Featured Ohio Winery: Wyandotte Winery

2 June 20248 February 2025

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

On the Three Rivers Wine Trail: Rainbow Hills Winery

10 June 202323 September 2024

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Voted Best in Ohio! The Winery at Versailles

17 June 202222 September 2024

Surrounded by cornfields in all directions, a white modest barn houses one of the largest producers of wine in the state of Ohio, The Winery at Versailles, the home of Rodeo Red.

Stepping inside the winery, the gorgeous, Italian farm setting is accented with oak barrels and high ceilings. The tasting room is beautifully laid out with bottles of wine and accessories displayed along the perimeter. The open-style, tasting room has exposed beams, rustic posts and several round tables covered in black table cloths.

With a history connected to Annie Oakley, this winery has over twenty-five wines available for tasting.

A young attendant provided me with a tasting menu and explained that their tastings are five one ounce samples or two ounces which also included a complimentary wine glass. The wide range of wines made my decision difficult, but I decided on a diverse selection of red and white, both dry and sweet.

I submitted my list which included the Merlot, the Darke Red, Peach Mist, Rodeo Red and the Schwaartzbeeran. Within a few moments my plastic tray arrived with the wines arranged from dry to sweet, starting with the Merlot.

Deep red and rich in color, this wine had a very robust body with a hint of oak. I imagined it would be spectacular with a juicy steak or roast. The cost of this wine is $15.99 per bottle.

Darke Red, named after the county from where it was produced, is a chilled red wine and I find it exceptionally refreshing. It is a semi-dry wine and is a “blend of Chambourcin, Chancellor and Foch (grapes) to create a rich, fruity and hearty bramble-berry and textured oak flavor”. The cost of this wine goes for $9.99 per bottle.

The Peach Mist was one of my favorite surprises on the wine list. It was tart, but had an elegant taste, similar to a sweet tart or a Smarties candy. “Well ripened juicy peaches give this sparkling wine a sweet yet soft and refreshing finish. Perfect when chilled ice cold on a hot summer day! Makes a fantastic peach Mimosa!” $13.50

Rodeo Red: This is an “all-time best seller here at the winery. Made from a blend of Concord and Niagara, this is the ultimate party wine. One of our “Celebration of Country Life” series.” Personally, all I can taste is fabulous grape juice.

Schwartzbeeren is one of The Winery of Versailles’ dessert wines and after having read the description, I had to try it. “What can you say about a wine that tastes like blackberry pie in a glass? Made from 100% blackberries, this dessert wine can be warmed, poured over ice cream, or served just as a dessert itself.”

Nothing makes me happier than learning that a business gives back to its community. I noticed in the list of wines, there are specific selections where proceeds are given to support some of the local charities. The new Freedom wine is “a sweet white late harvest Riesling blend with notes of tropical fruit and a rich honey finish”. This wine was named in honor of those men and women who have dedicated their lives and service to our country. A $2 donation will be set aside for each sale of Freedom and donated to an incredible organization, Honor Flight – Dayton. This non-profit group is dedicated to helping WWII, Korean and Vietnam war veterans and terminally ill veterans visit their national monuments in Washington DC.

A donation of $2 per bottle of Hope Whispers, a Riesling style wine with a soft pink hue, will be donated to Wayne Health Care Cancer Center in Greenville in support for breast cancer. This bottle sells for $14.99.

I was elated when I learned that Carlena Sneed, events coordinator for The Winery at Versailles, had a few moments to chat about the winery. She is a cheerful, enthusiastic young lady with a personality that lights up the room. She provided me with a brief overview of the winery’s operations, the events that they host and how much she loves working for Mike and Carol Williams, the owners.

Not familiar with the wine season, I wanted to know when Ohio grapes are harvested. I learned that the vineyards are at their peak in August or September and then shortly thereafter they are ready for reaping. Since most of the grapes for their wines are grown here, they can produce about 100,000 bottles in the course of one year. They also supply bulk juice for close to 70 wineries in the United States. Carlena mentioned that they grow the Steuben grapes that taste just like cotton candy off of the vine.

The winery hosts several events over the year. In the spring the winery sponsors an Adult Easter Egg Hunt, where there is music, wine, random prizes and items for auction. During the fall season, there is the annual Sips and Sounds event, full of wine and music. Each weekend during the summer, the Winery at Versailles holds their Thrill to Grill restaurant style meal which includes a selection of one of five meats for grilling, potatoes, vegetables and a dessert for $60 per couple. This also includes a bottle of one of the winery’s many delicious wines.

There is so much to love about the Winery at Versailles, and besides the wine, I admire the owners, Mike and Carol Williams for their strong sense of family. After their daughter moved to Ohio, the Williams’ moved from Wilcox, Pennsylvania to be closer to her and their grandchildren. They were excited to open another successful winery which brought them to their current location in Versailles, a property once owned by the aunt of Annie Oakley.

The names of some of the wines are drawn upon a horse theme or are named after one of their children or grandchildren. I was drawn to the Lucia wine, named after their granddaughter, bottled in an elegantly twisted glass container. The cute pink label is bejeweled and is perfectly designed to represent breast cancer survivors.

It is no surprise that The Winery at Versailles was voted as one of Ohio’s Best in 2016. Their wines are fabulous, the location is beautiful and the staff are outstanding. And if having one winery was not enough, Mike and Carol will be keeping busy this summer as they open The Winery at Hunter’s Valley, their newest location in Liverpool, Pennsylvania. Although the winery itself is smaller, it sits on 120 acres of vineyards along the Sesquahanah River. A four and a half hour drive from Pittsburgh, the property provides million dollar views of the river, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. As the Williams family continue to put their faith in God above all else, treat their employees like one of their own and generously give back to their community, it certainly has proven to bring them success.

If you have had the opportunity to visit The Winery of Versailles, I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Winery at Versailles
6572 OH State Route 47
Versailles, Ohio 45380
Telephone: 937 526 3232

Hours: The winery is open from 10 AM to 6 PM on Monday through Wednesday and from 10 AM to 8 PM on Thursday and from 10 AM to 9 PM on Friday and Saturday. The winery is closed on Sunday. Hours are seasonal and are subject to change. Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation and schedule of events.
Amenities: Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, outdoor seating, online shopping, wine, private events and scheduled events
Tips for Your Visit: During the nights when the winery provides entertainment, wine tastings may not be available. As always, please drink responsibly.

Where to Stay:

The Inn at Versailles
21 West Main Street
Versailles, OH 45380
Telephone: 937 526 3020

Where to Eat:

Michael Anthony’s at The Inn at Versailles
21 West Main Street
Versailles, OH 45380
Telephone: 937 526 3020

I have visited Michael Anthony’s several times and cannot bear to order anything else but the Fettuccine Della Casa, the house pasta cooked with crispy bacon, peas, Parmesan cheese and cream. The portion size is extremely generous and I have been known to eat the whole dish in one seating or save it for a couple more days for leftovers.

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

Strolling the Island of Key West

13 October 201919 September 2024

The road trip to Key West had finally come to a close as we crossed the bridge into the southernmost part of the United States. After checking into the Huron House, we finally found a parking spot a few blocks away and started our mid-morning exploration of Key West.

Several members of our group wanted to start bar hopping while a few of us wanted to wait at least until the afternoon before a pitstop at Sloppy Joe’s. Splitting up in two groups, the explorers entered the Mel Fisher’s Treasures Store on Duval Street. It was exciting to see first-hand some of the treasures that Mel found from the Atocha. Original coins start at $2465.

We explored t-shirt and souvenir shops set in two-story Victorians and tropical-themed Key West boutiques. We bought Key Lime pies and sampled rum cakes from the West Indies.

Bahama Village is a colorful, revitalized neighborhood that includes a market as well as upscale shopping and lodging. This section of Key West was named for the Bahamians that made The Keys their home and now displays colorful murals and island restaurants.

Located on Duval Street is The Strand. Once a theater that had opened in the 1920s, today, it houses a Walgreens Pharmacy. This location was also a Ripley’s Believe it or Not attraction before 2002 and each business had kept the facade which is a lovely attraction.

We held out until late afternoon to have lunch and agreed on the authentic Sunset Tiki Bar with its Tahitian-inspired decor. I ordered the grouper strips with a dill dip that was absolutely delicious and ordered a Mai Tai served in an Easter Island-esque plastic cup.

After a great meal and our first drink, it was time to meet up with our party half of the group, unsure of what we would be getting ourselves into, but we were ready to find out.

Have you visited Key West? What were your favorite shops, activities, restaurants and bars? 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 my visit to The Keys and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Mel Fisher’s Treasures
613 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040
Telephone: 305 295 9555

Open 10AM to 4PM daily.

Don’t forget to stop by the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum located at 200 Greene Street!

Montage Key West Collection – shop has closed

Bahama Village – 16-block neighborhood, a short walk from Old Town.

The Strand (now Walgreens Pharmacy)
527 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040

Sunset Tiki Bar – Located on the Marina
The Galleon Resort
617 Front Street
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305 295 0207

Where to Stay:

Heron House
512 Simonton Street
Key West, FL 33040
Telephone: 305 294 9227

Where to Eat:

Sunset Tiki Bar – Located on the Marina
The Galleon Resort
617 Front Street
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305 295 0207

What to Eat:

Ceviche
Conch Fritters
Crab Cakes
Grouper
Lobster
Mahi Mahi
Shrimp

What to Read:

To Have and Have Not, by Ernest Hemingway
Key West, Tequila, a Pinch of Salt and a Quirky Slice of America, by Jon Breakfield
Gumbo Limbo, by Tom Corcoran
Florida Keys Volume 1: A History of the Pioneers, by John Viele

Photo Guide to Key West:

Casa Marina Key West
Charming Houses and Front Porches
Ernest Hemingway Museum
Fort Zachary Taylor
Hens and Roosters
Higgs Beach
The Kapok Tree
Key West Lighthouse
Key West Mural
La Concha Hotel
Marilyn Monroe at Tropic Cinema
Mile Marker 0
Mural at Waterfront Brewery
The Old Pier Behind Casa Marina
Rainbow Walkways at 801 Bourbon Bar
San Carlos Institute
Smathers Beach
Southernmost Beach Cafe
Southernmost House
Southernmost Point Bouy
The Strand

Making Wine at Grape & Granary for Ohio Wine Month

4 June 201615 September 2024

Located in a small shopping plaza in one of Akron’s industrial districts is the hidden gem, Grape & Granary. Drawn to the opportunity of making my own wine, I had no idea what to expect. The thought seemed interesting and I was looked forward to learning more about the process. With a long list of wines available for purchase and production, I was a little overwhelmed, but decided to sample a few wines while reading over the instructions and information for making my own.

Selecting a table, I quickly learned that I was seated near a wedding party, They were deciding which wine to make for their reception and choosing their labels for the wine.

In front of me was a selection of several wine glasses as well as spices for dipping oils and a basket of bread. With a small fee of 50 cents per wine sample, I wanted to try a few flavors before making my purchase. I was offered a long list of wines as well as specialty blends that I had never tried before. Here is the list of wines that I sampled:

Strawberry White Merlot – delicious, great strawberry taste
Kiwi Pear – LOVE this one…it was like eating fresh pears
Sangria Zinfindel Blush – has a wonderful, fruity aftertaste
Raspberry Dragon Fruit – sweet and tastes like kool aid
Cranberry Chianti – not too tart
Strawberry Riesling – a sweet, full strawberry taste
Summer Surprise is a watermelon Jalapeno wine; the watermelon flavor breaks the heat, but I thought it was too sweet
Jalapeno Ice Wine – AMAZING! WOW! I had to buy a couple of bottles of this one! So unique!

I learned that the Peach Apricot Wine is their best seller, but they were sold out during the time of my visit.

Grape & Granary is also a distillery, so I had a list of options such as Grappa, Whisky, Brandy, Gin, Caffe Liquor or Limoncello. Since the limoncello was a dollar per sample, I simply couldn’t resist.

One of the advantages of visiting Grape & Granary is that they also provide bread and dipping oils to sample. The Herbes de Garlic Sea Salt was one of my favorite blends so I purchased a small jar for home.

During my visit, I was able to witness an engaged couple bottling wine for their upcoming wedding. They had already selected their wine from a list of prepared wine juices. Choosing the Luna Rossa, they met with the winemaker to incorporate the yeast into the juice and waited 7 weeks until it was ready to bottle. The cork is then added and later a label would be placed on the bottle after printing.

The couple selected their label which would be ready in a couple of weeks and then the process would be completed. For the particular wine they chose, the cost would be $165 which would include 28 – 30 750 ml bottles. The cost for labels was 30 cents and the bottles an additional charge.

I was so thankful for the opportunity to watch the wine making process and found it to be a fun, educational experience. The Grape & Granary sells a wide variety of wine making kits and offers orders from their online store and catalog. I decided to purchase a wine kit in hopes that I would have some success and then start a winery in Napa.

Have you had the opportunity to make your own wine at Grape & Granary or at another wine making venue? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading my post and I wish you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Grape & Granary
915 Home Avenue
Akron, OH 44310
Telephone: 330 633 7223

Where to Stay:

Country Inn & Suites
1420 Main Street
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
Telephone: 330 926 1233

Where to Eat:

Beau’s on the River
1989 Front Street
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
Telephone: 330 920 7530

I was so excited to find this amazing restaurant with a fabulous view along the Cuyahoga River. I ordered a Wedge Salad and the Caprese Flatbread for my main entrée.

Barbados Shore Excursion: Malibu Rum Tour and Beach

24 November 201531 August 2024

Update: Malibu Rum Distillery is now The West Indies Rum Distillery

Barbados was one of my favorite ports of call when I worked for the cruise lines. In addition to visiting all of the historic sites, I loved its coastal beauty. So years later, when I had an opportunity to visit Barbados again, I wanted to visit the Malibu Rum distillery and its nearby beach. Exiting the ship, I strolled through the duty free shops and found the taxi stand located outside of the shopping plaza. I hired a driver for the short 7 minute ride.

One of the Caribbean’s southernmost islands in the West Indies, the island is known for its rum, beaches, natural wonders and cuisine. I was looking forward to a relaxing afternoon soaking up the sun and drinking some fruity Malibu Rum drinks.

It was easy to find a cab to take me to the Malibu Rum Distillery. Malibu is the largest coconut rum producer on the island and I love its tropical taste. I entered through a small garden where I found the ticket counter to purchase my tour ticket. The entry fee allowed me a tour through the distillery, a welcome drink which included the yummy rum and entrance to Malibu Beach with a complimentary beach chair to use for the afternoon. With ticket in hand, I made my way to the guide for the start of the tour.

Update: The Malibu Rum Distillery is now the West Indies Rum Distillery

I learned the process of making rum, the secrets to perfecting the flavor where the tour guide walked me and the group through the process of fermentation, aging and the blending of the liquor.

Following the informative rum tour, I could not wait to sink my toes in the sand and enjoy the stunning beach with its pure white sand and clear blue waters. There was a variety of water activities that were free or available for purchase. I pulled up a lounge chair and clearly enjoyed the beautiful surroundings as well as a couple of free (Malibu rum) mixed drinks. The cold fruitiness of the drink, the summer breeze and the refreshing waters were a perfect ending to my limited visit on the island of Barbados.

After a couple of hours, I made arrangements for a taxi to return me back to the ship just in time for sailing.

Barbados is a beautiful island that I loved during my days working for the cruise lines. I can’t wait to explore Barbados again on another cruise in the future. What a beautiful day in paradise!

Have you visited the island of Barbados? What did you enjoy the most about your vacation? I would love to hear about your experience if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my wonderful visit to the island of flying-fish soup and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

The West Indies Rum Distillery
Brighton Beach, Barbados
Telephone: 246 425 9300

Home of Cockspur and Malibu Rum

Where to Stay:

Accra Beach Hotel
Rockley, BB15139
Christchurch
Bridgetown, Barbados
Telephone: 246 435 8920

Where to Eat:

Waterfront Cafe
The Careenage, Bridgetown
St. Michael, Barbados
Telephone: 246 427 0093

What to Eat:

Flying fish and cou cou is the national dish of the island
Black Cake is baked with dried cherries, prunes and raisins with a little rum added to it.
Conkies are sweet desserts made from corn meal, raisins, coconut, and pumpkins with sugar cane and spices which is then put inside of a banana leaf and steamed.
Cutters are small sandwiches usually made up of ham, cheese or egg and served with a salad.
Fishcakes and Bakes are weekend meals usually cooked for fishfrys. The fish is usually cod, fried in a batter seasoned with local spices and herbs. Bakes are a form of bread made of flour, salt and water and once baked, dipped in hot sauce.
Jug Jug is a casserole made from a mixture of beef and pork along with pigeon peas, onions, hot peppers, corn and stewed.
Macaroni pie is similar to macaroni and cheese with onion, herbs and ketchup added to it and topped with breadcrumbs and baked.
Pig Tails are a local street food made from the meaty part of the pig tail.
Sea Urchins which are stewed or fried.
Souse and pudding is a pork and potato dish made from sweet potatoes seasoned with local herbs.

What to Read:

Triangular Road: A Memoir, by Paule Marshall
Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini
A Tan and Sandy Silence, by John D. MacDonald
The Seven Lives of Lady Barker, by Betty Gilderdale
The Tale of the Body Thief, by Anne Rice
Testimony of an Irish Slave Girl, by Kate McCafferty

Photo Guide for Barbados:

Andromeda Botanical Gardens in the east is home to over six acres of flowers and plants
The Animal Flower Cave in St. Lucy for spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and interesting formations in the cave
Barbados Wildlife Reserve in St. Peter to photograph the local Green Monkey.
Bath in St. John for stunning views and a popular picnic spot
Bottom Bay in St. Philip is known for its rugged, towering cliffs on the southeast side of the island.
Bridgetown in St. Michael is a lovely location to photograph its architecture, harbor and charming capitol.
Cattlewash and Bathsheba in the east are fabulous surfing locations with large boulders and spectacular beaches.
Codrington College built in 1743 is the oldest Anglican Theological College in the Western Hemisphere. The architecture and grounds are absolutely stunning and is one of the most photographed locations on the island.
Cove Bay in St. Lucy offers panoramic views of the rocky coastline
Culpepper Island is on the east side of the island and only accessible at low tide, located approximately on hundred yards off of the coast.
Crane Beach in St. Philip offers pink sand and rugged cliffs. Most photographed from the Crane Beach Hotel, this location is on the southeast side of the island.
East Point Lighthouse is located at Ragged Point and provides a stunning backdrop for views of the coast.
Farley Hill National Park in St. Peter was built on a hill with outstanding views of the east coast. Photograph the architectural ruins and cliffside structure.
The Flower Forest is located on the north side of the island that offers panoramic views of beautiful gardens
The Garrison in St. Michael is home to several historic buildings and attractions. The Garrison Savannah is open seasonally offering horse racing.
Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary on the south side of the island is home to wildlife set on thirty five acres.
Grenade Hall Signal Station in St. Peter was once used to send signals across the island. Beautifully restored, its beautiful views include the surrounding forest and forest trail.
Gun Hill Signal Station in St. George is one of two signal stations recently renovated. Don’t miss the opportunity to photograph the large lion statue and panoramic views of the island.
Miami Beach / Enterprise Beach for white sandy beaches and turquoise blue seas
Morgan Lewis Windmill in St. Andrew was built in 1776 and on the site of the Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill. Cherry Tree Hill is north of the windmill and offers panoramic views of the east coast and mahogany forest
Orchid World in St. George to photograph a wide variety of orchids
Speightstown in St. Peter is great for photographing architecture
St. John’s Church in St. John offers stunning gothic architecture and awesome views.
St. Martin’s Bay in St. John is a charming fishing village with breathtaking views of the coastline
Sunbury Plantation House on the south side of the island is a historical plantation set in a mahogany forest.
Welchman Hall Gully in St. Thomas is a great place to photograph plants and the Barbados Green Monkey. Welchman Hall is a spectacular building that measures nearly three quarters of a mile long.

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