Tag Archives: Pinot Noir

Featured Ohio Winery: Wyandotte Winery

A small vineyard and a beautifully groomed entrance greeted me as I arrived at Wyandotte Winery. Established in 1977, Wyandotte stakes its claim as the first and oldest winery of Central Ohio.

Entering the front door, I was met by a pleasant server at the wine tasting bar.  As I reviewed the wine list and the small plate items, I placed my order for the Meat and Ohio Cheese plate as well as seven wine samples, which were $1 per pour.  For visitors who buy six bottles of wine, ten free samples are included, while a 10% discount is provided for the purchase of wine by the case.

  • Carmenere Malbec Blend: lovely combination, not as dry as a Malbec, Pinot Noir or Merlot but had a hint of tartness; beautiful deep red color described with aromas of smoke and vanilla, cherry highlights, and a mild black pepper finish. $14.99  per bottle
  • Vin De Cacao – semi sweet red wine infused with cocoa; delicious and great for an after dinner drink; soft thick texture with a hint of chocolate described as off dry. $13.99 per bottle
  • Apple Hill – using apples from an orchard in Mansfield, this wine was crisp with a nice apple taste which was not too overpowering and had a hint of spice.  $13.99 per bottle
  • Grandstand – an Ohio Catawba; sweet white, all about the grape. $13.99 per bottle
  • Sweet William – Sweet American Table Wine mad of Ohio Foch and Niagara, a red/white blend.  A local favorite, this wine is sweet and fruity.  $14.99 per bottle
  • Hope is100% pomegranates making it sweet and tart.  Proceeds from this wine benefit cancer and you can purchase it by the glass for $8 or $14.99 per bottle.
  • Vintage Harbor Reserve Port – luxuriously rich fortified dessert wine available by the glass for $8 or by the bottle for $29.99.

Ask about their Heirloom Chardonnay, the Ice House (Ice wine from Gewurtraminer), Glass House from Vidal Blanc, wine slushies and sangria pitchers.

I enjoyed learning about the history of Wyandotte Winery, first established as Jones Wyandotte Wine Cellar.  The home-style winery was designed and built by Floyd Jones, which included a cellar where the wine was produced, and on the first floor, the tasting room, gift shop and living quarters of Mr. Jones and his family.  Floyd offered a variety of grape-based wines, while creating specialized wines from rhubarb, beets and dandelions.

In less than 10 years, the Jones family turned the winery into a prosperous business and sold it to Bill and Jane Butler in 1985.  Bill successfully continued the wine-making tradition and won many awards for his wine and became well-known for his Raspberry Champagne.  Expanding its operations to include the William Graystone Winery and Restaurant, the Butlers opened a second location in German Village in 1990 hosting elegant dinners and special events.

By 2004, Wyandotte Wine Cellar was up for sale and today’s owners, Robin and Valerie Coolidge re-opened Wyandotte Winery in 2007.

From harvesting and bottling, to fermentation and aging, all stages of wine production are conducted onsite.

Harvesting the estate Marquette grapes as well as collaborating with other fruit and grape growers, Robin incorporates Ohio produce as much as possible in creating his wines.  Some of the best local varietals include the Niagara, Catawba and Concord grapes while Riesling, Gerwurztraminer and Pinot Noir also thrive in the Ohio climate.  French-American hybrids that survive well in the cold temperatures include Baco Noir, Chambourcin, Seyval Blanc and Traminette.

Check out Wyandotte Winery’s wine making operation by signing up for a free wine cellar tour on Saturdays.

Wyandotte Winery offers several events throughout the year which are not only educational, but fun.  Valerie Coolidge is the wine and food pairing expert at Wyandotte and teaches guests how to pair food with wine for a more enjoyable experience.  There is plenty of space to host an event, celebrate a birthday or enjoy a special occasion.  With Wednesday Happy Hour and Friday night music, guests should check Wyandotte Winery’s website for fun events year around.

Valerie is also the genius behind the “Famous Wyandotte Wine Cakes” which are prepared with both wine in the batter as well as in the glaze.  The wine cakes are available both at the winery or by ordering them online.  Samples are available upon request at the winery.

Relax in the outdoor space at Wyandotte Winery and you may find yourself in the hammock.  Buy a bottle or enjoy a glass for $6 (a glass of Port for $8). Wine slushies in cherry, berry or kiwi as well as Sangria are also on the menu.  From the words of winemaker, Robin Coolidge, “Drink what you like!”

Have you had the opportunity to visit Wyandotte Winery  to sample some of their amazing wines?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my fabulous time at Wyandotte Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!  Cheers!

What to See and What to Do: 

Wyandotte Winery
4640 Wyandotte Drive
Columbus, OH  43230
Telephone:  614 476 3624; 877 906 7464

Hours of Operation:
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and Saturday from 1 – 7; Friday from 1 – 9

Wyandotte Winery also owns Rockside Winery in Lancaster under the management of their son Ryan, opened in November of 2014.

Where to Stay:

Hilton Columbus at Easton
3900 Chagrin Drive
Columbus, OH  43219
Telephone:  614 414 5000

Where to Eat:

Cap City Fine Diner and Bistro
1301 Stoneridge Drive
Gahanna, OH  43230
Telephone:  614 478 9999

I was in the mood for real diner food, so I ordered the Warm Pretzel with (beer) Cheese to start and the Diner Meatloaf Sandwich as my entree.

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

  • Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream:  Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
  • North Market:  A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
  • The Thurman Cafe:  The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village.  There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.
  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant:  While the sausage at Schmidt’s is the official food of Columbus, it’s the amazing Cream Puffs that have the locals lining up at the door.

What to Read: 

  • Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
  • Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
  • Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
  • Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper

Photo Guide for Columbus: 

  • Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
  • Columbus Museum of Art:  the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
  • Everal Barn and Homestead:  landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
  • Frank Fetch Park:  gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
  • Franklin Park Conservatory:  beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
  • Gantz Park:  barn, beautiful trees,
  • German Village:  brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
  • Grove City:  brick roads, small town, shopping area
  • Hayden Falls:  wooden walking path, waterfall
  • Historical Village of Hilliard:  a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
  • Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
  • Inniswood Metro Gardens:  gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
  • Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
  • Ohio State University:  campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
  • Park of Roses in Clintonville:  various types of rose gardens
  • Riverfront Park:  city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
  • Schiller Park:  gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
  • Scioto Mile:  city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
  • Scioto Park in Dublin:  statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
  • Short North:  restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
  • Topiary Park:  depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo

Ohio Winery: Stone Crest Vineyard

“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!

Featured Ohio Winery: Markko Vineyard

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.

The Vault Wine Bar: Eclectic Menu and Extensive Wine List

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.

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!

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.

Featured Ohio Winery: Mon Ami Winery, now Gideon Owen Wine Company

Update:  Mon Ami Winery is now Gideon Owen Wine Company

Sumptuous smells of garlic and cheese reached the table within seconds before my pizza arrived.  I ordered the Margherita Pizza, a glass of Concord and the menu’s recommended wine pairing, Pinot Noir. I had just spent the Labor Day weekend exploring nearby Lake Erie’s Put-in-Bay and planned to stop for lunch at one of Ohio’s oldest and largest wineries, Mon Ami Restaurant and Historic Winery.

I arrived early passing through the Mon Ami arch to avoid the Saturday night crowd. Mon Ami’s weekend entertainment and decadent seafood buffet can leave visitors waiting hours for a table.

The dramatic façade of the winery, constructed of limestone and sand, was designed and built by George Loeb.  Construction of the initial structure began in the 1850s, but was halted during the Civil War, becoming a temporary, make-shift prison for the Confederates.  The building was finally completed in 1872.

The history of Mon Ami began in 1873 when a cooperation of grape growers and vintners established Catawba Island Wine Company.  While Prohibition saw the closing of many Ohio wineries, Mon Ami survived by producing and selling altar wine.  Generating 130,000 gallons of wine, the estate was purchased by Mon Ami Champagne Company in 1937, one of the few American wineries producing the finest champagne.

The fire of 1945 destroyed much of the upper rooms of the original winery and it was at this time, Mon Ami decided to open its restaurant, collaborating with the local Zapone family.  Mon Ami continues its tradition of offering up-scale cuisine in its Main Dining room with a selection to include Alaskan crab, Prime Rib and Executive Chef specials.  Sommology recommendations are listed on Mon Ami’s menu, making it easy to decide which wine to pair with one’s food order.

The Chalet offers a more casual seating environment with live Jazz on Sundays and additional entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.

I passed on dessert so that I could sample some of Mon Ami’s wine in the wine tasting room.  Tasting Flights range from $5 – $7 or $1 per wine and an additional charge for dessert wines, liquors and champagne.  I was so excited to sample the limoncello in additional to some of my favorite wine varietals.

Mon Ami’s spectacular collection of wines include California premium wines of Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Zinfandel in addition to their Ohio line of estate wines such as Proprietor’s Reserve Chardonnay and Cabernet, Riesling, Gewurtztraminer and Pinot Noir.

Mon Ami Winery hosts, on average, seven weddings over a weekend not to mention additional banquets and special celebrations throughout the year.  From photographs in the arbor and rose garden or weddings in the wine cellar, the winery offers a wide range of on-site venues to celebrate that perfect occasion.

I inquired about the Loretta Pagnini Cooking School which features demonstrations and classes taught by Pagnini, a teaching chef who offers cooking tips, teaches a wide range of kitchen techniques.   I knew that this would be a wonderful experience for a weekend with the girls.

Have you visited Mon Ami Winery?  What was your favorite part of your visit?  Dinner?  Wine Tasting?  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 fun afternoon at Mon Ami Restaurant and Historical Winery and wishing you Many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Mon Ami Restaurant & Historic Winery
9845 East Wine Cellar Road
Port Clinton, OH  43452
Telephone:  419 797 4445

The winery is open seven days a week, but the hours differ from the Winter to the Summer season, so check their website for hours of operation.  Reservations are only taken on select holidays (Easter, Mother’s and Father’s Day, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve), so it is first-come, first-served.   For Holiday Reservations call 419 797 4445.

Many stores throughout Ohio carry the popular Mon Ami wines, but purchases can also be made through Mon Ami’s online store.

Where to Stay:

South Beach Resort
8620 E. Bayshore Rd.
Marblehead, OH 43440
Hotel Reservations;  419 798 4900
Cottage Reservations:      419 798 5503

Where to Eat:

Mon Ami Restaurant & Historic Winery
9845 East Wine Cellar Road
Port Clinton, OH  43452
Telephone:  419 797 4445

During the weekends, Mon Ami hosts a seafood buffet on Saturday and Sunday brunch which are both very popular. Arrive early!

What to Eat:

  • 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

 

An Amazing Urban Winery in Mt. Orab, Ohio: Bardwell Winery – NOW CLOSED

Update:  Bardwell Winery is now closed.

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Located in the lovely, rural town of Mt. Orab, Bardwell Winery is also a small-town eatery with a full menu of comfort food, a welcome addition of craft beers and of course, a wide selection of wines.

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Owned by Gayle and Randy Weddle, this Brown County gem is located next to a real estate business, also owned by the Weddles.   I had a lovely visit with Gayle sampling a few of Bardwell’s wines and learning about the history of their winery.

My wine tasting began with a sample of their Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich, deep and red in color, the wine had an agreeable texture with a smooth finish. This wine “features velvety flavors of black cherry and oak with medium tannins”.

The Pinot Noir smelled of chocolate and was a beautiful deep purple.  With a smooth silky texture,  it is described as a “full body red exhibiting flavors of ripe cherry and strawberry.”

The Merlot is one of my favorite varietals, and Bardwell’s does not disappoint.   I enjoyed the fruity smell of the wine and the eggplant color seemed to be a shade more dense than the Pinot Noir.  A smooth wine that would perfectly pair with a medium rare steak.

The Niagara is a local grape that is described as a “semi dry white that is full of grape flavor and aroma.”  I noticed that it had a sweet taste at the start yet a pleasant tart finish at the end.

The Apple Wine took me by surprise as I felt as though I was biting into a honey crisp apple.  With its unique flavor, I added this wine to my list of bottles I would be taking home with me.

The Strawberry White Merlot is “crisp & tangy with bursts of fresh ripe strawberries”.  I could definitely taste the berries as well as a subtle lemonade flavor and I love the pretty pink color of the wine. Another perfect wine for the summer months.

Taking my first drink of the Black Raspberry Merlot, I could smell the robust aroma of black raspberry.  The bold fruit-forward flavor of this wine is offset by the subtle flavor of the Merlot.

The Blueberry Pinot Noir is a winning combination with a perfect balance of both fruit and wine.

I have learned through the process of wine tastings that I have a wide range of wines that I enjoy to include dry, semi-dry and semi-sweet reds and whites.   The Moscato was one of my favorite wines at Bardwell.  It had a perfect sweetness so I purchased a bottle for my sister who loves this varietal of wine.

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While sipping on my last sample of wine, I had the opportunity to meet Randy, who gave me an overview of his new brews and explained that he would be introducing a few more flavors in the near future.   About a year ago they began brewing their signature craft beers which include the Golden Buggy Lager, Bronco Beer and Orabian Dark.

Bardwell Winery is a hidden gem in the southwest region of Ohio offering a wide selection of wines and craft beer.  You can find the winery on their Facebook Page which lists their activities and entertainment schedule.   They are open each night until 10 PM and have karaoke the 1st Saturday of each month.  Whether it’s beer or wine, Bardwell Winery is the perfect place for date night or a girl’s night out.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Bardwell Winery?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many Thanks and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Many thanks to Randy and Gayle Weddle for their hospitality during my visit to Bardwell Winery.   Please note that all comments and opinions written in this post are my own.

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

What to See and What to Do:

Bardwell Winery
716 North High Street
Mt. Orab, Ohio  75154
Telephone:  513 309 0781

You can also find Bardwell Winery on their Facebook page which lists their activities and entertainment schedule!  They are open each night until 10 PM and have karaoke the 1st Saturday of each month.

Where to Stay:

Bailey House Bed and Breakfast
112 N. Water Street
Georgetown, OH  45121
Telephone:  937 378 3087

Where to Eat:

Bardwell Winery
716 North High Street
Mt. Orab, Ohio  75154
Telephone:  513 309 0781

Bruschetta is one of my favorite small plates, so I couldn’t refuse trying this tasty dish prepared by Bardwell Winery!

Country Inn Restaurant
30 Sunset Blvd.
Georgetown, OH  45121
Telephone:  937 378 2100

I was looking for a down home country meal near the bed and breakfast and found a restaurant that serves Goetta!  Goetta is a meat-and-grain sausage inspired by the Germans who settled in Cincinnati and the surrounding area (in Pennsylvania they call it scrapple).  I ordered the Oldenburg’s Favorite Goetta Breakfast which included two large eggs (over medium), and Oldenburg’s favorite recipe homemade Goetta, home fries and made-from-scratch butter milk biscuits with real butter and strawberry preserves.  Yum!