Tag Archives: sweet wine

Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast

Passing through the picturesque town of Bellville, I noticed a pristine, gorgeous white bed and breakfast built along the charming main throughway, Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast.  A full moon gave additional light to the brightly lit home advertised as a winery and wine bar.  Catching my attention, I decided to stop for a glass of wine before continuing my drive home from visiting Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron.

The wine bar was open on this Saturday night and I immediately made the acquaintance of the guests sitting to my left, Tammy and Bill, who were staying at the bed and breakfast for the weekend.  They had recently learned that the B&B won the Best of Ohio award and although they lived close by, they wanted to investigate it for themselves.

With the list of beers written on the chalkboard behind the bar, the server explained that there were additional twelve house wines available as she handed me a menu.  I placed my order for the Artisan cheese plate and requested to sample a few of the wines before making my decision on which bottle to purchase.

I started out with an ounce pour of Harvest Moon but favored my next sample of Midnight Rendezvous which was a Niagara/Concord blend sweet wine.  Having learned that the Moscato had won Double Gold at the 2015 Ohio Wine Competition, I requested to try this one and agreed it was a great wine.  My last two samples were Star Bright and Pear (very light and crisp) before I decided that I would order the Midnight Rendezvous.

Brad and Karen Smith opened this beautiful 10,000 square foot bed and breakfast in 2013. With eight guestrooms, decorated with Amish-made furniture, several have fireplaces and balcony access with charming town view.  One room is handicap accessible and the 1200 square foot suite is also available for booking.  Guests are provided a full breakfast using local ingredients and the winery and wine bar are a welcome addition opened over the weekends. Vic and Carrie Swisher (Carrie is Brad and Karen’s daughter) produce the wines in the basement of this elegant 1890’s home, bottling about 1000 gallons of wine per year.

My Artisan Cheese tray arrived and the serving size could have fed a family of four.  I offered to share with my new friends, but ended up having to take half of it home (super exited about that!), only to save it for the next day with my remaining wine (yes, I actually had some wine left over…).  The tray included a variety of local cheeses, served with crackers, olives and meat, worth the $!3.  The next time I will have to try their Buffalo Shrimp Po Boy or the Cuban Pizza Flat Bread (yum!).

Have you had the opportunity to visit Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast?  Did you stay the night or have dinner?  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 Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast.  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast
116 Main Street
Bellville, Ohio  44813
Telephone:  419 886 9463

Where to Stay: 

Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast
116 Main Street
Bellville, Ohio  44813
Telephone:  419 886 9463

Where to Eat: 

Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast
116 Main Street
Bellville, Ohio  44813
Telephone:  419 886 9463

I had ordered the artisan cheese and meat board, but there were several exceptional menu items I would have loved to have tried.

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!

Enjoying Some Wine Therapy at the Magical Myrrdin Winery

Several Ohio wineries exist around Lake Milton, but only a few can compete with the ambiance and gorgeous lake scenery at Myrddin Winery.  Myrddin is Welsh for Merlin and as I approached the lovely winery within the wood, it seemed quite possible that  sprites and fairies could magically appear to land on my shoulder.

The winery’s slogan is “Wine, Water, Woods and Wildlife”, and I was definitely surrounded by all four, starting with wine.  With so many lovely selections, I started with the dry reds sampling the Pendragon, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Corot Noir, Noiret, Marquette and Cabernet Franc.  The blend was exceptional with a perfect balance that gave this wine a smooth finish.

Taliesin is a blend of two of my favorite wines, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, another perfect blend to add to my wine collection.

Sorcerer’s Red was my third selection, which is a sweet wine produced from Concord grapes, which tasted more like grape juice than wine.  Since most of my friends like the sweet wines and I enjoy drinking them cold on a hot summer day, I purchased couple of bottles to break open in a couple of months.

My final sample was the Port wine made from the Frontenac varietal and I agreed that this would be a great after dinner drink with some dark chocolate.   Put another bottle on my tab please.

It was a beautiful afternoon and the sun was beginning to set on Lake Milton, so I ordered a glass of Taliesin so I could sit outside and enjoy the soothing shade of the forest.  I watched squirrels chase each other from one tall tree to the next and the chirping conversation of birds perching on a nearby tree limb.  Enjoying the view of the lake, I could hear the gentle lapping of water teasing the shore as I sipped my glass of wine.  Nature is great for the soul and wine therapy could not get much better than this.

Do you have a favorite Ohio winery that recharges or relaxes you?  I would love to hear about the winery that re-energizes you if you will kindly leave your recommendation in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my quick stop at Myrddin Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Myrddin Winery
3020 Scenic Dr.
Berlin Center, OH  44401
Telephone:  330 654 9181

Myrrdin Winery opened in 2004 and is owned and operated by Kristofer and Evelyn Sperry.  The varietals used to produce their fabulous wines include Buffalo, Concord, Noiret, Seyval Blanc and Zweigelt.  The winery’s location is perfect for boaters who can access Myrrdin’s dock.  Visit Myrrdin Winery’s website for upcoming special events as well as their entertainment listing.

Where to Stay:

Bella Fattoria Bed and Breakfast
14560 Ellsworth Road
Berlin Center, OH  44401
Telephone:  330 720 2544

Where to Eat:

Myrddin Winery
3020 Scenic Dr.
Berlin Center, OH  44401
Telephone:  330 654 9181

Myrddin Winery offers a wide selection of appetizers as well as pizzas, salad, soups and sandwiches.  Save room for dessert!

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.

Sarah’s Vineyard, an Ohio Winery in a State Park

A small fire was ablaze on this beautiful October afternoon as I approached the outdoor seating area of Sarah’s Vineyard Winery & Art Gallery.  The welcoming stone fireplace was in need of a few more fire sticks to keep the embers burning, but the smell reminded me of a pleasant fall day, perfect for sampling wine.

It would have been a wonderful afternoon to linger by the fire but I soon learned that a private event was scheduled for this outdoor space.   The server kindly directed me towards the beautifully restored 1840s barn where I would find the tasting room and additional seating.  The bar was full but within minutes I was able to place my wine order and find the perfect high top table to enjoy my wine.

I started out with the Cuyahoga Valley Reserve, a red zinfandel blend that is aged in oak.  This grape varietal is one of my favorites and I am happy with my selection.  Sitting next to me was a woman in her mid-30’s waiting for a couple of friends for a wine tasting.  She suggested me that I return to Sarah’s Vineyard for their Annual Summer Solstice Festival in June, a celebration of the start of summer.

Looking for another red to sample, I notice a wine labeled “Miserabile.”   I asked about this wine and learned that it is a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese, Zinfandel and Rubiana grapes. This wine was far less miserable yet smooth and divine.

My final pour was the Sweet Elisa made from Niagara and Concord grapes.  A popular blend for Ohio wineries, the wine is a fruity wine that is refreshing when served cold.  Very sweet, this is a typical first wine for beginners who are just starting out.

Looking over the menu, I wished I would have made reservations for dinner.  With a great selection of starters, soups, salads and sandwiches, the winery also provides wood-fired pizzas.  I decided instead to order a carafe of Sweet Elisa, the winery’s top seller, and find a seat outdoors among the endless rows of grapevines.  The Indian summer sun felt comforting and warm. I sat at my table happy to have a few moments to relax and take in my rural surroundings.

The Lytz family has been serving wine at Sarah’s Vineyard since the early 2000s.  Sitting upon 15 acres in northeast Ohio, the property includes the winery, vineyards and a beautiful view of the surrounding farmland.  Varietals grown here include hearty grapes that easily sustain the cold Midwest weather such as Cabernet Franc, Traminette, Niagara and Rubiana.  They have six wines that they regularly produce which are the Blue Heron, Golden Solstice, Sarah’s Secret, Miserabile, Cuyahoga Valley Reserve and Sweet Elisa.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the winery was also an art gallery and studio.  Sarah’s Vineyards hosts a variety of art shows throughout the year and art classes are offered on a regular basis.  Located in the midst of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, quiet surroundings and gorgeous landscape are perfect for a day of art and wine tasting.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Sarah’s 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 visit to Sarah’s Vineyard and wishing  you many Happy Travels!

Winery Contact Information:

Sarah’s Vineyard Winery & Art Gallery
1204 W. Steels Corners Road
Cuyahoga Falls, OH  44223
Telephone:  330 929 8057

Where to Stay:

Vineyard Woods
740 State Route 534 North
Geneva, OH 44041
Telephone:   440 624 3054
Website:  http://www.vineyardwoods.com/

Where to Eat:

The Pickled Pepper
4949 Golf Avenue
Geneva on the Lake, OH  44041
Telephone: 440 361 4014

We entered the brightly colored outdoor restaurant and ordered the deep fried pickles to satisfy my obsession. Yum!

Halliday’s Winery in Lake Milton, Ohio

While driving to Pennsylvania to visit my brother and his family, I would notice several road signs advertising the wineries of northeast Ohio.  I was determined to make a stop on my way home in the little town of Lake Milton and had the opportunity to have lunch at Halliday’s Winery.

It was a busy lunch hour and I was greeted by a friendly server who sat me at a table near the window.   Handing me a food menu and tasting sheet, I selected a flight of wines and a flatbread pizza.

The winery was named in honor of James Halliday who is settled along the Mahoning River over 200 years ago.  The winery’s website includes a few interesting stories about the life of James Halliday who built a grist mill here and raised his family.

Waiting for my meal, I watched several families arrive, meeting each other for the afternoon.  Children played near the entrance as families waited for a table.  I could hear them discussing their week and upcoming plans as the room was filled with conversation.

With a few more minutes to wait, I read through the excerpts on their website about the Halliday family.  My favorite selection was titled “The Mill”, which emphasized the coming together as a community to support each other and help in times of need.

My Asiago Basil flatbread pizza arrived topped with sharp asiago cheese, mild pepper rings and sweet basil.

Finishing lunch, I submitted my tasting sheet with the list of wine I wanted to sample.

  • Mozina Creek is described as a delightful merlot with Chambourcin and Chancellor hybrids added for character. This well balanced wine offers aromas of juicy red berries, off dry, fruity characteristics and a touch of light oak.  Listed as a semi-dry, the wine is available at $8 per glass or $22 per bottle.
  •  Darak Sunrise is a light bodied red full of Concord fruit flavor.  Lush soft and smooth. Fresh grape aromas and flavors that provide a distinctive, juice taste.  Listed as a semi-sweet wine, it is available for $7 per glass or $19 per bottle.
  • Carosello is a white Riesling wine with aromas of white peach, pear, mineral and floral accents. Rich mouth feel it is bright on the palate creating an appealing balance of fruit and acid.  This semisweet wine is available for $9 per glass and $24 per bottle.
  • Sweet Sarah, made from local Niagara grapes tastes of candied lemon rind with hints of jasmine high notes.  A popular sweet wine, it is available for $7 per glass and $19 per bottle.
  • Mead is a wine made from honey which comes from local northeastern Ohio bee colonies.  It is available for $7 per glass and $40 per bottle.

Sampling wines and enjoying a light lunch, I enjoyed my time spent at Halliday Winery.  Before leaving Lake Milton, I stopped by the state park to walk off my lunch, enjoying the scenic views of the lake before leaving for Columbus, excited to spend time with my family.

Have you visited Halliday’s Winery?  Did you have lunch or sample their wines?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my quick stop in Lake Milton and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Halliday’s Winery
2400 NE River Road
Lake Milton, OH 44429
Telephone:  330 654 9463

Hours: Thursdays from 3 – 8PM, Friday and Saturday from noon to 10PM, Sunday from 11:30AM to 6PM

Raven’s Glenn Vineyard and Winery: A Sweet Wine Experience

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If you live in Ohio, you have most likely heard of Raven’s Glenn Vineyard and Winery.  I first learned of Raven’s Glenn while attending the AAA Travel Show in Columbus.  Meeting the winery reps attending the booth, I was excited to see they were pouring wine.  Promising to visit, I made a weekend of exploring the Three Rivers Wine Trail near Coshocton, Ohio and I could not have picked a better day for wine and wanderlust.  Entering the winery, I felt miles away, surrounded by Tuscan charm and endless rows of vines.

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I approached the tasting bar at the perfect time as a motor coach had pulled in with a busload of excited wine tasters.  Within minutes, the winery was packed with visitors enjoying an afternoon of wine tasting and lunch.  Raven’s Glenn Vineyard and Winery produces a long list of wines that are sure to compliment any wine lover’s palate.  The winery makes it easy to decide which wines to sample with pre-selected packages and recommendations.  I couldn’t pass up the semi-sweet and sweet wine options which included the following:

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White Raven which is described as a “semi sweet white, inviting, fruity, fragrant.  Blended Niagara varietals, grapey, crisp and clean finish”…all I can say is this hardly tastes like a wine but rather grape juice which is absolutely spectacular.   It would not be difficult to enjoy this wine chilled by the pool on a hot summer day.

My next selection is the Raven Rouge, a semi-sweet red is a “Concord blend with other estate grapes, fruity and grapey, serve chilled or room temperature.”  I found this wine delightful and very similar to the White Raven, a wine I could keep on hand at all times.

The White Merlot is a semi-sweet Rose which is described as “smooth with a mixed berry taste, sweet jammy flavors, clean finish worthy to bear the name Merlot.”  This is not your average, dark red, drier Merlot, but I wouldn’t turn away a glass of this fabulous wine.

I had the opportunity to try the Strawberry Lemonade which is a semi-sweet with “hints of strawberry with lemon aromas.  Citrus tones with a clean berry finish”.  I was absolutely smitten with this wine because it is so different than what I had expected.  Another wonderful summertime selection for a tropical day.

I was excited to try Raven’s Glenn Sangria which is a sweet wine described as “a delightful combination of luscious, zesty, tropical fruits that started as crisp apple wine”.  Like they say…an apple a day.  I will take two bottles please.

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I was pleasantly surprised to see a tropical wine on the menu.  Tropical Temptations is a sweet wine described as a wine of “ripe mango and papaya with hints of coconut and a smooth lingering finish.  This wine was perfect for transporting me to an exotic beach with the sound of waves crashing around me.  I enjoyed the fruit combination of this blend.

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Raven’s Glen Wildly Cherry is also a sweet wine with a “deep yet gentle flavor….reminiscent of eating a fresh picked black cherry”.  I was delighted by the beautiful color and smooth taste of this fabulous, fruity wine.

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The Blackberry Wine is super sweet, but I was also able to try this as a spritzer which cuts down the sweetness and makes it a fun bubbly wine to drink for all occasions.  It is a “sweet and smooth…well rounded blackberry aromas will prepare your senses for a gentle modestly sweet wine”.  It is perfectly priced at $13.99 per bottle.

Chantilly Lace is an incredibly tasting dessert wine with “soft aromas of apricots and honeysuckle, succulent sweet and creamy flavors with a long lingering finish.  I remembered tasting this at the AAA exhibit a couple of years ago and fell in love with this wine.  Priced at only $9.99 per bottle, I had to pick up a couple of bottles.

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After experiencing a fabulous wine tasting, I made a reservation with the restaurant where there were a few visitors ahead of me waiting to be seated.  From where I was standing, I noticed the towering stone fireplace and stunning picture windows which let in the afternoon’s light.  Tables were at a premium as they were occupied with customers who had just completed their tasting and couldn’t wait to enjoy the fabulous Italian selections from the menu.  I could smell the mouthwatering aroma of pasta and cheese and decided to order the Three Cheese Manicotti and the Arancini,   IMG_0892

Sitting along the Tuscarawas River, Raven’s Glenn Winery provides romantic river views and an opportunity to dine outdoors along the scenic waterway.  I found the location of this winery reminiscent to some of the beautiful wine estates that one would find out west.  The intricate design and thought that was given to the details of this estate added to the wine tasting experience.  No wonder it is consistently rated one of the best wineries in Ohio.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Raven’s Glenn Winery?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks and Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Raven’s Glenn Vineyard and Winery
56183 County Line Road 143
West Lafayette, OH  43845
Telephone: 740 545 1000

Where to Stay:

Hampton Inn, Newcomerstown
200 Morris Crossing Avenue
Newcomerstown, OH  43832
Telephone: 740 498 9800

Where to Eat:

Raven’s Glenn Vineyard and Winery
56183 County Line Road 143
West Lafayette, OH  43845
Telephone: 740 545 1000

The cheese manicotti was flavorful and creamy.  I had also ordered the Arancini, which has become one of my favorite Italian dishes.

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Wine Barrels at the Entrance of Raven’s Glenn Vineyard and Winery

Featured Ohio Winery: Leisure Time Winery

Returning from the Spangler Candy Company, I decided to stop in Napoleon, Ohio to visit Leisure Time Winery where “Time for turning moments into memories!” is their motto.  Cruising through the beautiful countryside of northeast Ohio, I was looking forward to sampling a couple of wines and enjoying a Saturday night of live music.

The sun was beginning to set when I arrived and I had a drive ahead of me to reach Columbus.  I wished I would have set out earlier so I could enjoy the outdoor patio, but at least I was able to make it in time for the gorgeous sunset.

I made a stop at the bar to check out the selection of wines and began my tasting with Comfortably Numb, a bold red wine lightly oaked and a perfect balance of acidity.  According to the wine list, this lovely red pairs perfectly well with steak and an assortment of game.

My next sample was Hocus Pocus, a semi dry, perfect blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio.  I thought it would be fun to have a couple of bottles in preparation for the upcoming Halloween holiday.

I decided to review the menu and learned that Leisure Time is known for their pizzas.  I wanted something light and ordered the pretzels, a great choice for sampling wine.

The Lazy Daze Riesling was surprisingly delicious.  More sweet than dry, it was perfect and recommended for the summer months.

The staff are super friendly and placed my order for a cheese quesadilla as I decided on my next selection from the 12 wines which are all made on site.  I opted for Comfort Zone, a semi-sweet wine which was so easy to drink.  A sweet blend of chancellor and concord grapes, I could have easily mistaken this generous pour as a glass of grape juice.

I learned that the wines at Leisure Time Winery are made from grape juice that they purchase from various vendors.  The Wine O’ Clock, made from local Niagara grapes, was the best sample I had sipped so far.  I decided to buy a couple of bottles as well as purchased a glass to enjoy while listening to the amazing local, live band.

An hour passed while enjoying the entertainment and the wine, so it was time for me to begin the trek towards Columbus.  I enjoyed my evening at Leisure Time Winery and wished I had lived a little closer so that I could stay a little longer.

Have you visited Leisure Time Winery in Napoleon?  What was your favorite wine selection?  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 winery visit and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to Do and What to See:

Leisure Time Winery
16982 Country Road, M2
Napoleon, OH  43545
Telephone:  419 758 3442

Open Wednesday to Friday from 5PM to 9PM and Saturday from 12PM to 9PM.  (Check their website for their summer hours).  They are also open Mondays and Tuesdays for art & painting classes.

The winery is located 2 miles south of State Route 24 between Defiance and Napoleon.  Check out their Facebook page for the most up to date information and hours of operation.

Where to Stay:

Sauder Heritage Inn
22611 OH-2
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

Where to Eat:

Leisure Time Winery
16982 Country Road, M2
Napoleon, OH  43545
Telephone:  419 758 3442

You don’t have to travel far for good food when visiting Leisure Time Winery. With a full menu, you can order their famous pizzas, paninis, large list of appetizers and desserts.  The Margherita Pizza with jalapenos is my favorite!

Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant, Manchester, Ohio – NOW CLOSED

UPDATE:  Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant is permanently closed.

Gorgeous vineyards overlooked the Ohio River and a secluded gazebo offered privacy to guests who wanted to enjoy the spectacular scenery of Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant. Sounds of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett shared the airwaves as I waited for my wine tasting on the second story balcony with a riverfront view.  I flipped through the menu and found myself immediately drawn to this mystical place, so I read the fascinating decades of history that had eventually led to the opening of the winery.

It wasn’t long and the fifteen small pours of wine were delivered to my table.  I could smell the fruit from the wines and slushies on the tray and was so excited to start my tasting.

  • Starting out with the Chardonnay, it is a dry white with a clean finish, very smooth with a beautiful clear color; it has a slight sweet aftertaste.
  • The Vidal Blanc is an estate grown grape that is also very clear in color and I find it to be a little drier, yet smoother than the Chardonnay.
  • River Valley White is a moderately sweet estate blend that has a sweeter smell with a dry finish that lands towards the back of my tongue.
  • Merlot is full bodied with an oak taste that I absolutely enjoy.
  • Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich full bodied dry red and it is absolutely perfect for a Cab.
  • Chambourcin is an estate grown wine.
  • River Valley Red is another moderately sweet estate blend with a perfect balance of sweet and dry. It has a fruitier taste than the Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • Country Home Red is the most popular wine at Moyer Winery and Vineyard and it is a sweet red made from the Concord grape. Smelling like grape juice it has a rich, full jammy taste.
  • Blush is a semisweet with a hint of Concord, which makes this wine such a beautiful color, a light pink with a very light smell it has a floral taste at the finish.
  • Strawberry fruit wine smells just like fresh picked strawberries that I could enjoy as an after dinner drink for dessert or poured over ice cream.
  • Red raspberry is the winery’s most popular fruit wines and it has a delicious, full berry flavor.
  • Peach is light and delicate and it has a refreshingly sweet taste.
  • Strawberry sangria made my heart sing with its strawberry jam flavor that was crazy amazing.
  • Peach sangria tastes like nectar and has been created with perfection with a wonderfully rich taste.
  • Mixed berry sangria tastes like a Jolly Rancher hard candy and could drink any one of their sangrias on a daily basis (I really could!…yum).

I paid for my tasting and ordered the country home red, strawberry and peach wines and was so sad that they did not bottle their amazing sangria.  I walked the grounds of the restaurant and had permission to wander through the vineyard where they grow the winery’s estate Vidal Blanc, DeChaunac and Chamborcin grapes.

When I returned to the restaurant, I had the opportunity to meet Tom Hamrick one of several owners who discussed how he became associated with the winery and his current involvement with the restaurant.  He was happy to share with me some fun facts about the history of the property which is fascinating as you can read for yourself:

Situated on prime riverside real estate, the River By Restaurant opened in the late 1920s offering Nickelodeon music, square dancing and bootleg beer (oh yes, prohibition!).  I imagined boats tied up to the riverbank and the latest Ford model-T cars parked along the side of US 52.  Women wearing their flapper style dresses and wearing choche hats to accentuate their coiffed bob hairstyles.  While their dates are sporting slim dark suits, matching vests and a fedora hat….just a place to get together for the evening, dancing the night away.

In the mid 1930’s the barn-like structure built close to the restaurant became a training ring for amateur boxers. Cincinnati’s Ezzard Charles, a professional boxer and former World Heavyweight Champion was known to have made an appearance or two.

The restaurant would be hit hard by the flood of 1937 where six feet of muddy water made its way to the present day dining room.   By the late 1940s, the restaurant would be converted into a private gambling club called “The Top Hat” and would eventually become a truck stop in the 1950s and 60s.

Ken Moyer’s dream to become a vintner would transform the property into a winery that originally offered bean soup, French bread, cheese and of course, wine.  He later added the gorgeous deck with relaxing views of the Ohio River and his wine list continued to expand with their production of fabulous wines.  At the height of the winery’s success, the Moyers decided to sell their business.  A close group of their dear friends were entrusted to maintain the winery and restaurant with as much love and care as Ken and his wife Mary had done over the past 27 years.  From where  I was sitting, my conversation with Ken only proved that the restaurant would continue with its success.

Have you visited Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant?  Did you order dinner and try their fabulous 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 visit to Moyer Vineyard and wishing you many Happy Travels.  Cheers!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant
3859 US Route #52
Manchester, Ohio  45144
Telephone:  937 549 2957

Where to Stay:

Riverhaven B&B
407 West Front Street
Manchester, Ohio  45144
Telephone:  937 549 1999

Where to Eat: 

Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant
3859 US Route #52
Manchester, Ohio  45144
Telephone:  937 549 2957

Have dinner at Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant!  I recommend the River Valley Salmon and save room for the Toasted Pecan Caramel Ball!

Photo Guide for Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant: 

  • Views of the Ohio River from the second story winery
  • Gazebo along the Ohio River
  • The Vineyards

Plan a Visit to Buckeye Lake Winery for Ohio Wine Month in June

What better place to enjoy a bottle of wine than alongside the beauty of Buckeye Lake in Ohio?   Buckeye Lake Winery was my first choice for a girl’s day of wine tasting, so I called a couple of my Columbus girlfriends to join me and began our 25-mile road trip to Thornville.

We arrived at 11 AM when the winery opened and was met by the winery’s proprietor, Tracy Higgenbotham and a large truck of fermented grapes arriving from Napa Valley.  Tracy welcomed us, provided us with menus and excused himself for a moment while we decided on what to order for lunch.

Within minutes, we had ordered several wine samples, the charcuterie plate, Boursin with Pecan & Honey and the Fig and Gorgonzola flatbread.  Several other options we considered were the Brie Wedge with fruit and a house made port reduction, Buckeye Lake Winery’s signature Winery Chips with a garlic cream sauce, bleu cheese, Parmesan and scallions as well as the Caprese Flatbread.  One look at the brunch menu and we all agreed we needed to make reservations soon to share the Bananas Foster French Toast.

Chatting it up with Tracy, he was eager to tell us about the winery and his previous experience visiting California’s wine country on business trips.  With his passion for great food and delicious wine, he and his wife Laura opened the winery to bring the Napa Valley experience to Ohio.   Tracy explained that he works directly with vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, Lodi and the Russian River Valley, personally selecting the grapes that go into making his wines.  Wine production begins at custom crush houses where the grapes are fermented and then he coordinates the shipping of the product to complete the aging, blending and bottling of the wine in Ohio.

While most of Buckeye Lake Winery’s wines come from grapes in California, Tracy knows that the Ohio wine drinkers like their sweet wines and has collaborated with local Ohio grape growers to make the winery’s popular Sweet Lake View.

White Wines

  • Lake View White – Dry White Wine, California: The winemaker’s selection is a limited release blend of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and is clean, bright and fruity $23 / $7
  • Pinot Grigio, Russian River Valley: This wine is aged in stainless steel tanks and is minerally rich. It has a honeysuckle and pear taste $24 / $7
  • Sauvignon Blanc – Napa Valley, California: Bright floral notes with tropical fruit, honeysuckle and a clean finish.  $26 / $8
  • Chardonnay – Napa Valley, California: This wine is barrel aged for 10 months and is clean and bright with hints of smoky toasted oak vanilla, green apples and pears.  $32 / $9

Red Wines

  • Lake View Red – Dry Red Wine, Lodi California:  The winemaker’s selection is a limited release blend of Petite Sirah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and is full bodied with a soft finish.  $29 / $8
  • Cabernet Sauvignon – Lodi California: This wine is barrel aged for 18 months and has hints of black cherry, blackberry and oak with a soft finish.   $32 / $9
  • Zinfandel – Lodi, California: This wine is produced with grapes from 100 year old vines and is barrel aged for 18 months.  It is jammy, spicy and rich with a velvet finish.  $43 / $9
  • Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley, California: This wine is barrel aged for 18 months in oak barrels and is rich, robust with black cherry flavor and a hint of dark chocolate and tobacco.  $75 This wine is sold by the bottle only to Wine Club members and is not included in wine tastings

Ohio Wine

  • Sweet Lake View, Ohio Wine: Sweet Lake View is produced and bottled at Buckeye Lake Winery.  The wine is aged in stainless steel tanks and has hints of citrus, peach and honey  $18 / $6

Prices are subject to change, so visit Buckeye Lake Winery’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Our lunch had arrived and we could not stop raving about our selection.  The Fig and Gorgonzola flatbread was spectacular with a perfect mix of saltiness from the bacon, the sweetness of the figs and caramelized onion with bursts of garlicky goodness.  The charcuterie plate was a generous portion of meats and cheeses (homemade goat cheeses with either apricots or blueberries), a few grapes, olives and French bread with a delicious marmalade.   We could not wait to dig into the Boursin with Pecan & Honey but waited to make it our dessert to this divine trio of small plates.

While it would have been lovely to have dined inside of the wine cave, we found a table outside so that we could enjoy the soothing view of Buckeye Lake.  We shared a bottle of Chardonnay, Zinfandel as well as our meals while catching up on the latest gossip.  We shared photos, secrets and happily stayed longer than planned.  Feasting on spectacular meals and delicious wines, enjoying the spectacular views, we couldn’t help but feel that we had truly arrived in Napa.

Have you had the pleasure of visiting Buckeye Lake Winery?  What did you think of the fabulous wines and food?  What were your favorite wines and menu items?  I would love to hear about your experience sampling wines at the winery if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Many thanks for catching up with me at Buckeye Lake Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels. Cheers!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Buckeye Lake Winery
13750 Rosewood Road
Thornville, OH  43076
Telephone:  740 246 5665

Where to Stay:

Best Western Lakewood Inn
122 Arrowhead Drive
Hebron, OH  43025
Telephone:  866 599 6674

Where to Eat: 

Buckeye Lake Winery
13750 Rosewood Road
Thornville, OH  43076
Telephone:  740 246 5665

Buckeye Lake Winery has extensive menu of starters and meals that have been customized to pair with their wines.

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