Tag Archives: dry wine

Ohio Winery: Stone Crest Vineyard

“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!

Enjoying Some Wine Therapy at the Magical Myrrdin Winery

Several Ohio wineries exist around Lake Milton, but only a few can compete with the ambiance and gorgeous lake scenery at Myrddin Winery.  Myrddin is Welsh for Merlin and as I approached the lovely winery within the wood, it seemed quite possible that  sprites and fairies could magically appear to land on my shoulder.

The winery’s slogan is “Wine, Water, Woods and Wildlife”, and I was definitely surrounded by all four, starting with wine.  With so many lovely selections, I started with the dry reds sampling the Pendragon, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Corot Noir, Noiret, Marquette and Cabernet Franc.  The blend was exceptional with a perfect balance that gave this wine a smooth finish.

Taliesin is a blend of two of my favorite wines, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, another perfect blend to add to my wine collection.

Sorcerer’s Red was my third selection, which is a sweet wine produced from Concord grapes, which tasted more like grape juice than wine.  Since most of my friends like the sweet wines and I enjoy drinking them cold on a hot summer day, I purchased couple of bottles to break open in a couple of months.

My final sample was the Port wine made from the Frontenac varietal and I agreed that this would be a great after dinner drink with some dark chocolate.   Put another bottle on my tab please.

It was a beautiful afternoon and the sun was beginning to set on Lake Milton, so I ordered a glass of Taliesin so I could sit outside and enjoy the soothing shade of the forest.  I watched squirrels chase each other from one tall tree to the next and the chirping conversation of birds perching on a nearby tree limb.  Enjoying the view of the lake, I could hear the gentle lapping of water teasing the shore as I sipped my glass of wine.  Nature is great for the soul and wine therapy could not get much better than this.

Do you have a favorite Ohio winery that recharges or relaxes you?  I would love to hear about the winery that re-energizes you if you will kindly leave your recommendation in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my quick stop at Myrddin Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Myrddin Winery
3020 Scenic Dr.
Berlin Center, OH  44401
Telephone:  330 654 9181

Myrrdin Winery opened in 2004 and is owned and operated by Kristofer and Evelyn Sperry.  The varietals used to produce their fabulous wines include Buffalo, Concord, Noiret, Seyval Blanc and Zweigelt.  The winery’s location is perfect for boaters who can access Myrrdin’s dock.  Visit Myrrdin Winery’s website for upcoming special events as well as their entertainment listing.

Where to Stay:

Bella Fattoria Bed and Breakfast
14560 Ellsworth Road
Berlin Center, OH  44401
Telephone:  330 720 2544

Where to Eat:

Myrddin Winery
3020 Scenic Dr.
Berlin Center, OH  44401
Telephone:  330 654 9181

Myrddin Winery offers a wide selection of appetizers as well as pizzas, salad, soups and sandwiches.  Save room for dessert!

Hundley Cellars, A Cozy Winery in Ohio’s Grand River Valley

An adorable cottage sits in the midst of northeast Ohio’s wine country.  With brown shingle siding, a stone fireplace, vaulted ceiling and hunter green roofing, it looks more like a hunting lodge than a Great River Valley winery .  From the moment I arrived, I felt as though I was sitting in the midst of a best friend’s great room.  The gorgeous light wood interior, accented with dark furniture was classic and extremely cozy.

I selected a table looking out towards the deck where it was still quite cold to be seated outside.  I placed my order at the tasting bar for a flight of wines and a small plate from the simple snacks menu which included cheese, crackers and meat for an additional charge.

My wines arrived and shortly thereafter the Cheese Board which had some amazing samples of Cotswold (Gloucester with Chives, England) cheese, Red Dragon (with Whole Grain Mustard, Wales) cheese, Five Counties/Stripey Jack (England) Vintage Cheddar (Canada), pickles and artisan crackers.  The meat selection was the perfect size that paired well with the wines I had selected.

Starting out with the Chardonnay, I noted the beautiful blonde color of the wine and simple body.  Lightly oaked, this perfect buttery Chardonnay would pair quite nicely with a lovely Camembert.  I knew that my sister will enjoy this wine over the holidays and added this to my list of wines I wanted to purchase.

The Estate Traminette was the color of sunshine and I could taste the minerals in this wine for certain.  It was a perfect pairing with the crackers that were placed on my board as the third set from the left.

Interestingly, the Niagara had what appeared to be bubbles and I enjoyed this wine with the selection of meat.  It was a semi-sweet wine that had a mild bite to its finish.

The Estate Seyval are grown on the property and are hand picked during harvest.  With a color of light straw, this wine had a medium body and a short finish and I imagined it would be perfect with grilled salmon or a tuna steak.

The Late Harvest Vidal was another estate wine which had a hint of light green to its light yellow undertones.  It had an intense honey taste with a strong apricot smell.  The taste was fruity with a smooth texture and I knew this would pair well with my spicy Asian dishes.

The Merlot had a nice dryness and full body.  A beautiful beet color, this purplish red wine was perfect with the meat and cheese and ended with a short tart finish.

My final sample was the Harvest Red.  Solid red in  color it had it had a very strong grape smell which reminded me of jam. A very sweet grape juice taste which I find to be typical of Ohio wines and always a delicious choice.

Hundley Cellars opened its doors in 2014 and offers an amazing selection of wines.  Sitting on 35 acres in Ashtabula County, the property includes a beautiful outdoor deck to enjoy the pond and surrounding vineyards.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Hundley Cellars?  I would love to hear about your visit and learn which wines you enjoyed most if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Hundley Cellars and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Hundley Cellars
6451 St. Route 307
Geneva, Ohio  44041
Telephone:  440 361 3088

  • Hours: The winery is open from 12 PM to 7 PM on Wednesday and Thursday, 12 PM to 9 PM on Friday and  Saturday and from 12 PM to 6 PM on Sunday. The winery is closed on Monday and Tuesday.  Hours are seasonal and are subject to change. Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation.
  • Amenities:  Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, outdoor seating, wine, private events
  • Tips for Your Visit:  During the nights when the winery provides entertainment, wine tastings are not available.  As always, please drink responsibly.

Where to Stay:

The Lodge at Geneva on the Lake
4888 N. Broadway
Geneva on the Lake, Ohio  44041
Telephone:  866 806 8066

Where to Eat:

I recommend having snacks at Hundley Cellars because they are fabulous and unique!  Here are a couple of suggestions close by if you would prefer a full menu option:

Chops Grille & Tap House
1752 State Route 534 South
Geneva, Ohio  44041
Telephone:  440 466 7427

Crosswinds Grille
5653 Lake Road East
Geneva, Ohio  44041
Telephone:  440 466 8668 x4

My favorite menu item is the charcuterie board.   Crosswinds is known for its farm to table offerings where everything tastes so fresh.

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Buccia Vineyard Winery Bed and Breakfast, Conneaut, Ohio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have you visited Buccia Vineyard?  Did you have a favorite wine?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Buccia Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

Featured Ohio Winery: Leisure Time Winery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have you visited Leisure Time Winery in Napoleon?  What was your favorite wine selection?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Many thanks for reading about my winery visit and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to Do and What to See:

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

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

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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