Tag Archives: rustic

Featured Ohio Winery: Terra Cotta Vineyards

Passing cattle farms along the hilly landscape of Muskingum County, I approached Terra Cotta Vineyards in New Concord, Ohio.  The long gravel drive boasted beautiful full grapevines that would soon be ready for harvest.  It was an early Saturday afternoon, the calm before the storm as a large crowd was expected for the winery’s popular weekend cook outs with a selection of strip steak, marinated pork or salmon cooked over the grill.

The winery, owned by Donna and Paul Roberts, was first established in 1996 sitting in the midst of fifty-six acres.  With an environment similar to the European wine regions, the Roberts family found the perfect terrior to grow quality grapes that can sustain the cold Ohio winters.

Entering the rustic winery, the light woods of poplar accented by the terra cotta walls were overshadowed by the gorgeous open, cathedral ceiling.  The tasting table was to my left where I decided to try a few samples which included the Chambourcin,  Steuben, Baco Noir, Catawba and the Terra Rosa.

I ordered a glass of the Terra Rosa and took a seat on the back porch to admire the dramatic valley views and rolling hills.   I learned that beneath the beautiful green landscape was red clay soil and the region is known for its beautiful clay ceramics.  In addition to their daughter, Alysia’s pottery, it was how the Roberts’ family came up with the name of the winery, Terra Cotta Vineyards.

So while I am enjoying the panoramic view and the delicious wine, I think about the upcoming harvest.  While so many factors have an impact on the quality of the wine, all of the preparation and maintenance over the spring and summer will be important.  But in the end, everything is about the harvest.

I would be interested in hearing about your visit to Terra Cotta Vineyards, if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Do you have a favorite wine or another Ohio wine suggestions?  I would be happy to learn more about the Ohio wine industry and look forward to your message and recommendations.  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Terra Cotta Vineyards
2285 Rix Mills Road
New Concord, OH 43702
Telephone:  740 872 3791

Please refer to the winery’s website for the most up-to-date information such as hours of operation.

Where to Stay:

Hotel Garland
150 Garland Way
New Concord, OH  43762
Telephone: 855 462 9255

Where to Eat:

Theo’s Restaurant
632 Wheeling Avenue
Cambridge, OH  43725
Telephone:  740 432 3787

Looking for authentic home cooking, we stopped at Theo’s Restaurant for lunch and ordered burgers and fries.  The service was excellent and so was the food!

On the Three Rivers Wine Trail: Rainbow Hills Winery

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Driving to Rainbow Hills Winery along the winding dirt road, I could hear the sound of cicadas calling me towards the vineyards, while wooden directional signs were strategically placed along the route.  Soon I approached the final bend in the road where beautiful vines greeted me with sumptuously ripe grapes.

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Recognized as one of the wineries on the Three Rivers Wine Trail, Rainbow HilIs Winery resides in a beautiful rustic hideaway.   With gorgeous flowers springing up throughout the landscape,  and a beautiful fountain on the lawn, I was excited to sample some of the unique wines produced by Rainbow Hills.

The tasting area is to the far right, so I climbed the stairs leading up to the bar where I met winemaker, Bob.  Since I was not familiar with a couple of the varietals on their wine list. he was extremely helpful in pointing me in the right direction after telling him the types of wine I prefer.  He was spot on when I made my selections and I enjoyed every sample he poured as more visitors arrived for a tasting.

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Rainbow Hills Vineyards is one of the oldest wineries in Ohio, established in 1988.  Founded by the late Leland (Lee) Wyse and his wife, Joy, this beautiful retreat sits on an 82-acre farm that offers fabulous views and promises a getaway of solitude and relaxation.

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There is ample space indoors and out for sampling the wines produced by Rainbow Hills.  The rustic interior of slate floors and sandstone walls is a beautiful setting for sampling the wines created onsite.   Walkways and outlooks create the perfect opportunity for a stroll through the natural beauty of the winery’s surroundings.  Joy has planted four-hundred flowers producing a splendid rainbow of colors while in bloom.

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Back at the tasting bar, I started out with the Drumming Grouse which is a Concord semi-sweet wine.  It has a beautiful color, a slight acidity and sells for $11.75 per bottle.  It is a great wine for self-proclaimed non-wine drinkers, easy on the palate and an entry into broadening one’s wine appreciation.

The Trillium was a new wine that Rainbow Hills began producing about a year ago.  A blend of Vidal Blanc, Seyval Blanc and Traminette, this combination makes a lovely semi-sweet wine.

My next selection is Ares and it is a perfect wine made of Ohio Foch grapes.  This full body red is high in tannins and has a lingering finish.

Bob surprised me with a sample of their Pink Champagne.  Served chilled, this is made for celebrations and summer outings. I purchased a couple of bottles of the Champagne because I loved the sweet berry taste.

My final sample is White Gold and according to Bob, this was the perfect year for this wine made from sweet Niagara grapes.

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As I completed my tasting, I had the pleasure of meeting Joy Wyse.  As she was enjoying a glass of Ohio Chardonel, her favorite wine, I mentioned I had visited Yellow Butterfly Vineyards and learned about Lee’s contribution to this winery’s success.  Many other wineries have praised Lee for his willingness to help new winemakers.  I wished I could have met him.

As I was ready to leave, I noticed the winery was preparing for their summer cookout.  Provided every Friday and Saturday night during the summer, visitors can select a NY Strip or Boneless Chicken Breast with side dishes.  Reservations required. The winery is open all year, Monday through Saturday, while the Bed and Breakfast is available seven days a week.

I had a wonderful time visiting Rainbow Hills Vineyards and look forward to an opportunity to return when I can stay overnight.  I would have loved to have explored the grounds in more detail and maybe to have had the chance to catch a glimpse of Bigfoot. Newcomerstown is said to be home to this legendary furry beast, so you never know what surprises may await you with a stay at Rainbow Hills Winery, Bed and Breakfast.

What to See and What to Do: 

Rainbow Hills Winery
26349 T.R. 251
Newcomerstown, OH 43832
Telephone:  740 545 9305

Many thanks to Bob for his hospitality and assistance with my wine selection and a thank you to Joy Wyse for her generosity as well!  Please note that all comments provided were based solely upon my own opinions and experience.

Where to Stay:

Rainbow Hills Winery
26349 T.R. 251
Newcomerstown, OH 43832
Telephone:  740 545 9305

Because the hours of operation are set seasonally, ensure that you check the Rainbow Hills Winery website for the most up-to-date information.

Rainbow Hills Winery is also a bed and breakfast!

Where to Eat and Where to Drink:

Rainbow Hills Winery
26349 T.R. 251
Newcomerstown, OH 43832
Telephone:  740 545 9305

Make reservations for Friday and Saturday night at 5:30 to grill your own dinner.  Rainbow Hills will supply the sides which include baked potato, salad, rolls and chocolate cake for dessert.

Railroad Restaurant & Saloon
509 Main Street
Coshocton, OH  43812
Telephone: 740 575 4151

It was a day to try some fried food and I could not pass up the opportunity to try the deep fried pickles because I prefer the chips over the spears.   The spicy cajun dipping sauce was the perfect condiment.  I also ordered the lobster bisque which was creamy, delicious and full of lobster meat.

Beautiful Rural Winery in Ohio: Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard & Winery

I narrowly escaped a torrential downpour as I entered the charming Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard and Winery in Eaton, Ohio.  I took the last open stool in the corner of the tasting bar and began to review the wine menu.  A group of regular patrons were finishing up their order for several cases of wine, so I was eager to hear what they purchased.  I knew this would be a great start for coming up with my list of samples for my tasting.

Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard and Winery is Preble County’s first winery.  Located in the 1890’s brick Oklahoma Schoolhouse Number Four, the beautiful renovations to the property include beautiful rustic golden walls framed with dark trim, floor to ceiling windows, keeping the original stone sills and the  elegantly stained wooden floors.  The result of the restoration was absolutely stunning considering the building had been vacant for over thirty years.

This young winery is already off to a great start winning several awards both in Ohio as well as Indiana.  Olde Schoolhouse won Best Amateur Wine at the INDY International Wine Competition, which was quite an honor and award winning wine maker, Mr. Z was invited to judge the competition the following year.  Another grand accomplishment for Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard was that they were the featured winery at the Ohio State Fair at the Taste of Ohio pavilion.  I was excited to try some of these amazing wines, starting with the Noiret, a gold medal winner at INDY.

  • Noiret: Described as a dry, medium-bodied wine, the hint of oak compliments the smooth texture of the wine.   Priced at $8 per glass or $14.99 per bottle, this wine is rich with color as well as taste.
  • Nightberry is one of Old Schoohouse Vineyard and Winery’s new additions. A lovely blend of semi-dry red wine and blackberry makes this wine perfect for any occasion.  It is described as a fruit forward wine that finishes nice and dry.  Price for a glass is $6 and bottle priced at $14.99.
  • The Riesling is another semi-dry wine, white with a light body.  Surprised by its perfect balance, I tried a sample at the winery’s recommendation and found it to be airy with a classic finish.  A glass of this wine can be purchased at $6.50 per glass or $16.99 per bottle.
  • The Traminette is a popular varietal in Ohio and Olde Schoolhouse took the silver medal at the INDY International Wine Competition. A semi-sweet wine with tropical aromas and flavors, I enjoyed the texture of the wine and would consider it medium bodied.  Perfectly sweet, this wine is priced at $6 for a glass and $14.99 for the bottle.

  • With a hint of cherry, this bronze medal winner, Rebel Red is a fruity blend of Fredonia and Chambourcin grapes. Perfectly priced at $6 per glass or $12.99 per bottle, I knew this would be a hit with my sweet-wine loving friends.
  • The Valvin Muscat, made with a grape similar to the Moscato, will please all wine drinkers who enjoy sweet wines. This Silver Medal winner at the Indy International wine competition would be a great summer wine, chilled and carefully sipped on a hot afternoon.  I learned from another customer that this wine makes an incredible slushie paired with Olde Schoolhouse’s blackberry wine. Winning a double gold award, the blackberry wine is obviously one of the winery’s most popular wines as it was sold out during my visit.
  • My final sample was the Pinkaliciouz, a pretty-in-pink colored wine made of a blend of grapes and berry wine. The wine was priced at $6 per glass and $15.99 per bottle.

Having finished my wine tasting, I ordered three bottles of wine, the Riesling, the Noiret and the Rebel Red and found the perfect spot overlooking the vineyards to enjoy my glass of Noiret.

One thousand grapevines replaced the former pasture in the spring of 2015.  Crops of Marquette and Le Crescent will be ready in approximately four years. This will be a welcome addition to the winery as it continues to grow, producing over 6,000 gallons of wine each year.

History buffs will enjoy some of the memorabilia that hangs from the walls of the winery.  From an annual school photo of children dating back to 1913 to an original Montgomery Seed Company bag, the winery preserves some of Preble County’s historical treasures.

The Olde Schoolhouse Winery is a wonderful place to host an event regardless of whether it is a corporate meeting or a baby shower.   The party room boasts a 53 inch screen television and holds up to 50 guests, while the patio can accommodate 60.  At the time of my visit, the winery was exploring the opportunity of purchasing a food license.  For a list of current events as well as a schedule for their weekend entertainment, The Olde Schoolhouse’s Facebook page is a great way to stay connected.    Their wines are sold at nearly 40 different locations such as Sutton’s Food in Arcanum and Ray’s Wine Spirits and Grille a local restaurant in Clayton.

Have you had the opportunity of visiting Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard and Winery?  What were some of your favorite 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 lovely visit to Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard and Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard and Winery
152 State Route 726 North
Eaton, OH  45320
Telephone:  937 472 WINE (9463)

Where to Stay:

Whispering Oaks Bed & Breakfast
1881 Route 127 North
Eaton, OH  45320
Telephone: 937 456 1121

Where to Eat:

Ray’s  Wine Spirits Grill
8268 N. Main Street
Clayton, OH  45415
Telephone:  937 890 0300

The fish tacos were exceptionally fresh, creamy and full of flavor.  I ordered the asparagus with my entree.

Visit Historic Dublin, Ohio

I settled into Dublin, Ohio after moving from San Clemente, California and loved the charm of this lovely Midwest neighborhood.  While I have since moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, here were some of my favorite places to visit.

Historic Dublin, Ohio is located on the corners of Bridge and High Streets.  Once an area home to the Scioto Indians, Dublin is a sought-after suburb in Columbus.  There are several business districts, a large number of restaurants and shopping venues with a historic district that has maintained its appeal.

La Chatelaine, a French Bakery and Bistro, made its debut in Dublin in 1991.  I couldn’t wait for Saturdays to purchase Brioche rolls for the week and choose from their large selections of fresh pastries as well.  From chocolate croissants to coconut macaroons, I enjoyed selecting a few for a late afternoon indulgence.

Happy Hours are best spent at the Dublin Village Tavern.  Before prohibition, the Tavern was only one of the many pubs that lined the street.  Considered one of the rowdiest, it is  most certainly referenced in this ballad.  “Dublin, Dublin, city of beautiful roses, Gouged out eyes and bloody noses, If it weren’t for the solid rock foundation, It’d be gone to hell and damnation!”   Fortunately, this lovely town is not as rambunctious as it once was and the Village Tavern is a great place to meet up with friends and make new ones.

Jeni’s Ice Cream (now Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream) was also a frequent stop throughout the week.  When out-of-town friends would stop for a visit, it was always such a great excuse to visit.  The company makes “one-of-a-kind flavors with Direct and Fair Trade ingredients and super fresh milk from family dairy farms”.  My favorite flavor was Queen City Cayenne which was a spicy, chocolate ice cream, but I am also a fan of the Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Salty Caramel, Gooey Butter Cake and Buttercream Birthday Cake.  There are so many amazing flavors!

For an amazing steak in historical Dublin, my favorite restaurant is Oscar’s Bar and Grill.  With a lovely, rustic setting, this restaurant offers an incredible selection of entrees, but in my opinion, their finest dish is the  8 oz. filet.  For a side dish, my go-to options are either the cranberry balsamic salad or the fried Brussel sprouts.

Looking for an Italian restaurant in historic Dublin?  Look no further than Mezzo.  From Arancini to Winter Squash and Radicchio Salad, there is a large number of dishes to satisfy that Italian craving.  For starters, the Truffle bread is one of my go-to selections but I am also tempted by the Cheese & Charcuterie board when I am dining with a friend or two.   My favorite soup and salad option is the Wedding Soup and Salmon Kale salad, but if I want a hearty meal that tastes like Italy, I can’t wait to dig into a Margherita Pizza or the rich, filling Carbonara.  Somehow, I always find room for the Spumoni or an after-dinner Limoncello liqueur.

J. Liu is the perfect place when you are craving Asian-inspired dishes.  My only problem is that the offer so many delicious appetizers, that I have a difficult time making a choice.  My favorites include the crab rangoons, spring rolls, potstickers and the lettuce wraps.  However, if I’m in the mood for an entree, I can never go wrong with the miso salmon or the poke bowl.

What to See and What to Do:

Le Chatelaine French Bakery & Bistro
65 W. Bridge Street
Dublin, OH 43017
Telephone:  614 763 7151
Hours:  Monday – Saturday from 8AM to 3PM
Tip for your visit:  Arrive early for the best selections and breads and pastries.

Dublin Village Tavern
27 S. High Street
Dublin, OH 43017
Telephone:  614 766 6250
Hours:  Monday – Saturday from 11AM to 11PM; Sunday from 12PM to 9PM;
Tip for your visit:  Order their eggrolls and house-made chowder!

Oscar’s of Dublin
84 N. High Street
Dublin, OH 43017
Telephone: 614 792 3424
Hours:  Lunch:  Tuesday – Friday from 11:30AM to 2:30PM; Dinner:  Monday – Saturday from 5PM to close.
Tip for your visit:  Make reservations ahead as this restaurant books up during the summer.

Mezzo
12 West Bridge Street
Dublin, OH  43017
Telephone:  614 889 6100
Hours:   Monday from 4PM to 9PM, Tuesday and Wednesday from 4PM to 10PM; Thursday from 11:30AM to 10PM; Friday and Saturday from 11:30AM to 11PM; and Sunday from 11:30AM to 9PM.
Tip for your visit: The restaurant is now serving lunch!

J. Liu Restaurant and Bar
50 West Bridge Street
Dublin, OH  43017
Telephone:  614 718 1818
Hours: Monday through Thursday from 11AM – 9PM; Friday: 11AM – 10PM; Saturday: 4PM – 10PM and Sunday from 4PM – 8PM
Tip for your Visit:  Bring lots of friends and order lots of appetizers!