Featured Ohio Winery: Ferrante Winery and Ristorante

17 June 202323 September 2024

A sweet, older couple in their 70s were enjoying a glass of wine while sitting at a high top in the tasting room. I had just ordered a few wine samples at Ferrante Winery and Ristorante and took a seat near their table so I could look out the window and feel the warmth of the sunlight beaming in. I was taken by surprise when the lady, wearing a classy blue and white suit, asked me if I was from out of town. She noticed that they had not seen me in here before and said that they could answer any questions I had about the wines because they were regulars. I smiled, thanked them for their hospitality and thought to myself, “I want to be her when I am her age.” I answered by telling them that indeed I was visiting for the weekend and had a couple of activities lined up for the next couple of days. Before I had finished my wine samples, Martha, Joe and I were sharing family pictures and had become best friends. Wine is guaranteed to bring people together.

Entering through the French doors at the stone entrance, I immediately noticed that the facility is quite large with plenty of outdoor space amidst endless rows of grapevines. The inside was absolutely gorgeous with a restaurant straight ahead or the tasting room and store to the left. Of course I was drawn to the store with its large selection of wine and beautiful flooring with multicolor slats. Close by was the wine bar, so after reviewing the wide selection of products, I placed my order for my wine tasting and caught up with the server, who was restocking the wine for the day.

Ferrante Winery provides a number of pre-set tasting menus, so I selected the Proprietor’s Selection Tray which included medium to sweet wines, “ a selection of Ohio’s unique & favorite wines.” Here is a list of my tasting notes related to this amazing wine selection.

American Riesling win the Best Riesling at the Finger Lakes Wine Competition in New York
- Very clear, no legs and smelled fruity; I could taste apricot and peach and the wine had a perfect finish
Finger Lakes Riesling which won 2 double gold awards in multiple competitions
- Very light wheat color; thicker consistency with a tart smell, tastes fruity with a slight mineral taste and a long finish
Grand River Valley Vidal Blanc
- Similar in color to the American Riesling, this wine was very clear. It had the same consistency as the Finger Lakes Riesling with a crisp smell of apricot and apple; with a fuller taste it had a bold acidity; tasted very similar to an apple jolly rancher
  - In 2017, this wine won Best in Show at the San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition
Blanco – won the Gold in the OH wine competition
- Golden colored, thicker body and a great grapey smell, milder acidity; more fruity in taste (grape) with a short finish
White Catawba – Gold OH Wine Competition
- Very light-bodied wine and very light yellow with a unique bouquet, not too fruity but with subtle grape taste
Rosato – Best Blush in the OH Wine Competition
- Peachy pink in color, light body, subtle berry aroma, lingering acidity and short finish
Jester’s Blush
- Beautiful peach color, lovely smell, sugary sweetness, taste the same over full palate, short finish
Rosso
- Beautiful ruby red, grape juice with a kick; would taste amazing COLD!
Pink Catawba – smells like cotton candy, medium body with a sweet finish
Ice Wine – the Vidal Blanc is buttery and beautiful!

Founded in 1937 by Italian immigrants Nick and Anna Ferrante, the winery produced the Russo, Bianco, Concord and Niagara. Their son Peter moved the winery to its current location in 1979 and added the restaurant. Located in the Grand River Valley, some consider this area to be Ohio’s Mini Napa and I could not agree more. The vineyard offers an Italian inspired menu created by chef Nina Salerno. The gorgeous space is large enough for celebratory get-togethers or enjoy a glass of wine on the outdoors terrace while watching live weekend entertainment. The original farmhouse has been converted into their wine productio facility and is well-known for producing Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and their famous Grand River Valley Riesling.

For now, I will enjoy the wonderful company of Martha and Joe, learn more about their family and take note for any additional winery suggestions they may have for the area. Wine is such a beautiful way to bring people together and Ferrante Winery is one of the best Ohio wineries to enjoy a glass or two with new friends.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Ferrante Winery? Did you have lunch, dinner or enjoy a wine tasting? I would be happy to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my wine tasting at Ferrante Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Ferrante Winery & Ristorante
5585 State Route 307
Harpersfield Township, OH
Telephone: 440 466 8466

Where to Stay:

The Lily Cottage
1164 Idlewood Drive
Geneva, OH 44041
Telephone: 440 853 9373

Where to Eat:

Check out Ferrante’s extensive menu! I thoroughly enjoyed the Gnocchi Brue made of “tender chunks of filet mignon simmered in our Merlot wine demi-glace with Portabello mushrooms and onions. Served on potato gnocchi and spiked with gorgonzola cheese!

What to Eat: The cuisine in northeast Ohio is very diverse with a wide variety of Old World cuisine. Here are a few recommendations:

Assiette de Fromage (Cheese Plate) from L’Albratos for a wide ranges of cheese
Barberton-style Fried Chicken, made from a Serbian recipe is an amazing dish from White House Chicken in nearby Barberton, Ohio
Beef Cheek Pierogie’s from Michael Symon’s Lola
Corned Beef Sandwiches from Slyman’s
Polish Boy at Seti’s is a kielbasa topped with meat, coleslaw and ketchup.
Pierogie’s from Sokolowski’s University Inn
Veal Parmesan at Trattoria on the Hill in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood

Featured Ohio Winery: Markko Vineyard

9 January 202317 May 2025

Conneaut is about as far northeast as one could possibly drive in the state of Ohio. It is also home to one of the oldest wineries, so I set out to spend a weekend in Ashtabula and Lake County to visit as many wineries as possible.

As I approached Markko Vineyard, and after driving around in circles for a half an hour, I finally called for directions. I began to see acres of vineyards surrounding me and felt comfortable that I would arrive at any moment. As I drove up the gravel driveway, I felt as though I was entering a secret society, tucked away in the Sherwood Forest, hidden by tall oaks and maples, welcomed by stone pillars.

I began my tasting with the 2013 Reserve Chardonnay. Described as “typical Linda elegance, fruit finesse”, a bottle sells for $36 per bottle. I noted that this wine was a little acidic, but smooth. The 2012 Reserve Chardonnay was a bit smoother and I preferred it over the 2013.

My final tastings included the Pinot Noir 2012 Reserve which is “fruity with a hint of currant with a crisp, nice finish.” I enjoyed the body of this wine as it did not feel weighty but light. I continued with the Pinot Noir wines, a 2013 Reserve, “light red, fruity, medium body balanced”. I enjoyed the earthy, fruity finish of this wine which sells for $30 a bottle.

There were several wines available to include Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, Cabernet Sauvignons, a Johannisburg Riesling, non-vintage wines and a dry Champagne.

Excelsior is a 1993 Champagne Brut made from “Riesling sekt for majestic celebrations in both red and white.”

The 1999 Late Harvest Select Reserve Chardonnay sounded lovely, “rich floral honey, unctuous “like Ice Wine”, selling for $75 per bottle.

More recent vintages of Markko’s Chardonnay begin in 2009 described as having a refreshing finish, smoky pears, while the 2010 provided spice, citrus and a bright finish. They were selling their 2012 Select Reserve Chardonnay for $36 a bottle described as “pear, melon, light opulence, complex finish that will grow with age.

Markko Vineyard also produced several Cabernet Sauvignon selections starting with its 2012 Reserve with cherry berries and restrained long elegance and their 2012 Select Reserve with dark fruits and a delicate complexity. These wines are priced at $33, $36 and $39 per bottle respectively. The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon reserve was described as “dark berries, garden glory lingers”.

The 2009 Johannesburg Riesling was described as light fruit, dry, hint of pine, selling for $27 per bottle.

In addition to the two Pinot Noirs I had sampled, the vineyard also sold a 2009 Majestic Reserve for $27 per bottle with “currant flavors, spices, sandlewood and almond, finesse suspended.”

Producing a line of non-vintage wine under the name “Covered Bridge”, the estate provides an $18 Riesling, a Chardonnay for $21, the Picnic White for $18 and a $12 wine named Picnic Red.

Arnie Esterer planted his vineyard in 1968 making Markko one of the oldest wineries in the state of Ohio. The wines on this estate are some of the best I have ever sampled. Arnie takes pride in the science of making wine and works each year in perfecting his craft.

To compliment your wine tasting or to order with a bottle to enjoy on their patio, Markko Vineyard also provides cheeses from Mayfield Road Creamery and their own Gouda and Camembert.

Directions:

Off of Interstate 90, take exit 235 (route 193) north ½ mile to the first stop light, Main Street. Turn right (east) on Main Street for approximately 3 miles; You will be close when the road turns to gravel. Take first driveway on left (north side) back into the woods.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Markko 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 wonderful experience at Markko Vineyard and wishing you many Happy Travels! Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Markko Vineyard
4500 S Ridge Road W
Conneaut, OH 44030
Telephone: 440 593 3197

Because the winery hours of operation are seasonal, please reference the winery’s website prior to visiting the winery.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express Ashtabula – Geneva
1831 Austinburg Road
Austinburg, OH 44010
Telephone: 440 275 2020

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.

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

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.

The Vault Wine Bar: Eclectic Menu and Extensive Wine List

18 June 202122 September 2024

Running in from the rain, I entered The Vault Wine Bar and was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful interior that was formerly a bank. Located in the historic town of Shelby, this gorgeous wine establishment offers a wide range of wines, including those from Ohio, and an awesome menu.

The beautiful white marble with veins of black stopped halfway up the wall. Subdued colored hues of paint colored the drywall reaching up to the white-painted tin ceiling. A large bar ran halfway through the room leaving just enough space for a walkway and additional tables for seating to the right.

Away from the entrance at the far end of the bar, stood the beautiful blue vault that once stored thousands of dollars. Today it is the perfect place for storing wines.

Having looked over the wine menu, I thought I would order wine from Firelands, a well known Ohio winery, starting with the Gewurtztraminer and then the Dolceto (made with litchi and passion fruit) and their Ice Wine.

Ready to order dinner, the menu was extensive with so many delicious options. Did I want to order an appetizer like the Stuffed Jalapenos or the Stuffed Dates? Or should I select a larger meal like the BBQ, the Spareribs or The Vault Pizza with horseradish and caramelized onions? Seriously, this was the most difficult decision I had to make all week.

Michelle, the server behind the bar, was absolutely fabulous and helpful after telling her which options interested me. In the end, she recommended the stuffed dates and suggested that I save room for dessert.

The stuffed dates arrived and they looked decadent. These little bits were stuffed with bleu cheese, wrapped in bacon, baked and then drizzled with a balsamic reduction. Full of flavor, each succulent bite of goodness made me wish I would have placed an order for two.

My wine glass was empty and the lovely couple sitting diagonal from me suggested that I order the sangria to compliment the dates. The sweetness of the wine really brought out the tangy taste of the balsamic reduction and the combination was absolutely fabulous. I was happy for the recommendation and we quickly became fast friends, having the love of wine in common. They introduced themselves as Amy and Joe and said that The Vault Wine Bar was one of their favorite places to hang out in Shelby. Amy mentioned that they enjoy spending time here on Saturdays and Thursday nights because they have a band, usually country, rock or the 80s.

Amy and Joe finished their pizza and were meeting up with some friends, so we exchanged our personal information, accepted each other’s friend request on Facebook and promised to get together soon.

Finishing my wine and meal, I wanted to check out the upstairs area, which can be reserved for special occasions. The outside patio seats 70 and is also available, but with tonight’s rain, it was best to stay indoors. The view from the upper floor was lovely, looking down onto the primary restaurant space, the bar, tables and chairs and wall of wines. The spacious room upstairs was elegantly decorated with hardwood floors, leather sofas and chairs. The wooden paneling looked as though it was original and I imagined that there were office up here at one time. Looking out the window, I could see the main street and noticed that the sun was beginning to set. I needed to pay my bill and then make the drive back to Columbus, but not before sneaking a peak at the outdoor patio.

Have you visited the Vault Wine Bar or nearby wineries in Richland county? I would love to hear about your experience or any recommendations for a future visit. Many thanks for reading about my stop at The Vault and wishing you many Happy Travels! Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

The Vault Wine Bar
29 West Main Street
Shelby, OH 44875
Telephone: 567 292 9081

The winery offers over 30 wines by the glass and I decided to support Ohio wines by ordering the Gewurtztraminer from Firelands, the Versailles Niagara and Cypress Hill’s blueberry wine.

Where to Stay:

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
2069 Walker Lake Road
Mansfield, OH 44906
Telephone: 419 747 2227

Where to Eat:

The Vault Wine Bar
29 West Main Street
Shelby, OH 44875
Telephone: 567 292 9081

The Stuffed Dates I ordered were phenomenal and the menu changes regularly. Check out The Vault Wine Bar’s Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs, Goat Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos, or the Pretzel Sticks with a white cheddar beer cheese! The pizzas are also fantastic and my favorite is the Caprese Pizza with basil pesto, tomato slices, fresh mozzarella and a balsamic reduction drizzle.