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

Gervasi Vineyard, Canton, Ohio

24 June 202222 September 2024

After spending the morning and early afternoon at Stan Hywet Home and Gardens, I was excited to visit Gervasi Vineyard in the neighboring city of Canton. Located in the heart of town, the entrance of wrought iron and stone welcomed me to a small Italian-like village where I found several fabulous restaurants, a AAA Four-Diamond boutique hotel and award winning wines.

I began my tour of Gervasi Vineyard at The Crush House which is located at the back of the property. I was pleasantly surprised by the stylish restaurant and tasting room which was energetic, upbeat and full of conversation.

Not long after I had been seated, Nick, the wine bar expert behind the counter, stopped by to introduce himself and handed me a menu. I told him I was interested in a wine tasting and a small meal to tie me over for dinner. I watched as he efficiently checked on his customers, provided a brief overview of their next wine tasting and delivered their meals so effortlessly.

With so many available wines at Gervasi, I was relieved that they provided a predetermined tasting that coincided with my favorite wines. I wanted to try a mix of the vineyards reds and whites and decided to order the Vintner’s GV Tour, referred to as their “grand tasting experience”.

While the Crush House Burger with Gorgonzola cheese and bacon was tempting, I knew I would be eating in a couple of hours and noticed the Formaggio and Salami Plate. Offering a generous amount of meats and cheese, along with additional condiments, I knew this would be enough to satisfy me until dinner.

The charcuterie plate arrived and the presentation was elegant and inviting. I could smell the tartness of the mustard and the fruitiness of the marmalade. The cheese had a smoky taste and smooth texture paired with the full flavor of the stone grain mustard, they married perfectly with the selection of meats. The combination of prosciutto and blue cheese was super rich, creamy and absolutely delicious.

My first sample of six wines was the Floretto which has a light taste with a little sweetness. I could smell the green bell pepper and taste a hint of lime. The name, Floretto, means “little flower” in Italian and this wine had a nice finish.

Gervasi’s Pinot Grigio, Lucello is a tart wine and very acidic with the flavor of green apple. I enjoyed the crisp, clean taste of this wine.

I had just recently begun adding the chardonnay to my selection of wines at home to pair with salty and buttery foods. I enjoyed drinking the Ciao Bella with the cured meats offered with my formaggio and salami plate and decided to purchase a bottle to enjoy at a later date.

Bellina is Gervasi’s white wine that is aged in oak barrels and I enjoyed the wine’s smooth finish. Nick asked if I could detect the flavors of banana and toffee, and I supposed the buttery taste could have been toffee, but I did not recognize the banana.

The Red San Gervasio is the vineyard’s merlot and one of my favorite wine varietals to drink with rich foods, to add to sangrias and to sip through the long winter nights. I liked this wine’s smooth, even texture and taste and knew that it would pair with practically most of the meals I enjoy.

With a little blue cheese left on my plate, I sampled the Nebbiolo which was the perfect combination due to their earthy flavors. The Nebbiolo is perfect with fatty meats such as spicy beef short ribs and has a floral tone of violet.

Nick explained that the vineyard was currently out of their Lascito and Passione wines, which are grown and produced on their estate. I was looking forward to the Barolo as this is one of my favorite Italian wines.

My next wine Abbraccio had won several awards at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition to include 2016 Best in Class and 2016 Double Gold. Abbraccio, meaning “embrace” in Italian, is a full-bodied wine with bold layers of black cherries, black currant and subtle notes of plum.

My wine tasting was complete, but I added a couple of samples before visiting The Bistro, Gervasi Vineyard’s outdoor casual restaurant. I decided on a glass of Barbera, a spectacular red wine and then added a sample of Sognata, the winery’s fabulous dessert wine that tasted like apple juice. This wine won the 2016 Director’s Choice Award for the Best Dessert Wine from Ohio Wines and I purchased a bottle to enjoy as an after dinner drink.

It just so happened that the couple sitting next to me at The Crush was also at the Bistro. I absolutely love that wine brings people together. I had the pleasure of meeting Mike and Cathy who had just started dating within the last six months and we decided to order a drink together before finding a place along the lake. The weather was perfect on this early evening and seats were filling up fast. We placed our orders and enjoyed a few moments of people watching before our meals arrived. The pizzas were spectacular and soon I had to start making the trek back to Columbus with a stop in Mansfield for one last winery for the day.

I had learned earlier that the Gervasi estate grows six acres of their own varietals so I took a moment to walk among the grapes that would soon be ready for harvest. Ripening under the summer’s hot sun, the vines were full of plump fruit and looked as though they were ready to be picked.

I was sad to leave because Gervasi Vineyard is an impressive winery that offers a wide range of services and activities. Conveniently located off of .I-77, the winery is 20 minutes south of Akron. The Crush House is open for both lunch and dinner, seven days a week and provides tours at noon, 1 o’clock and 2. I could have easily spent the day here.

Have you had the opportunity to explore Gervasi Vineyard? 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 afternoon at Gervasi Vineyard and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Gervasi Vineyard
1700 55th St. NE
Canton, OH 44721
Telephone: 330 497 1000

Where to Stay:

The Villas at Gervasi Vineyard
1700 55th St. NE
Canton, OH 44721
Telephone: 330 497 1000

Where to Eat:

The Crush House at Gervasi Vineyard
1700 55th St. NE
Canton, OH 44721
Telephone: 330 497 1000

I felt as though I was dining at an Italian villa. The food was spectacular and the location superb. I ordered the meat and cheese plate for dinner and enjoyed a wine tasting of Gervasi Vineyard wines.

Books to Read:

Wicked Akron: Tales of Rumrunners, Mobsters and Other Rubber City Rogues, by Kymberli Hagelberg
Lost Akron by Mark J. Price
Goosetown: Reconstructing an Akron Neighborhood by Joyce Dyer
The Rest is History: True Tales from Akron’s Vibrant Past by Mark J. Price
If Looks Could Kill by M. William Phelps
Mafia Cop Killers in Akron: The Gang War Before Prohibition by Mark J. Price
The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier

Photo Guide to Akron/Canton:

Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Northside Arts District in Akron
Luigi’s Restaurant at Lock 3 Park
750ml wine bar in Pilgrim Square, recommended by Wine Spectator
Chill Ice Cream for exotic flavors
Blu Jazz Club for its history (performers include Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald)

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.

Visiting My First Winery in Sonoma, Viansa Winery & Italian Marketplace

19 June 201431 August 2024

Pouring ourselves glasses of champagne, we said goodbye to the city of San Francisco, boarded our limousine and continued our journey towards California’s wine country. Not long after we had crossed the Golden Gate Bridge, the landscape opened up and we were greeted with vineyards as far as the eye could see.

Viansa Winery (Viansa Winery & Italian Marketplace), a small boutique winery in Sonoma, was the first stop on our wine tour. Reminiscent of an Italian village, we were looking forward to sampling their wines and shopping at their marketplace. We arrived to the charm of the winery’s architecture and beautiful gardens.

Viansa Winery and Italian Marketplace was founded in 1989 by Sam and Vicki Sebastiani. The name is short for Vicki and Sam who are descendants of the Sebastiani family making wines in California since 1904.

We began our tour of the winery from the central courtyard, beautifully designed. Passing a statue surrounded by potted plants in the center of the plaza, we entered the stately wooden doors reinforced with iron. Inside, we had entered the wine cellar lined with large oak barrels.

We found the tasting bar, reviewed the list of sixteen wines (red, white and sweet) produced by Viansa and selected our samples for the complimentary tasting. Our pourer was extremely helpful in assisting us with our wine selections. Since I prefer the red wines, I began with the light “Piccolo” Sangiovese, a blend of Sangiovese grapes grown in nearby Sonoma Valley and Carneros.

The 2000 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is 99.4% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged in a American and French Oak barrels for a period of 20 months. It was a “complex and full-bodied wine with well extracted fruit and tannins; aromas and flavors of raspberry, blackberry, plums, anise and spice. Barrel aging adds nuances of sweet vanilla and toasted coconut. This wine has balanced acidity and an appealing cranberry, wild strawberry and red currant finish that lasts.”

Chosen as Best in Class at the 16^th Annual 2006 Jerry D. Mead’s New World International Wine Competition, the 2002 Samuele Cabernet Franc was awarded the Gold Medal. It is described as a “rich elegant wine with aromas of violets and beautifully balanced tannins and acids.” A red blend consisting of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this wine is aged a total of twenty-six months in oak barrels. Its flavors are comprised of blueberry and juniper making it a unique blend.

Another spectacular wine offered at Viansa is the Red Blend Riserva Anatra Rosso made with a combination of Merlot, Sangiovese and Teroldego grapes. The 2000 Santerra Rosso is described as “a California grown Super Tuscan wine. Super Tuscan wines originated in the 1980s by a small group of producers in Italy’s Tuscany region who felt restricted by their country’s tough laws on blending and labeling. Super Tuscans are comprised mostly of Sangiovese and typically blended with varying amounts of Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Experts have rated the best of them as truly superior to traditional reds of the region, characterized by deeper color, fuller body, more depth and complexity of flavors, better balance and greater capacity for aging. The Santerra Rosso super Tuscan has a very smooth mouthfeel with appealing flavors of dried cherries, cranberry and sage. The fruit and tannins create a nice balance in pairing with a wide variety of foods. 42% Sangiovese, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Serve at 65 degrees.”

The following is a list of Viansa wines and descriptions that we did not sample. The information was either provided by the winery or wine apps:

Ossidiana Red Bordeaux Blend, Sonoma County (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc) “crafted mostly from Cabernet Franc, is Viansa’s flagship wine…a rich, intense red that can be enjoyed now or cellared for up to 15 years.”

The Frescolina White Blend is described as a “delightfully refreshing blend of Muscat Canelli, Symphony, Viognier & Pinot Blanc, originally created as a dessert wine. The updated version is only slightly sweet and is a wonderful aperitif.”

The Viansa Nebbiolo Sonoma County (La Nebbia) comes from a “grape native to foggy Piemonte in Northern Italy. It is right at home in our Sonoma Mountain vineyard where it receives ample morning sun and afternoon shade. We blended in Primitivo (12.5%), Teroldego (2.3%) and Sangiovese (.2%) to round out this distinctive wine. A dry red with good acidity, our 2001 “La Nebbia” offers earthy flavors of tobacco and leather along with subtle notes of dried cherry and smoky oak.”

The Viansa Red Bordeaux Blend Sonoma County 2003 Lorenzo “has a nice entry with flavors of ripe boysenberry & blackberries. It boasts wonderfully balanced tannins and flows across the palate, with beautiful colors of blackberry with magenta hues. We suggest you decant for at least 1 hour before serving and can be cellared up to 5 years and would be at it’s best cellared for 1-2 years before enjoying.”

The 2004 Viansa Pinot Grigio Carneros Vittoria was an “Award winning Bronze Medalist for Chardonnay in the 2005 Pacific Rim International Wine Competition, Viansa’s Pinot Grigio has light flavors of apricots, pears and green apples with hints of orange and lingering nutty flavors reminiscent of hazelnuts and macadamia nuts.”

The Viansa Dolcetto Sonoma County Athena is “Crafted entirely from Dolcetto grapes, a varietal native to northern Italy. Viansa’s “Athena” Dolcetto is a fruity delight, an off-dry red bursting with notes of raspberry and cranberry and is a winery favorite, even of white wine aficionados. It pairs nicely with a variety of foods, varying from picnic fare to elegant entrees.” This wine was awarded “a Silver Medal for its NV “Athena” Dolcetto, a delicious blend of three Italian varietals — Dolcetto, Muscat and Sangiovese.

After we completed our wine tasting and placed orders for bottles to be shipped home, we stepped outside to the most amazing views of the Sonoma Valley. Vineyards stretched for miles and the scenery was absolutely breathtaking. If the Sebastiani’s vision was to recreate an Italianate destination winery producing exceptional wines, they have certainly succeeded. If there was a hotel on the property, I would probably never leave.

Have you visited Viansa Winery? Did you love the wines and fabulous views? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reminiscing with me on my trip to Viansa and wishing you many Happy Travels! Cheers!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Viansa Winery
25200 Arnold Drive
Sonoma, CA 95476
Telephone: 707 946 4735 (extension 5 for reservations)

- Admission Fee: No admission fee to visit
- Hours: Open daily from 10AM to 5PM;
- Amenities: Restaurant, terrace, picnic tables, marketplace, wine store, stunning views of Sonoma Valley, private tastings & tours (reservations required 48 hours in advance) 707 946 4735 x5; for same day experience or groups larger than six, please also call in advance, visitor’s center; Entertainment is provided during the summer from 12PM to 3PM on Saturdays.
  - Private Outlook Tasting ($75 per person): accommodates 2 – 6, 90 minutes in the custom outlook with a flight of reserve wines and locally sourced cheeses. Discount for club members.
  - Viansa Summit Tour and Tasting ($35 per person): accommodates 12, 45 minutes to tour the estate and enjoy a flight of wines
  - Savor Sonoma ($50 per person): accommodates 2 – 10, 90 minutes to relax in the rustic Logia with award winning Reserve Wines and a selection of cheeses;
  - Signature Experience ($70 per person): accommodates 2 – 10, 90 minutes to sample flights from their Signature Series wines, seated in the wine library.
- Guided Tours: Guided Tours are available at 11AM and 2:15PM
- Length of the Tour: 2 – 3 hours and an additional 1 hour if you intend to enjoy lunch
- Tips for Your Visit: Check the conservatory’s website for special events such as the Butterfly Exhibit and Orchids. During the summer, the conservatory hosts a Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays.

Where to Stay:

The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa
1325 Broadway at Leveroni & Napa Roads
Sonoma, CA 94576
Telephone: 707 935 6600

Where to Eat:

The Girl & The Fig
110 West Spain Street
Sonoma, CA 95476
Telephone: 707 938 3634 x10

I love the concept of food and wine pairings in this charming brasserie. I would definitely order the fromage tower.

What to Eat in Sonoma:

Dungeness Crab from nearby Bodega Bay, usually starting in November. Call ahead to confirm as “crab catches can be unpredictable”.
Free-range chicken from Petaluma Poultry has been serving up juicy birds since 1969.
Goat cheese
Lamb at Marin Sun Farms
The Olive Press produces Sonoma’s second-largest harvest of olives.
Peaches in Healdsburg from Dry Creek Peach & Produce
Pekin Duck from Liberty Ducks/Sonoma County Poultry in Penngrove has been around for four generations
Pork from Front Porch Farm which offers a wide range of breeds to include European Mangalitsa, Mulefoot, Red Waffle and Tuscan Cinta Senses pigs.

What to Read:

Divisadero, by Michael Ondaatje
A Fire Story, by Brian Fies
Into the Forest, by Jean Hegland
The Life She Wants, by Robyn Carr
The Road to Hope, Crissi Langwell
The Underside of Joy, by Sere Prince Halverson

Photo Guide for Sonoma:

Armstrong Redwoods State Nature Reserve, Guerneville
The Barlow, Sebastopol
Domaine Carneros Villas and Vineyards for incredible views of the chateau and gardens.
Duncans Landing at Bodega Bay for coastal views and beach scenes
The Fremont Diner, Sonoma: Check out the “Greetings from Sonoma” sign
Paradise Ridge Winery Sculptures, Santa Rosa for works of art throughout the estate
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum for its amazing interior
Petaluma Pumpkin Patch for the sunflower field and animals from the petting zoo
River’s End Restaurant in Jenner is perfect for photographing the sunset
The Russian River
Salt Point State Park’s Sandstone Hills showcases spectacular sandstone rocks and panoramas of the Pacific Ocean
Screamin’ Mini’s to photograph all of the ice cream flavors of the rainbow and interior
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, Santa Rose for beautiful waterfalls and spectacular nature
Tea Room Cafe in Petaluma for foodie photos