taste at the finish.
  • Strawberry fruit wine smells just like fresh picked strawberries that I could enjoy as an after dinner drink for dessert or poured over ice cream.
  • Red raspberry is the winery’s most popular fruit wines and it has a delicious, full berry flavor.
  • Peach is light and delicate and it has a refreshingly sweet taste.
  • Strawberry sangria made my heart sing with its strawberry jam flavor that was crazy amazing.
  • Peach sangria tastes like nectar and has been created with perfection with a wonderfully rich taste.
  • Mixed berry sangria tastes like a Jolly Rancher hard candy and could drink any one of their sangrias on a daily basis (I really could!…yum).

I paid for my tasting and ordered the country home red, strawberry and peach wines and was so sad that they did not bottle their amazing sangria.  I walked the grounds of the restaurant and had permission to wander through the vineyard where they grow the winery’s estate Vidal Blanc, DeChaunac and Chamborcin grapes.

When I returned to the restaurant, I had the opportunity to meet Tom Hamrick one of several owners who discussed how he became associated with the winery and his current involvement with the restaurant.  He was happy to share with me some fun facts about the history of the property which is fascinating as you can read for yourself:

Situated on prime riverside real estate, the River By Restaurant opened in the late 1920s offering Nickelodeon music, square dancing and bootleg beer (oh yes, prohibition!).  I imagined boats tied up to the riverbank and the latest Ford model-T cars parked along the side of US 52.  Women wearing their flapper style dresses and wearing choche hats to accentuate their coiffed bob hairstyles.  While their dates are sporting slim dark suits, matching vests and a fedora hat….just a place to get together for the evening, dancing the night away.

In the mid 1930’s the barn-like structure built close to the restaurant became a training ring for amateur boxers. Cincinnati’s Ezzard Charles, a professional boxer and former World Heavyweight Champion was known to have made an appearance or two.

The restaurant would be hit hard by the flood of 1937 where six feet of muddy water made its way to the present day dining room.   By the late 1940s, the restaurant would be converted into a private gambling club called “The Top Hat” and would eventually become a truck stop in the 1950s and 60s.

Ken Moyer’s dream to become a vintner would transform the property into a winery that originally offered bean soup, French bread, cheese and of course, wine.  He later added the gorgeous deck with relaxing views of the Ohio River and his wine list continued to expand with their production of fabulous wines.  At the height of the winery’s success, the Moyers decided to sell their business.  A close group of their dear friends were entrusted to maintain the winery and restaurant with as much love and care as Ken and his wife Mary had done over the past 27 years.  From where  I was sitting, my conversation with Ken only proved that the restaurant would continue with its success.

Have you visited Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant?  Did you order dinner and try their fabulous wines?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Moyer Vineyard and wishing you many Happy Travels.  Cheers!

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What to See and What to Do:

Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant
3859 US Route #52
Manchester, Ohio  45144
Telephone:  937 549 2957

Where to Stay:

Riverhaven B&B
407 West Front Street
Manchester, Ohio  45144
Telephone:  937 549 1999

Where to Eat: 

Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant
3859 US Route #52
Manchester, Ohio  45144
Telephone:  937 549 2957

Have dinner at Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant!  I recommend the River Valley Salmon and save room for the Toasted Pecan Caramel Ball!

Photo Guide for Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant: 

  • Views of the Ohio River from the second story winery
  • Gazebo along the Ohio River
  • The Vineyards