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

Ohio Winery: Stone Crest Vineyard

9 March 202414 May 2025

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

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

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

Additional wines on the menu:

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

You can also check out their Facebook page!

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

On the Three Rivers Wine Trail: Rainbow Hills Winery

10 June 202323 September 2024

Driving to Rainbow Hills Winery along the winding dirt road, I could hear the sound of cicadas calling me towards the vineyards, while wooden directional signs were strategically placed along the route. Soon I approached the final bend in the road where beautiful vines greeted me with sumptuously ripe grapes.

Recognized as one of the wineries on the Three Rivers Wine Trail, Rainbow HilIs Winery resides in a beautiful rustic hideaway. With gorgeous flowers springing up throughout the landscape, and a beautiful fountain on the lawn, I was excited to sample some of the unique wines produced by Rainbow Hills.

The tasting area is to the far right, so I climbed the stairs leading up to the bar where I met winemaker, Bob. Since I was not familiar with a couple of the varietals on their wine list. he was extremely helpful in pointing me in the right direction after telling him the types of wine I prefer. He was spot on when I made my selections and I enjoyed every sample he poured as more visitors arrived for a tasting.

Rainbow Hills Vineyards is one of the oldest wineries in Ohio, established in 1988. Founded by the late Leland (Lee) Wyse and his wife, Joy, this beautiful retreat sits on an 82-acre farm that offers fabulous views and promises a getaway of solitude and relaxation.

There is ample space indoors and out for sampling the wines produced by Rainbow Hills. The rustic interior of slate floors and sandstone walls is a beautiful setting for sampling the wines created onsite. Walkways and outlooks create the perfect opportunity for a stroll through the natural beauty of the winery’s surroundings. Joy has planted four-hundred flowers producing a splendid rainbow of colors while in bloom.

Back at the tasting bar, I started out with the Drumming Grouse which is a Concord semi-sweet wine. It has a beautiful color, a slight acidity and sells for $11.75 per bottle. It is a great wine for self-proclaimed non-wine drinkers, easy on the palate and an entry into broadening one’s wine appreciation.

The Trillium was a new wine that Rainbow Hills began producing about a year ago. A blend of Vidal Blanc, Seyval Blanc and Traminette, this combination makes a lovely semi-sweet wine.

My next selection is Ares and it is a perfect wine made of Ohio Foch grapes. This full body red is high in tannins and has a lingering finish.

Bob surprised me with a sample of their Pink Champagne. Served chilled, this is made for celebrations and summer outings. I purchased a couple of bottles of the Champagne because I loved the sweet berry taste.

My final sample is White Gold and according to Bob, this was the perfect year for this wine made from sweet Niagara grapes.

As I completed my tasting, I had the pleasure of meeting Joy Wyse. As she was enjoying a glass of Ohio Chardonel, her favorite wine, I mentioned I had visited Yellow Butterfly Vineyards and learned about Lee’s contribution to this winery’s success. Many other wineries have praised Lee for his willingness to help new winemakers. I wished I could have met him.

As I was ready to leave, I noticed the winery was preparing for their summer cookout. Provided every Friday and Saturday night during the summer, visitors can select a NY Strip or Boneless Chicken Breast with side dishes. Reservations required. The winery is open all year, Monday through Saturday, while the Bed and Breakfast is available seven days a week.

I had a wonderful time visiting Rainbow Hills Vineyards and look forward to an opportunity to return when I can stay overnight. I would have loved to have explored the grounds in more detail and maybe to have had the chance to catch a glimpse of Bigfoot. Newcomerstown is said to be home to this legendary furry beast, so you never know what surprises may await you with a stay at Rainbow Hills Winery, Bed and Breakfast.

What to See and What to Do:

Rainbow Hills Winery
26349 T.R. 251
Newcomerstown, OH 43832
Telephone: 740 545 9305

Many thanks to Bob for his hospitality and assistance with my wine selection and a thank you to Joy Wyse for her generosity as well! Please note that all comments provided were based solely upon my own opinions and experience.

Where to Stay:

Rainbow Hills Winery
26349 T.R. 251
Newcomerstown, OH 43832
Telephone: 740 545 9305

Because the hours of operation are set seasonally, ensure that you check the Rainbow Hills Winery website for the most up-to-date information.

Rainbow Hills Winery is also a bed and breakfast!

Where to Eat and Where to Drink:

Rainbow Hills Winery
26349 T.R. 251
Newcomerstown, OH 43832
Telephone: 740 545 9305

Make reservations for Friday and Saturday night at 5:30 to grill your own dinner. Rainbow Hills will supply the sides which include baked potato, salad, rolls and chocolate cake for dessert.

Railroad Restaurant & Saloon
509 Main Street
Coshocton, OH 43812
Telephone: 740 575 4151

It was a day to try some fried food and I could not pass up the opportunity to try the deep fried pickles because I prefer the chips over the spears. The spicy cajun dipping sauce was the perfect condiment. I also ordered the lobster bisque which was creamy, delicious and full of lobster meat.

Featured Ohio Winery: Soine Vineyards

19 December 202218 May 2025

Update: Soine Vineyards is now R&S Vineyards

Ten minutes north of Powell, Ohio is is one of the state’s original wineries, Soine Vineyards. Family-owned and operated, Soine was established in 2003.

Traveling the rural backroads on a beautiful summer day, I approached the gravel driveway surrounded by vines. It was too early for harvest, but there appeared several clusters of grapes on each plant. So far, it was looking to be a great harvest year.

The tasting room and production center are located at the end of the drive. I parked my car and entered to find Eric preparing for a busy weekend of wine tasting. He made some time to talk with me about history of Soine, the varietals they are growing in their vineyards and poured a few small samples.

While Eric manages the winery, his parents, Tim and Sandy help with the vineyard and greet the incoming visitors. A charming and kind couple, they were preparing for several reservations that afternoon.

Voted Best in Ohio! The Winery at Versailles

17 June 202222 September 2024

Surrounded by cornfields in all directions, a white modest barn houses one of the largest producers of wine in the state of Ohio, The Winery at Versailles, the home of Rodeo Red.

Stepping inside the winery, the gorgeous, Italian farm setting is accented with oak barrels and high ceilings. The tasting room is beautifully laid out with bottles of wine and accessories displayed along the perimeter. The open-style, tasting room has exposed beams, rustic posts and several round tables covered in black table cloths.

With a history connected to Annie Oakley, this winery has over twenty-five wines available for tasting.

A young attendant provided me with a tasting menu and explained that their tastings are five one ounce samples or two ounces which also included a complimentary wine glass. The wide range of wines made my decision difficult, but I decided on a diverse selection of red and white, both dry and sweet.

I submitted my list which included the Merlot, the Darke Red, Peach Mist, Rodeo Red and the Schwaartzbeeran. Within a few moments my plastic tray arrived with the wines arranged from dry to sweet, starting with the Merlot.

Deep red and rich in color, this wine had a very robust body with a hint of oak. I imagined it would be spectacular with a juicy steak or roast. The cost of this wine is $15.99 per bottle.

Darke Red, named after the county from where it was produced, is a chilled red wine and I find it exceptionally refreshing. It is a semi-dry wine and is a “blend of Chambourcin, Chancellor and Foch (grapes) to create a rich, fruity and hearty bramble-berry and textured oak flavor”. The cost of this wine goes for $9.99 per bottle.

The Peach Mist was one of my favorite surprises on the wine list. It was tart, but had an elegant taste, similar to a sweet tart or a Smarties candy. “Well ripened juicy peaches give this sparkling wine a sweet yet soft and refreshing finish. Perfect when chilled ice cold on a hot summer day! Makes a fantastic peach Mimosa!” $13.50

Rodeo Red: This is an “all-time best seller here at the winery. Made from a blend of Concord and Niagara, this is the ultimate party wine. One of our “Celebration of Country Life” series.” Personally, all I can taste is fabulous grape juice.

Schwartzbeeren is one of The Winery of Versailles’ dessert wines and after having read the description, I had to try it. “What can you say about a wine that tastes like blackberry pie in a glass? Made from 100% blackberries, this dessert wine can be warmed, poured over ice cream, or served just as a dessert itself.”

Nothing makes me happier than learning that a business gives back to its community. I noticed in the list of wines, there are specific selections where proceeds are given to support some of the local charities. The new Freedom wine is “a sweet white late harvest Riesling blend with notes of tropical fruit and a rich honey finish”. This wine was named in honor of those men and women who have dedicated their lives and service to our country. A $2 donation will be set aside for each sale of Freedom and donated to an incredible organization, Honor Flight – Dayton. This non-profit group is dedicated to helping WWII, Korean and Vietnam war veterans and terminally ill veterans visit their national monuments in Washington DC.

A donation of $2 per bottle of Hope Whispers, a Riesling style wine with a soft pink hue, will be donated to Wayne Health Care Cancer Center in Greenville in support for breast cancer. This bottle sells for $14.99.

I was elated when I learned that Carlena Sneed, events coordinator for The Winery at Versailles, had a few moments to chat about the winery. She is a cheerful, enthusiastic young lady with a personality that lights up the room. She provided me with a brief overview of the winery’s operations, the events that they host and how much she loves working for Mike and Carol Williams, the owners.

Not familiar with the wine season, I wanted to know when Ohio grapes are harvested. I learned that the vineyards are at their peak in August or September and then shortly thereafter they are ready for reaping. Since most of the grapes for their wines are grown here, they can produce about 100,000 bottles in the course of one year. They also supply bulk juice for close to 70 wineries in the United States. Carlena mentioned that they grow the Steuben grapes that taste just like cotton candy off of the vine.

The winery hosts several events over the year. In the spring the winery sponsors an Adult Easter Egg Hunt, where there is music, wine, random prizes and items for auction. During the fall season, there is the annual Sips and Sounds event, full of wine and music. Each weekend during the summer, the Winery at Versailles holds their Thrill to Grill restaurant style meal which includes a selection of one of five meats for grilling, potatoes, vegetables and a dessert for $60 per couple. This also includes a bottle of one of the winery’s many delicious wines.

There is so much to love about the Winery at Versailles, and besides the wine, I admire the owners, Mike and Carol Williams for their strong sense of family. After their daughter moved to Ohio, the Williams’ moved from Wilcox, Pennsylvania to be closer to her and their grandchildren. They were excited to open another successful winery which brought them to their current location in Versailles, a property once owned by the aunt of Annie Oakley.

The names of some of the wines are drawn upon a horse theme or are named after one of their children or grandchildren. I was drawn to the Lucia wine, named after their granddaughter, bottled in an elegantly twisted glass container. The cute pink label is bejeweled and is perfectly designed to represent breast cancer survivors.

It is no surprise that The Winery at Versailles was voted as one of Ohio’s Best in 2016. Their wines are fabulous, the location is beautiful and the staff are outstanding. And if having one winery was not enough, Mike and Carol will be keeping busy this summer as they open The Winery at Hunter’s Valley, their newest location in Liverpool, Pennsylvania. Although the winery itself is smaller, it sits on 120 acres of vineyards along the Sesquahanah River. A four and a half hour drive from Pittsburgh, the property provides million dollar views of the river, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. As the Williams family continue to put their faith in God above all else, treat their employees like one of their own and generously give back to their community, it certainly has proven to bring them success.

If you have had the opportunity to visit The Winery of Versailles, I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Winery at Versailles
6572 OH State Route 47
Versailles, Ohio 45380
Telephone: 937 526 3232

Hours: The winery is open from 10 AM to 6 PM on Monday through Wednesday and from 10 AM to 8 PM on Thursday and from 10 AM to 9 PM on Friday and Saturday. The winery is closed on Sunday. Hours are seasonal and are subject to change. Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation and schedule of events.
Amenities: Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, outdoor seating, online shopping, wine, private events and scheduled events
Tips for Your Visit: During the nights when the winery provides entertainment, wine tastings may not be available. As always, please drink responsibly.

Where to Stay:

The Inn at Versailles
21 West Main Street
Versailles, OH 45380
Telephone: 937 526 3020

Where to Eat:

Michael Anthony’s at The Inn at Versailles
21 West Main Street
Versailles, OH 45380
Telephone: 937 526 3020

I have visited Michael Anthony’s several times and cannot bear to order anything else but the Fettuccine Della Casa, the house pasta cooked with crispy bacon, peas, Parmesan cheese and cream. The portion size is extremely generous and I have been known to eat the whole dish in one seating or save it for a couple more days for leftovers.

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

Sarah’s Vineyard, an Ohio Winery in a State Park

21 August 202122 September 2024

A small fire was ablaze on this beautiful October afternoon as I approached the outdoor seating area of Sarah’s Vineyard Winery & Art Gallery. The welcoming stone fireplace was in need of a few more fire sticks to keep the embers burning, but the smell reminded me of a pleasant fall day, perfect for sampling wine.

It would have been a wonderful afternoon to linger by the fire but I soon learned that a private event was scheduled for this outdoor space. The server kindly directed me towards the beautifully restored 1840s barn where I would find the tasting room and additional seating. The bar was full but within minutes I was able to place my wine order and find the perfect high top table to enjoy my wine.

I started out with the Cuyahoga Valley Reserve, a red zinfandel blend that is aged in oak. This grape varietal is one of my favorites and I am happy with my selection. Sitting next to me was a woman in her mid-30’s waiting for a couple of friends for a wine tasting. She suggested me that I return to Sarah’s Vineyard for their Annual Summer Solstice Festival in June, a celebration of the start of summer.

Looking for another red to sample, I notice a wine labeled “Miserabile.” I asked about this wine and learned that it is a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese, Zinfandel and Rubiana grapes. This wine was far less miserable yet smooth and divine.

My final pour was the Sweet Elisa made from Niagara and Concord grapes. A popular blend for Ohio wineries, the wine is a fruity wine that is refreshing when served cold. Very sweet, this is a typical first wine for beginners who are just starting out.

Looking over the menu, I wished I would have made reservations for dinner. With a great selection of starters, soups, salads and sandwiches, the winery also provides wood-fired pizzas. I decided instead to order a carafe of Sweet Elisa, the winery’s top seller, and find a seat outdoors among the endless rows of grapevines. The Indian summer sun felt comforting and warm. I sat at my table happy to have a few moments to relax and take in my rural surroundings.

The Lytz family has been serving wine at Sarah’s Vineyard since the early 2000s. Sitting upon 15 acres in northeast Ohio, the property includes the winery, vineyards and a beautiful view of the surrounding farmland. Varietals grown here include hearty grapes that easily sustain the cold Midwest weather such as Cabernet Franc, Traminette, Niagara and Rubiana. They have six wines that they regularly produce which are the Blue Heron, Golden Solstice, Sarah’s Secret, Miserabile, Cuyahoga Valley Reserve and Sweet Elisa.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the winery was also an art gallery and studio. Sarah’s Vineyards hosts a variety of art shows throughout the year and art classes are offered on a regular basis. Located in the midst of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, quiet surroundings and gorgeous landscape are perfect for a day of art and wine tasting.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Sarah’s Vineyard? What was your 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 Sarah’s Vineyard and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Winery Contact Information:

Sarah’s Vineyard Winery & Art Gallery
1204 W. Steels Corners Road
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
Telephone: 330 929 8057

Where to Stay:

Vineyard Woods
740 State Route 534 North
Geneva, OH 44041
Telephone: 440 624 3054
Website: http://www.vineyardwoods.com/

Where to Eat:

The Pickled Pepper
4949 Golf Avenue
Geneva on the Lake, OH 44041
Telephone: 440 361 4014

We entered the brightly colored outdoor restaurant and ordered the deep fried pickles to satisfy my obsession. Yum!

Halliday’s Winery in Lake Milton, Ohio

4 June 202122 September 2024

While driving to Pennsylvania to visit my brother and his family, I would notice several road signs advertising the wineries of northeast Ohio. I was determined to make a stop on my way home in the little town of Lake Milton and had the opportunity to have lunch at Halliday’s Winery.

It was a busy lunch hour and I was greeted by a friendly server who sat me at a table near the window. Handing me a food menu and tasting sheet, I selected a flight of wines and a flatbread pizza.

The winery was named in honor of James Halliday who is settled along the Mahoning River over 200 years ago. The winery’s website includes a few interesting stories about the life of James Halliday who built a grist mill here and raised his family.

Waiting for my meal, I watched several families arrive, meeting each other for the afternoon. Children played near the entrance as families waited for a table. I could hear them discussing their week and upcoming plans as the room was filled with conversation.

With a few more minutes to wait, I read through the excerpts on their website about the Halliday family. My favorite selection was titled “The Mill”, which emphasized the coming together as a community to support each other and help in times of need.

My Asiago Basil flatbread pizza arrived topped with sharp asiago cheese, mild pepper rings and sweet basil.

Finishing lunch, I submitted my tasting sheet with the list of wine I wanted to sample.

Mozina Creek is described as a delightful merlot with Chambourcin and Chancellor hybrids added for character. This well balanced wine offers aromas of juicy red berries, off dry, fruity characteristics and a touch of light oak. Listed as a semi-dry, the wine is available at $8 per glass or $22 per bottle.
Darak Sunrise is a light bodied red full of Concord fruit flavor. Lush soft and smooth. Fresh grape aromas and flavors that provide a distinctive, juice taste. Listed as a semi-sweet wine, it is available for $7 per glass or $19 per bottle.
Carosello is a white Riesling wine with aromas of white peach, pear, mineral and floral accents. Rich mouth feel it is bright on the palate creating an appealing balance of fruit and acid. This semisweet wine is available for $9 per glass and $24 per bottle.
Sweet Sarah, made from local Niagara grapes tastes of candied lemon rind with hints of jasmine high notes. A popular sweet wine, it is available for $7 per glass and $19 per bottle.
Mead is a wine made from honey which comes from local northeastern Ohio bee colonies. It is available for $7 per glass and $40 per bottle.

Sampling wines and enjoying a light lunch, I enjoyed my time spent at Halliday Winery. Before leaving Lake Milton, I stopped by the state park to walk off my lunch, enjoying the scenic views of the lake before leaving for Columbus, excited to spend time with my family.

Have you visited Halliday’s Winery? Did you have lunch or sample their 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 quick stop in Lake Milton and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Halliday’s Winery
2400 NE River Road
Lake Milton, OH 44429
Telephone: 330 654 9463

Hours: Thursdays from 3 – 8PM, Friday and Saturday from noon to 10PM, Sunday from 11:30AM to 6PM

Yellow Butterfly Winery in Newcomerstown, Ohio

17 June 202024 November 2024

Sipping on a glass of Country Rose, I enjoyed the gorgeous rural landscape in the eastern region of Ohio, home to the Three Rivers Wine Trail. Painted bright yellow, Yellow Butterfly Winery stands out among the rolling hills of farmland, offering spectacular views of its vines from their two-story deck.

Making its home in a 100 year old restored farmhouse in Newcomerstown, this fabulous winery is easy to find. The beautiful rustic interior provides plenty of space for visitors to enjoy their wines. The tasting bar is also located inside and I was prepared to sample a wide range of fruit wines as well as the traditional wines that I have come to love in Ohio.

The winery offers three wine samples for a dollar, and since there are so many interesting combinations, I selected a total of nine.

The first wine on my tasting sheet is the Passionate Peach. The beautiful pale yellow color of this wine reminds me of straw, but smells like I am surrounded by a peach orchard. It is crisp with a bit of thickness which reminds me of a dessert wine.

Strawberry Fields is a lightly colored fruit wine made of strawberries and apples. There is a hint of strawberry in the smell and it has a light, fruity taste with a little stronger alcohol taste towards the back of my tongue. This is a very refreshing wine, and I purchased a bottle to enjoy on a hot summer day.

While I am trying my second sample, Lisa, the head wine steward brings me a small taste of Cranrazzmatazz. It is one of their newest wines and has been a huge success for the winery. It has a deliciously unique fruity smell and tastes amazing. Made from a combination of cranberry, raspberry and apple, this is a very sweet wine with a smooth texture.

Wistful Watermelon is made from watermelon and apples. I liken it to the watermelon-flavored Jolly Rancher with a tartness towards the back of my tongue.

Sweet Meadows is lighter in color than the previous wines I had tasted and is made from a combination of both the Concord and Niagara grape.

Sweet Red is the perfect Concord grape wine which is popular among Ohio wine drinkers.

Country Rose is my favorite out of all of the wines and is perfect for any occasion. I love the smell, the taste and the color of this wine and bought a bottle to enjoy later at home.

I thought I would go out of my comfort zone and order a semi dry so I added the Ohio Vidal Blanc to my wine tasting. Despite my usual preferences, I like this wine. Put it on ice and this would be another great wine for the summer season.

My final selection is the Golden Apricot. It has a great texture and consistency with a mild apricot flavor.

At the Yellow Butterfly Winery, the winemaking process takes place on the property from start to finish. Michael wasn’t shy about crediting the late Leland Weiss of Rainbow Hills Winery for helping him when he started out. Each winery advertises for each other close to their properties, which goes to show the camaraderie in the Ohio wine business. It makes me proud to be a part of it.

Michael enjoys having his guests get involved in the naming of his new wines. When he releases a wine he offers tastings at a discounted rate. But I’ll have to wait until next year.

I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Michael and admire his passion for converting skeptics into wine lovers. “It’s all about drinking the wines that you like, any way you like to drink them,” says Michael. I ordered a bottle of Country Rose and decided to check out the view which is more than stunning. I enjoyed the music, listening to the live entertainment and wanted to take in the moment. It was a perfect afternoon to enjoy some delicious wine.

Have you visited Yellow Butterfly Winery? I would love to hear about your experience or let me know your favorite wine from this amazing winery by leaving a message in the comments section below! Cheers!

Many thanks to Michael White and everyone at Yellow Butterfly Winery for their generosity and hospitality.

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

What to See and What to Do:

Yellow Butterfly Winery
11661 Blue Ridge Road
Newcomerstown, Ohio 43832
Telephone: 740 492 1216

Hours: The winery is open the months of February to December, Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 AM to 6 PM and later on the weekends. The winery is closed on Sunday and Monday. Hours are seasonal and are subject to change. Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation and schedule of events.
Amenities: Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, outdoor seating, online shopping, wine, private events and scheduled events
Tips for Your Visit: Please note that the wine tastings are only provided during certain hours and are subject to change. As always, please drink responsibly.

Those that were on the tour were provided with a country BBQ Rib/Chicken or Steak Dinner with two sides, the winery’s famous wine cake and a wine tasting! this offering is also available to those visitors who reserve in advance on Saturdays for a cost of only $25. Dinner reservations must be made by Thursday by calling 740 492 1216. Live entertainment is also available during the summer months, so check out their website for a list of events.

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

Railroad Restaurant & Saloon
509 Main Street
Coshocton, OH 43812
Telephone: 740 575 4151

What to Read:

Restored Ohio: History Brought Back to Life, by Glenn Morris
Lost Circuses of Ohio, by Conrade C. Hinds
A Taste of the Hocking Hills by Matt Rapposelli
Asylum on the Hill, by Katherine Ziff

Photo Guide for Southeast Ohio:

Hocking Hills State Park, Athens, Ohio
The Wilds Safari Park, Cumberland, Ohio

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

Naughty Wines at Knotty Vines Winery

9 July 201918 September 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Knotty Vines Winery hosts a number of events and weekend nights of entertainment. This year, they participated in the Defiance Home Show where they took place in a “tasting garden”, providing attendees an opportunity to sample their delicious wines. In June, they bring in food trucks as a way of showing their customer appreciation and also host their “.5k wine crawl” where patrons are awarded with wine and food pairing stations strategically placed to complete half of a 5k distance. This year, the event takes place on June 11^th for a cost of $45 per person.

I completed my wine tasting and decided to enjoy the ambiance of the winery with one more glass before heading home. I had a difficult time making my decision among the 12 wines on the menu, but I decided that I would order the Naughty Blush and took a table in the newly expanded seating area at the winery. I had a beautiful view of the vineyards from the window and mapped out the route I would be taking towards my way back home. It was such a relaxing end to a wonderfully busy day and I see why it draws its happy hour crowd.

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

What to Read:

The Great Black Swamp: Historical Tales of 19th Century Northwest Ohio, by Jim Mollenkopf
The Great Black Swamp III, by Jim Mollenkopf
The Firebugs of Northwest Ohio, by M. A. Mimi Malcolm
Railroad Depots of Northwest Ohio
Glass in Northwest Ohio, by Quentin R. Skrabac