Tag Archives: peach

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!

Halliday’s Winery in Lake Milton, Ohio

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

The Winery at Wolf Creek in Norton, Ohio

Taking the last sip of my wine sample of Space Cowboy, I noticed a group of bubbly young college students walking through the door of The Winery at Wolf Creek, dressed for a bachelorette party. They approached the tasting bar where I was enjoying a glass of wine when we struck up a conversation.  It was their first time here, so they asked what I was drinking and if I had any suggestions for what they should order.

This was their first winery experience but they were not new to wine. We discussed which types of wine they would normally purchase and I shared with them my wine list with all of my hand written notes.   I suggested that they start out sampling some of the wines before they commit to a bottle.  They agreed that the sweet, fruit wines were more their style so they started out with samples of Blue (blueberry), Original Sin (apple) and Space Cowboy (peach).

The server set them up as I took a glass of Redemption out to the patio, waiting for a pizza from Fat Boys.  Redemption is a French-hybrid blend that is light on the sweet side which I absolutely enjoy chilled.

I took a menu outside to look over the beer selection that includes craft beers from local and popular breweries as well as ciders and fruit based ales.  The Winery at Wolf Creek has a limited menu of cheeses, meat and crackers but they welcome patrons to bring their own foods to enjoy with their wines while enjoying the spectacular view.

With a few minutes to spare, I reviewed my tasting notes and information that I had collected from my server.  Distracted by the beautiful view of the Akron skyline, I noted which wines I would be purchasing before leaving the winery.

The Vignoles was my first sample which is a semi-sweet estate wine that I found had a lingering sour finish.  This having been my first experience with this wine, I was curious to learn about specific food pairings that may alter the taste of the wine and found an unusual list to include pumpkin and ginger-based foods as well as gingers snaps*.

One of the varietals grown on the estate, Vignoles is one of three grapes that make up about 80 percent of their white wine production which also includes the Pinot Gris and Leon Millot.

Peppery and smooth, the Zinfandel was my absolute favorite but having learned that the winery makes a great Cabernet Franc, I had to sample this wine as well.

Summit County provides a grape growing terrior that includes sandy loam, clay loam and gravel.  Because the climate is similar to the Loire Valley in France, this provides the potential as a perfect location for growing Cabernet Franc and Chambourcin varietals.

Switching over to sweet wines, Sweet Revenge is a beautiful Ohio rose that the winery has been making for over twenty years.  A blend of Seyval Blanc and French Hybrid wines, this crisp, delicious wine is a classic.

I am always interested in sampling the fruit wines from Ohio wineries because they have the potential to be extremely fruity or combined with grapes, have subtle notes of fruit flavor in the blend.  Blue, a semi-dry blueberry wine was rich in color as well as a little tart which I found to be an absolute lovely combination.

Original sin is the perfect name for this crisp, apple based wine, but it is Space Cowboy that wins my vote with its full peach flavor in every sip.

The sun is starting to set on this beautiful, brisk October evening. I bring myself inside where I can continue admiring the outside view from the beautiful glass windows of the tasting room.

My pizza had just arrived, so I ordered a bottle of Zinfandel, knowing that the winery can repackage the remaining wine for me to take home.

The Winery at Wolf Creek is open year around, with limited hours during the winter season.  Cellar tours are available by appointment and wine tastings are offered daily.  The winery offers a great selection of wine accessories, clothes, gift baskets and of course, wine which ranges from $14 to $24 per bottle.

The bachelorette party is going strong in the tasting room and I stop by to inquire how they enjoyed the wines.  The bride-to-be, dressed in red, mentioned that they had such a difficult selecting a favorite that they purchased one of each to enjoy with their large group.  I told her to beware of the Big Bad Wolf as I exited the winery, happy to see they were having the time of their lives.

Have you had the opportunity to visit The Winery at Wolf Creek?  Did you pack a picnic or order some food?  What was your favorite wine?  I would love to hear about your visit to The Winery at Wolf Creek if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading my post about The Winery at Wolf Creek and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Winery at Wolf Creek
2637 South Cleveland Massillon Road
Norton, Ohio  44203
Telephone:  330 665 1445

Where to Stay:

The Whimsical  Pig Bed & Breakfast
2682 South Cleveland Massillon Road
Norton, OH  44203
Telephone: 330 576 6104

Ron and Sue Bishop were absolutely lovely hosts.  The French toast for breakfast was amazing!

Where to Eat:

Wolf Creek Tavern
3044 Wadsworth Road
Norton, OH  44203
Telephone: 234 571 4531

Seated on the outside patio, I was so excited to try an order of homemade pierogis and I selected the fish and chips for my entree.

Old Firehouse Winery, Geneva On The Lake, Ohio

I could hear the beautiful, distinct sound of bagpipes through a large crowd of onlookers as I approached Old Firehouse Winery.   I immediately took notice of the quaint little antique fire truck at the front of the building, half the size of the ones today, and entered the winery to sample a few of their wines.  The sassy red barn had been converted into a firehouse before becoming a winery and restaurant twenty-five years later.  “Old Betsy”, a 1926 Graham Brothers engine, represents the historical evolution of Old Firehouse Winery.

Standing in line with other patrons, I soon realized that the slushies were one of the winery’s best sellers.   I was easily entertained by the television screen with interesting information about the winery and Old Firehouse wines.

I had watched the informative loop twice when I was next in line to be served.   I decided to try the preset Sweet Wine Tasting Samples which included ten 1-ounce sized  plastic cups for a cost of $8.99 plus tax.

The umbrella-covered table had a lakeside view where I could enjoy the beauty of Lake Erie.  An Arts & Crafts Show had been set up in an open area where visitors browsed the booths and made a few purchases. During the summer, the fair takes place every Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day with hours from noon to 8.

Each Old Firehouse sample was numbered in the order of less sweet to the sweetest.

  • The Firehouse White is made of Catawba grapes was a Gold Award Winner.
  • The Firehouse Red is a semi-sweet wine, with a jammy taste and beautifully red in color.
  • Made from the popular, local Niagara grape, my next sample was the Lighthouse Niagara wine.
  • Lake Erie Riesling was surprisingly sweet compared to other Rieslings I have sampled in the past.
  • Raspberry Reflections has a sunset hue, but with its aromatic raspberry scent, it was perfectly prepared with just a hint of raspberry flavor.
  • Not quite sure what to expect with Spiced Apple, I was pleasantly surprised by its refreshing taste.
  • Frosty Peach, a lovely summertime wine,  was lightly flavored with a hint of peach.
  • Grape Jamboree is typical of an Ohio sweet wine and is one of the winery’s best sellers.  The Grape Jamboree is also an annual festival that takes place in Geneva during the month of September.
  • Pink Catawba, with its deep cranberry color was the sweetest wine yet.
  • My final sample was the Sweet Concord which tastes like grape juice that packs a punch.  This was my favorite sample and I purchased a bottle to make some sangria on a hot summer afternoon.

The view from where I was sitting was absolutely gorgeous.  Within a few feet from the seating area was an antique Ferris wheel at the edge of the lake.  This stand-alone attraction is well known to the locals and was built in 1956.  They call it the #5 Big Eli because it was fifth patent of George Ferris.   Old Firehouse Winery has a port wine named after this colorful wheel and has a spectacular view from the top.

Strolling through the winery before leaving for the Lakehouse Inn and Winery, I could not pass up the opportunity to try the slushie and I quickly learned why they are one of Old Firehouse Winery’s best sellers.

Have you visited Geneva on the Lake and tried the wines at Old Firehouse Winery?  I would love to hear about your fun experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for checking out my post about the Old Firehouse Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Old Firehouse Winery
9425, 5499 Lake Road East
Geneva on the Lake, OH  44041
Telephone:  440 466 9300

Open seven days a week year around, the winery and restaurant provides daily entertainment during the summer months with extended hours over the weekend.  For more information about the winery and their themed weekends which run from Memorial Day to Labor Day, check out their website.

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.

Featured Ohio Winery: Hanover Winery

The Pink Toad Party, Hanover Winery’s fundraiser for breast cancer was well underway when I entered the tasting room.   A steady stream of women, many dressed in pink, stood in line to order the winery’s Pink Toad Blush in support of a great cause for loved ones and fellow breast cancer survivors.  I felt honored to listen to some incredible journeys of survival from the brave women who had battled cancer and the dear family members who cared for them along the way.

I have since returned to Hanover Winery several times because of its picturesque, rural setting, its charming tasting room and of course, wonderful selection of wines.  I, myself, am particularly fond of the Statesman and the Black Dahlia wines, yet there are over twenty-five wines to sample and purchase.  From wonderful dry reds to a wonderful range of fruit wines, the winery offers a wide variety of award winning wines that are sure to please.

Here is a list of wines I have sampled:

REDS:

  • 2015 Malbec: Robust, full body dry red with interesting notes of plums and dark berries. Notably higher tannins with a sweet tobacco finish.  $23.99;  Residual Sugar: 0%;  Alcohol:  3%;  This wine was awarded a Silver Medal at the 2018 Finger Lakes International Competition
  • Cabernet Sauvignon: Bold layers of dark fruits with subtle notes of vanilla and caramel.  Medium smooth tannins.  Well balanced in oak with a nice finish. $36; Residual Sugar: 0%; This wine was awarded the International Double Gold Medal at the 2017 Competition
  • Chambourcin: A complex red wine with rich dark fruit flavors, oak aged;  $13.99;  Residual Sugar:  1%;  This wine was awarded a Gold Medal at the Ohio Wine Competition

  • Black Dahlia: Merlot Blackberry, dark and delicious; $18; Residual Sugar:  5%;  This wine was awarded the Bronze Medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
  • Baco Noir: A bold dry red with layers of plum and vanilla flavors, oak barrel aged;  $17; Residual Sugar:  1%
  • Pink Toad: Flavorful Catawba, a nice blush wine; $9.99; Residual Sugar: 9%; This wine was awarded the Bronze Medal at the Ohio Wine Competition

  • Sweet Lizzy: Sweet rose’ wine named in memory of our black Labrador Lizzy.  $10.99; Residual Sugar:  9%;   This wine was awarded the Gold Medal at the 2018 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and a Bronze Medal from the Ohio Wine Competition

WHITES

  • Chardonnay: Stainless steel fermented lightly oaked; $13.99; Residual Sugar  5%
  • Vignoles: Dry, oak aged with hints of pineapple and apricot.  $12.99; Residual Sugar:  1%; This wine was awarded the Bronze Medal at the Ohio Wine Competition

FRUIT

  • Dammit Annie: A delicious blend of Blackberries and Haskap Berries; Sweet enough for dessert.  Named after their Labrador Annie;  $16.99; Residual Sugar:  5%
  • Peach: A smooth and delicious peach wine. A great summer treat  $11.99;  Residual Sugar: 9%; This wine was awarded the Silver and Bronze Medals at both the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and the Ohio Wine Competition

PORT

  • Attitude: A port style dessert wine, oak barrel aged.  Alcohol 19.5%; $23.99; Residual Sugar: 5.9%; This wine was awarded the Silver Medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.

SPECIALTY

  • Unleashed: Raspberry Riesling, a sweet Riesling blended with real raspberries.  Labeled in memory of our yellow Labrador Ellie; $13.99; Residual Sugar:  5%;  This wine was awarded the Silver Medal at the Ohio Wine Competition

Additional wines available at Hanover Winery include:

REDS

  • 2015 Tampranillo
  • Marquette
  • Marechal Foch
  • Hanover Red
  • Mason’s Red
  • Soft Red

WHITES

  • Soft White
  • Vidal Blanc
  • Riesling – New Release
  • Traminette – New Release
  • Seyval Blanc
  • Hanover White
  • Kiss Me

FRUIT

  • Blackberry
  • Ohio Apple
  • Cranberry

SPARKLING

  • Bubbly

My drive from Oxford took only about ten minutes and the rural route was a welcoming change to my city life.  I could use a little leisurely wine time and knew I had finally arrived when I noticed the rows of Marquette and Seyval grapes.

According to Eddie McDonald, co-owner of the winery, the vines were planted in the spring of 2016 and it will take a few years until the crop produces grapes.  He and his wife Elizabeth opened the winery in 2009 after making wine for family and friends as a hobby for over ten years.  Known as Butler County’s sole winery, the gorgeous property is perfect for relaxing along the pond with a bottle of wine, enjoying the weekend entertainment or attending one of Hanover Winery’s many sponsored events. Visit their website to learn more about Hanover’s Annual Summer Wine Festival in August (expect a large turnout) and their Annual Animal Rescue Fundraiser in the Spring.

Business was soon picking up and Eddie was needed to bring some more wine up from their “wine cellar”.  He asked if I wanted to check it out and of course I was curious to see where the magic happens.  The entertainment was setting up on the patio, so I stopped by the tasting table and ordered a glass of Pink Toad to enjoy the pond.  I brought my list of wines to purchase for upcoming events, and bought a few favorites for my friends and family.   While Hanover Winery is one of my favorite wineries to visit because of the hospitality of Eddie and Elizabeth and the delicious award winning wines, I always enjoy visiting with the resident celebrities, Mason and Annie.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Hanover Winery?  What wines did you try?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about one of my favorite Ohio wineries and wishing you many Happy Travels.  Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Hanover Winery
2165 Morman Road
Hamilton, OH  45013
Telephone:  513 863 3119

Where to Stay:

The Elms
75 South Main Street
Oxford, OH  45056
Telephone:  513 524 2002

Where to Eat:

LaRosa’s Pizza Hamilton
770 NW Washington Blvd.
Hamilton, OH  45013
Telephone:  513 347 1111
Website:  www.larosas.com

Ohio Winery: Powell Village Craft Winery

Taking a seat at the beautiful rustic bar at Powell Village Craft Winery, I couldn’t help but notice the young lady sitting next to me talking into her phone.   Overhearing her conversation, she was trying to set a date to move to Colorado.  Working out the logistics, she sat in front of her computer enjoying a glass of wine.

I ordered a wine flight and soon thereafter, Katie had wrapped up her plans and made a phone call to her boyfriend to pick her up.  She explained that lately she has been down on her luck and it seemed that her car wouldn’t start.  Waiting at the winery, she had managed to schedule her move out of state all while enjoying a glass of Merlot.  I guess her luck was starting to change.

Conveniently located in a charming suburb of Columbus, the winery, owned by Jeff and Gina Kirby, has been open for six years.  Currently, they are in the process of opening another winery in Tucson, which is similar in design and construction to Powell Village and are looking to franchise the winery.

I hardly waited  five minutes when the server offered to pour me a paddle wine flight or four half glasses for $15.  Since there were quite a few selections that I wanted to try, I opted for the $1 per tasting.   Their reserve wines and ice wines are $2 each were worth the additional cost.

Their menu included a variety of flatbreads, butcher’s block, bread and dipping oil, cheese plate, garlic bites and hummus with veggies.  Perfect combinations to pair with a large assortment of wines.

Each sample was a generous one ounce pour and I began my tasting with the Pinot Noir. Medium bodied, this beautiful brownish red wine has a tangy first sip with a perfect finish.

In addition to Pinots, I love Merlots and this one caught me off guard with a sweet start but it finished with a smooth texture and taste.

Switching over to some of the sweet wines offered by Powell Village, the blackberry has a super sweet smell and a gorgeous ruby color, with a light, airy fruity taste.

I wrapped up my last three samples trying some of the lighter, fruity wines which are  popular with Ohio wineries.  The peach smelled like fuzzy peaches picked right off of the tree, having a thick texture with a simple fruit flavor.

The white cranberry is just as tart as one would expect but it was a perfect blend with grapes.  My final sample was kiwi-pineapple, heavy on the pineapple taste yet an extremely refreshing wine.

The winery also offers seasonal sangrias like the pomegranate and cherry during the spring and summer months while the cranberry is popular for the fall.  There are also wine slushies, a popular option where wine is combined with a mix and frozen as a fun, fruity drink.

In addition to Happy Hour on Fridays and Saturdays, Powell Village Craft Winery is available on Sunday and Monday for private events, while Thursdays are Ladies’ Night.

I finished my last glass of wine and Katie had finally confirmed a date for moving her belongings out west.  She decided to call her boyfriend for his ETA while I purchased a bottle of Soulmate, Powell Village’s yummy Merlot.  Here’s hoping that if I am ever stranded, a winery will be close by.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Powell Village Craft Winery?  What was your favorite wine?  I would love to hear about your visit if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Powell Village Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!  Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Powell Village Craft Winery
50 Liberty Street
Powell, Ohio  43065
Phone:  614 505 7465

Where to Stay: 

Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center
100 Green Meadows Drive South
Lewis Center, OH  43035
Telephone: 855 892 4543

Where to Eat: 

Powell Village Craft Winery
50 Liberty Street
Powell, Ohio  43065
Phone:  614 505 7465

Why leave when you can try one of Powell Village Craft Winery’s amazing flatbreads?  We ordered the Buffalo flatbread with spicy chicken, buffalo sauce and Mozzarella cheese.  They will give you ranch dressing for dipping should you need to cool the heat.  Yum!

Naughty Wines at Knotty Vines Winery

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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”.

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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”.

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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”.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 11th for a cost of $45 per person.
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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.

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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

The Lakehouse Inn and Winery, Geneva On The Lake, Ohio

The bridal party was waiting for the ceremony to begin when I entered the Lakehouse Inn and Winery.   The bride was having a private conversation with her father as her bridesmaids stood in line waiting to begin the wedding procession.  The groom was standing at the end of the stone platform where attendees had taken their seats for the event.  The gorgeous blue lake and small sandy beach provided the perfect backdrop for exchanging vows.  The view was absolutely stunning and I had almost forgotten I was visiting a winery in Ohio.

I quietly ducked into the restaurant before the festivities began.  The elegant tasting bar, with its large window, looked out onto Lake Erie.  As I reviewed the wine menu, the bartender listed a number of wines that were no longer available, including Red Sky, the Scarti Di Cantina and the Cabernet.

I began my tasting with the Pinot Noir, one of my favorite varietals.  I enjoyed the silky texture of this wine and could taste and smell a hint of berry.

The Vino Della Casa NV, translated as the “wine of the house” is a semi-dry, light-bodied, oaky wine with a very nice finish.

Their strawberry wine was a semi-dry and had undertones of strawberries in both its smell and taste.

Just Peachy tastes exactly as it sounds.  I enjoyed the smell of this wine and the light orange color that looked like a freshly picked peach.

I decided to enjoy a glass of the Pinot Noir while looking out onto the lake and although I did not have a direct view of the wedding from where I was sitting, I could not help but feel as though I was imposing. Selfishly, I was hoping for the ceremony to end soon so that I could take the path down to the beach and relax in an Adirondack chair.

By the time I had finished my Pinot, the wedding ceremony was completed and I opted for a glass of Just Peachy that seemed more appropriate for the beach.  There was a light breeze and just enough cloud coverage for a comfortable summer day.  I was mesmerized by the view of the lake and found it difficult to believe I was in Ohio.  Far from the Caribbean, I felt like I was on island time and swore to return at least one more time before the colder temperatures invaded this tropical paradise.

Have you visited Lakehouse Inn and Winery or one of the other Ohio wineries near Geneva?  I would love to hear about your favorite wines and wineries if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reviewing my visit to Lakehouse Inn and Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Lakehouse Inn and Winery
5653 Lake Road, East
Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH  44041
Telephone:  440 466 8668

Where to Stay:

The Lakehouse Inn and Winery
5653 Lake Road, East
Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH  44041
Telephone:  440 466 8668

The Lakehouse Inn and Winery offers luxurious accommodations along Lake Erie.  Their cottages are situated 100 yards from the water.  All accommodations include breakfast at their restaurant, Crosswinds Grille.

Where to Eat:

Crosswinds Grille
5653 Lake Road, East
Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH  44041
Telephone:  440 466 8668

During the afternoon, we enjoyed a lovely winetasting within the restaurant and ordered the Charcuterie & Salumi Board (assorted house made cured meats, pickled vegetables, local cheeses and crostini) as well as the Baked Brie (Mayfield Road brie, puff pastry, seasonal jam, candied walnuts, toast points).   We ordered a bottle of wine and headed out to the beach to relax on the Adirondack chairs for an afternoon of relaxation.

For dinner, we returned for the Caprese Salad and the Wood-Fired White Pizza (garlic, four cheese blend, red onion, red pepper and chicken).

What to Eat: 

  • Madsen Donuts
  • Slovenian Hot Dogs at Eddie’s Grill

What to Read: 

  • Geneva on the Lake, A History of Ohio’s First Summer Resort, by Wendy Koile
  • Geneva Lake by Carolyn Hope Smeltzer

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