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

9 June 202416 March 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

Where to Stay:

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

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

Where to Eat:

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

What to Read:

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

Featured Ohio Winery: Wyandotte Winery

2 June 20248 February 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

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

What to Read:

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

Photo Guide for Columbus:

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

The El Nino Wine Will Take You by Storm at A. R. Winery

3 June 202323 September 2024

All wines are not the same and Ohio wineries are learning how to ferment a wide range of products to create some of the most interesting libations in the state…including A.R. Winery.

I first noticed A. R. Winery while having dinner at Michael Anthony’s at The Inn in Versailles, Ohio. I have to admit, I was drawn to the adorable dog on the label, but when I learned it was a local wine, I was excited to try it. Supporting Ohio wines, I ordered a bottle of the “She Said Yes” a fabulous, semi-sweet wine, which paired quite nicely with the house carbonara. With plenty of time after dinner, I was eager to visit the winery and sample a few more wines.

Entering through the outdoor patio, I was immediately drawn to the winery’s laid-back, country character. Heading straight for the tasting bar, I met Russell, a co-owner of the winery (He is the R in A.R.). Russell is the wine maker and was happy to introduce me to the wines that he produces onsite. With his great sense of humor, I listened as he quickly ran through the highlights of each wine, explaining their distinct characteristics and flavors.

Angie, his lovely wife, was taking orders and serving customers on this busy night. Without missing a beat, she handled each interaction with such grace so I wasn’t surprised to learn she had been a meeting planner prior to opening the winery.

Russell is proud to point out that A.R. Winery is non-traditional as he explained that most of his wines are made from anything but grapes. With his enthusiasm, I couldn’t wait to try some of the interesting combinations he has created. I ordered a wine tasting ($5 for five) and purchased additional samples for $1 per pour thereafter.

Making wine is in Russell’s DNA. His grandfather was a winemaker back in the 1800s. He also knows the flavors that his clientele prefers and focuses on wines that sell in the Ohio region which are fruity and sweet.

Here is the selection of wine that I sampled that evening and a description of each:

Lock, Stock and Berries is a three time silver medal award winner and their most popular wine. Described as “a delicious blend of sweet blackberry, blueberry & red raspberry exploding in a mouthwatering finish. Best Chilled.” has a wonderful sweet smell and a beautiful color. Priced at $12.99 per bottle, it is the perfect summer wine on the deck.

County Fair Caramel Apple won the bronze medal at the 2016 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition. I love the fact that it is made of cider using local apples from Downing Fruit Farms and enjoyed its smooth silky taste. As the description suggests, “Let the sweet caramel & tart apple flavors take you back to the county fair!”. A bottle of this apple wine is available for $13.99.

Bluesberry is a “rich, sweet blueberry wine that has a smooth, bold and jazzy flavor. Pair this wine with your favorite tasty chocolates!” This was my first opportunity to try a blueberry wine, so I was not really sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised that it was not too tart and had a great balance of blueberry flavor.

OMB “Oh My Berry” is a strawberry wine with a nice, very light taste. Described as “rich, sweet strawberries full of flavor! This light refreshing wine has a pleasing aroma for all to enjoy!” And I couldn’t agree more, who doesn’t absolutely love the smell of fresh strawberries?

Forbidden Apple won both a gold medal and best of class awards at the 2015 Indy International Wine Competition. This wine, incredibly priced at $9.99 per bottle has a “smooth mixture of sweet apples. The taste of sweet cider turned wine will tempt your every taste bud”. I loved the perfect balance of apple and purchased a bottle to enjoy again during the fall season.

The next wine on my list was one of the most innovative of all the selections, Fortunately, there was one bottle left because it was sold out. El Loco Lime is “squeezed from fresh limes, it is a one of a kind wine! Sweet, zesty lime wine with a hint of tartness. If you love margaritas, you will love this wine!” This Bronze Medal Award winner is quite unique and it was recommended that I try it with some salt along the rim and I could have sworn I was drinking a margarita.

The El Nino Tropical will literally take you by storm. When Russell explained that with each sip I would taste a different tropical flavor, I had to admit I was a bit skeptical. Flavors of strawberry, pineapple, mango and papaya burst in tropical harmony and truly “warmed my every taste bud!” This chemical reaction is spectacular. Winning a Silver medal at the 2016 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, I had to buy a bottle to share with friends.

The next white wine holds a special place in the hearts of Russell and Angie. It was their wedding wine that they labeled “She Said Yes”. This wine is described as a “full bodied, sweet white grape wine with hints of pineapple and tropical! Toast your wedding day with this perfect wine pick!” I can see why she said yes. This is a delicious wine and perfectly priced at $11.99 per bottle.

I absolutely love the catchy names of these wines as well as their flavors. Caught Red-Handed is “a fruity, sweet Fredonia red grape wine. Amazingly flavorful! Pairs well with a variety of fruits and cheeses!” This is a wine for any occasion.

Recently released is A.R. Winery’s Back In Blanc. Made from the Diamond grape, it is a “dry white wine with hints of crisp green apples and lemons.” I found it refreshing and is perfect for an afternoon drink on the porch.

With so many fascinating combinations of wines at A. R. Winery, it is no surprise that coming soon is their peach/peppermint bourbon barrel wine. Bourbon barrel wines seem to be popping up all over the state, so this will be quite a novel blend. I look forward to trying it at its release.

No doubt A. R. Winery caters to their customers and loves to offer unique blends of wine that are sure to please. Their outdoor seating area is fabulous and it is one of the few wineries where Ohio State University sports are televised, which is perfect for those Saturday afternoon football games. They also offer brick oven pizza which only proves A. R. Winery knows how to make their customers happy.

Have you visited A. R. Winery? Which wines did you absolutely love? I would be happy if you would let me know about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

A. R. Winery
3564 Gordon Landis Road
Arcanum, Ohio 45304
Telephone: 937 417 0565

Please consult the winery’s website for hours of operation.

Where to Stay:

Artist Junction Bed & Breakfast
6100 Routzong Road
Greenville, OH 45331
Telephone: 941 780 2490

Where to Eat:

Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe
125 N Broadway Street
Greenville, OH 45331
Telephone: 937 548 9340

Maid-Rite has been serving these amazing loose meat hamburgers since 1934. Their signature beef sandwich, the Maid-Rite is only $2.15 and can be ordered with mustard, pickle and/or onion.

You can’t stop by Maid-Rite without checking out the “gum wall”. For years, people have been depositing their chewed up gum on the wall….so very interesting.

Books to Read:

The secret town: The story of the founding of Arcanum, Ohio, by William Gunder
The Ren Faire at the End of the World, by Josef Matulich

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

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Gatlinburg, Tennessee

22 October 202020 September 2024

Having finished the hike at Laurel Falls, we decided to go into town to have lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. It would be a first time visit for my brother-in-law, Scott, who was a fan of the movie and after a hearty lunch we would wander the shops of downtown Gatlinburg.

For the first few minutes, Scott was reciting some of his favorite lines of the movie and naming all of the types of shrimp dishes we could order. Nolan said that he wanted to be Bubba Gump someday because he could eat all of the boxes of chocolate, but he wasn’t sure if he would eat the shrimp.

With a little heat, the shrimp and chicken platter was the perfect portion and served with a side of fries.

Mom was happy with her fish and chips order which arrived with a side of coleslaw and tarter sauce while Joy’s order of fried fish was served with French fries.

Dad ordered the fried shrimp and French fries and a side of gumbo to add a little spice to his meal.

Scott selected the fried chicken platter with mashed potatoes and gravy and an ear of corn.

Nolan sat perfectly patient waiting for his pizza and kept himself entertained with the restaurant’s activity book.

It didn’t take him long to finish his meal and was urging all of us to hurry up as well. He kept us entertained for a few more minutes asking his dad to tell him more about Forrest Gump, which made him laugh until he just couldn’t laugh any longer.

The movie, Forrest Gump, would win several awards to include the Academy Award for Film Editing, a Golden Globe for Best Director of a Motion Picture, the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture and the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role.

So when it comes to Nolan’s acting career, he’s going to have some big shoes to fill.

Have you ever visited Bubba Gump’s in Gatlinburg? What did you order? 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 lunch at Bubba Gump’s and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Where to Eat:

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
900 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: 865 430 3034

What to Eat:

Shrimp

An Awesome Approach to Wine Tasting…Blend of Seven Winery

30 July 201915 February 2025

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.

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.

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.

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

Grandpa’s Cheese Barn, Ashland, Ohio

28 May 201918 September 2024

Each time I travel to see my brother’s family in Butler, I pass the large white barn of Grandpa’s Cheese Barn in Ashland, Ohio. Just off of the interstate, I think about stopping, but I always seem to be in a hurry arriving to either one place or the next. This time I decided to stop for lunch and to pick up a couple of items for gift baskets.

“Grandpa” Yarman began the business with cheese, selling a portable RCA radio to purchase a wheel of Swiss. Opening a shop in West Salem, Ohio, he broadened his offerings to include smoked meats. His daughter would marry Dick Baum and expand the business selling jellies and jams, dips, chocolates and more and eventually opened a total of three Cheesebarns in Ohio.

While there are many selections available, my favorite area of the store is searching for Ohio-made items, such as honey, flavored jams and syrups, perfect for filling gift baskets.

Not only is the barn a store, but a cafe as well where you can pick up a number of deli-style items such as sandwiches, soups and snacks for lunch. The menu items are made to order or you can choose from premade selections, all served on a souvenir Frisbee.

Some of the locations also include an ice cream shop which uses whole milk to create a number of delicious flavors of ice cream and decadent milkshakes. Select locations include a candy shop named Sweeties Jumbo Chocolates for a variety of baked goods and candies. I prefer the homemade peanut butter fudge or the Buckeye Pizza with bits of Buckeye candies layered over white and milk chocolates which is an incredibly rich combination.

Of course you can’t go wrong with the cheese, which come from Ohio’s Amish Country. With close to 300 varieties of cheese (from domestic to international), it may be overwhelming to make your decision. Luckily, the Cheesebarn provides samples to help make your selection much easier.

I could spend hours at Grandpa’s Cheesebarn sampling cheeses, searching for gift items and having lunch, but I only have a couple of hours to make it back to Columbus before dark. From now on, I will stop at Cheesebarn on my to and from Butler to explore any additional items I may have missed.

Have you visited Grandpa’s Cheesebarn? What is your favorite part of the store? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to Grandpa’s Cheesebarn and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Grandpa’s Cheesebarn
668 US Highway 250 E
Ashland, OH 44805
Telephone: 419 281 3202

An Amazing Urban Winery in Mt. Orab, Ohio: Bardwell Winery – NOW CLOSED

16 July 201516 March 2025

Update: Bardwell Winery is now closed.

Located in the lovely, rural town of Mt. Orab, Bardwell Winery is also a small-town eatery with a full menu of comfort food, a welcome addition of craft beers and of course, a wide selection of wines.

Owned by Gayle and Randy Weddle, this Brown County gem is located next to a real estate business, also owned by the Weddles. I had a lovely visit with Gayle sampling a few of Bardwell’s wines and learning about the history of their winery.

My wine tasting began with a sample of their Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich, deep and red in color, the wine had an agreeable texture with a smooth finish. This wine “features velvety flavors of black cherry and oak with medium tannins”.

The Pinot Noir smelled of chocolate and was a beautiful deep purple. With a smooth silky texture, it is described as a “full body red exhibiting flavors of ripe cherry and strawberry.”

The Merlot is one of my favorite varietals, and Bardwell’s does not disappoint. I enjoyed the fruity smell of the wine and the eggplant color seemed to be a shade more dense than the Pinot Noir. A smooth wine that would perfectly pair with a medium rare steak.

The Niagara is a local grape that is described as a “semi dry white that is full of grape flavor and aroma.” I noticed that it had a sweet taste at the start yet a pleasant tart finish at the end.

The Apple Wine took me by surprise as I felt as though I was biting into a honey crisp apple. With its unique flavor, I added this wine to my list of bottles I would be taking home with me.

The Strawberry White Merlot is “crisp & tangy with bursts of fresh ripe strawberries”. I could definitely taste the berries as well as a subtle lemonade flavor and I love the pretty pink color of the wine. Another perfect wine for the summer months.

Taking my first drink of the Black Raspberry Merlot, I could smell the robust aroma of black raspberry. The bold fruit-forward flavor of this wine is offset by the subtle flavor of the Merlot.

The Blueberry Pinot Noir is a winning combination with a perfect balance of both fruit and wine.

I have learned through the process of wine tastings that I have a wide range of wines that I enjoy to include dry, semi-dry and semi-sweet reds and whites. The Moscato was one of my favorite wines at Bardwell. It had a perfect sweetness so I purchased a bottle for my sister who loves this varietal of wine.

While sipping on my last sample of wine, I had the opportunity to meet Randy, who gave me an overview of his new brews and explained that he would be introducing a few more flavors in the near future. About a year ago they began brewing their signature craft beers which include the Golden Buggy Lager, Bronco Beer and Orabian Dark.

Bardwell Winery is a hidden gem in the southwest region of Ohio offering a wide selection of wines and craft beer. You can find the winery on their Facebook Page which lists their activities and entertainment schedule. They are open each night until 10 PM and have karaoke the 1^st Saturday of each month. Whether it’s beer or wine, Bardwell Winery is the perfect place for date night or a girl’s night out.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Bardwell Winery? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Many thanks to Randy and Gayle Weddle for their hospitality during my visit to Bardwell Winery. Please note that all comments and opinions written in this post are my own.

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

What to See and What to Do:

Bardwell Winery
716 North High Street
Mt. Orab, Ohio 75154
Telephone: 513 309 0781

You can also find Bardwell Winery on their Facebook page which lists their activities and entertainment schedule! They are open each night until 10 PM and have karaoke the 1^st Saturday of each month.

Where to Stay:

Bailey House Bed and Breakfast
112 N. Water Street
Georgetown, OH 45121
Telephone: 937 378 3087

Where to Eat:

Bardwell Winery
716 North High Street
Mt. Orab, Ohio 75154
Telephone: 513 309 0781

Bruschetta is one of my favorite small plates, so I couldn’t refuse trying this tasty dish prepared by Bardwell Winery!

Country Inn Restaurant
30 Sunset Blvd.
Georgetown, OH 45121
Telephone: 937 378 2100

I was looking for a down home country meal near the bed and breakfast and found a restaurant that serves Goetta! Goetta is a meat-and-grain sausage inspired by the Germans who settled in Cincinnati and the surrounding area (in Pennsylvania they call it scrapple). I ordered the Oldenburg’s Favorite Goetta Breakfast which included two large eggs (over medium), and Oldenburg’s favorite recipe homemade Goetta, home fries and made-from-scratch butter milk biscuits with real butter and strawberry preserves. Yum!