The Winery at Wolf Creek in Norton, Ohio

24 June 202022 September 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

Where to Stay:

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

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

Yellow Butterfly Winery in Newcomerstown, Ohio

17 June 202024 November 2024

Sipping on a glass of Country Rose, I enjoyed the gorgeous rural landscape in the eastern region of Ohio, home to the Three Rivers Wine Trail. Painted bright yellow, Yellow Butterfly Winery stands out among the rolling hills of farmland, offering spectacular views of its vines from their two-story deck.

Making its home in a 100 year old restored farmhouse in Newcomerstown, this fabulous winery is easy to find. The beautiful rustic interior provides plenty of space for visitors to enjoy their wines. The tasting bar is also located inside and I was prepared to sample a wide range of fruit wines as well as the traditional wines that I have come to love in Ohio.

The winery offers three wine samples for a dollar, and since there are so many interesting combinations, I selected a total of nine.

The first wine on my tasting sheet is the Passionate Peach. The beautiful pale yellow color of this wine reminds me of straw, but smells like I am surrounded by a peach orchard. It is crisp with a bit of thickness which reminds me of a dessert wine.

Strawberry Fields is a lightly colored fruit wine made of strawberries and apples. There is a hint of strawberry in the smell and it has a light, fruity taste with a little stronger alcohol taste towards the back of my tongue. This is a very refreshing wine, and I purchased a bottle to enjoy on a hot summer day.

While I am trying my second sample, Lisa, the head wine steward brings me a small taste of Cranrazzmatazz. It is one of their newest wines and has been a huge success for the winery. It has a deliciously unique fruity smell and tastes amazing. Made from a combination of cranberry, raspberry and apple, this is a very sweet wine with a smooth texture.

Wistful Watermelon is made from watermelon and apples. I liken it to the watermelon-flavored Jolly Rancher with a tartness towards the back of my tongue.

Sweet Meadows is lighter in color than the previous wines I had tasted and is made from a combination of both the Concord and Niagara grape.

Sweet Red is the perfect Concord grape wine which is popular among Ohio wine drinkers.

Country Rose is my favorite out of all of the wines and is perfect for any occasion. I love the smell, the taste and the color of this wine and bought a bottle to enjoy later at home.

I thought I would go out of my comfort zone and order a semi dry so I added the Ohio Vidal Blanc to my wine tasting. Despite my usual preferences, I like this wine. Put it on ice and this would be another great wine for the summer season.

My final selection is the Golden Apricot. It has a great texture and consistency with a mild apricot flavor.

At the Yellow Butterfly Winery, the winemaking process takes place on the property from start to finish. Michael wasn’t shy about crediting the late Leland Weiss of Rainbow Hills Winery for helping him when he started out. Each winery advertises for each other close to their properties, which goes to show the camaraderie in the Ohio wine business. It makes me proud to be a part of it.

Michael enjoys having his guests get involved in the naming of his new wines. When he releases a wine he offers tastings at a discounted rate. But I’ll have to wait until next year.

I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Michael and admire his passion for converting skeptics into wine lovers. “It’s all about drinking the wines that you like, any way you like to drink them,” says Michael. I ordered a bottle of Country Rose and decided to check out the view which is more than stunning. I enjoyed the music, listening to the live entertainment and wanted to take in the moment. It was a perfect afternoon to enjoy some delicious wine.

Have you visited Yellow Butterfly Winery? I would love to hear about your experience or let me know your favorite wine from this amazing winery by leaving a message in the comments section below! Cheers!

Many thanks to Michael White and everyone at Yellow Butterfly Winery for their generosity and hospitality.

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

What to See and What to Do:

Yellow Butterfly Winery
11661 Blue Ridge Road
Newcomerstown, Ohio 43832
Telephone: 740 492 1216

Hours: The winery is open the months of February to December, Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 AM to 6 PM and later on the weekends. The winery is closed on Sunday and Monday. 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: Please note that the wine tastings are only provided during certain hours and are subject to change. As always, please drink responsibly.

Those that were on the tour were provided with a country BBQ Rib/Chicken or Steak Dinner with two sides, the winery’s famous wine cake and a wine tasting! this offering is also available to those visitors who reserve in advance on Saturdays for a cost of only $25. Dinner reservations must be made by Thursday by calling 740 492 1216. Live entertainment is also available during the summer months, so check out their website for a list of events.

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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.

What to Read:

Restored Ohio: History Brought Back to Life, by Glenn Morris
Lost Circuses of Ohio, by Conrade C. Hinds
A Taste of the Hocking Hills by Matt Rapposelli
Asylum on the Hill, by Katherine Ziff

Photo Guide for Southeast Ohio:

Hocking Hills State Park, Athens, Ohio
The Wilds Safari Park, Cumberland, Ohio

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

2 July 201918 September 2024

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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,

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.

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

Sampling Some Redneck Love at Kennedy Vineyard, New Madison, OH

25 June 201918 September 2024

Kennedy Vineyard was a welcome sight among the crops of corn and soybean of Darke County. As I approached the graveled driveway leading to the winery, grapevines were loaded with juicy varietals most popular in the Ohio wine region.

Having just opened for the afternoon, I entered the warm and welcoming winery with a casual and country style. There was plenty of seating but that would not last for long. As I took my place at the tasting bar, I was greeted by winery co-owner, Louisa Kennedy.

The large windows looking out into the vineyard provided stunning views of the DeChaunac grapes, planted over 10 years ago, by Barbara Kennedy, Louisa’s mother-in-law. Fields of corn were converted to vineyards and after many years of producing wine, the winery opened over two years ago. Additional varietals that thrive at Kennedy Vineyard are Chambourcin, Vidal, Cayuga, Concord, Steuben, Niagara and Catawba grapes.

The first wine I sampled was Lone Cedar Red, described as “a well-balanced and full-bodied wine with notes of sweet cherry”. Winning the 2015 Bronze Medal at the Finger Lakes Wine Competition, this wine was very smooth and beautiful in color. Named after the sole cedar tree which stands on the property, it is perfectly paired with a steak or can be enjoyed as a casual drink after a long day at work.

My next wine was “a semi-sweet wine full-bodied with bold flavors of blackberry and lingering black cherry.” Made with a blend including DeChaunac grapes, I enjoyed the wine’s subtle finish and beautiful label. I was not surprised to learn that it had won the 2015 Silver Medal Winner, Finger Lakes Wine Competition.

One of the qualities that I admired about Kennedy Vineyard was their passion to give back to their community. By purchasing their wine Resilient, proceeds from the sales are provided to help fund epilepsy research. I learned from Louisa that the teens that were photographed for the label are from a local high school. Although these students were diagnosed with epilepsy, they were excited for the opportunity to bring awareness of their illness and to show that they can live healthy productive lives.

While sampling the apple wine, Louisa explained their future plans to convert their barn into a processing room and to further expand the winery. She has an intense passion for wine and she is currently pursuing a degree in viticulture. Eager to share her knowledge and expertise, I enjoyed learning more about Kennedy Vineyards and the process of making wine.

I was ready for my next sample, Kennedy’s Redneck Girl. This is a beautifully colored blackberry wine which is one of their top sellers. A “soft sweet wine with lots of character and soft notes of cherry and raspberry”, this wine was awarded the 2015 Silver Medal at the Finger Lakes Wine Competition.

Louisa poured me a sample of Love at First White. A chilled sweet wine, this “elegant sweet white blend with bold flavors of the Niagara grape” is perfect for a hot summer day.

So what do you have when you combine Redneck Girl with Love at First White? Redneck Love, a perfect wine combination. I decided to purchase both bottles so I could enjoy these wines at home.

Spending time with the Kennedys was a great way to enjoy my afternoon. I was off to find a place for dinner when John recommended The Merchant House in Greenville. He insisted I try the Pig Candy and mentioned that the restaurant had recently opened about a month ago. Apparently it was already creating a local buzz, so I knew I had to check it out, but not without resisting the temptation to play with the winery’s adorable kittens one last time.

Have you visited Kennedy Vineyard and have a favorite wine that you would like to share? 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 amazing visit to Kennedy Vineyard and wishing you many Happy Travels. Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Kennedy Vineyard
3911 State Route 722
New Madison, OH 45346
Telephone: 937 273 8381

Hours: The winery is open from 6 PM to 9 PM on Friday and 2 PM to 9 PM on Saturday. The winery is closed from Sunday thru Thursday. Hours are seasonal and are subject to change. Please refer to the winery’s Facebook page for any updates to its hours of operation and listing of events.
Amenities: Weekend entertainment, wine tastings, wine club, wine baskets, wine, gift shop, private events and scheduled events
Tips for Your Visit: During the nights when the winery provides entertainment, wine tastings are not available. As always, please drink responsibly.

Find Kennedy Vineyard on Facebook and don’t forget, they can also ship wines directly to you as well!

Where to Stay:

Best Western Monroe Inn
40 New Garver Road
Monroe, OH 45050
Telephone: 513 539 4400

Where to Eat:

The Merchant House
406 S. Broadway Street
Greenville, OH 45331
Telephone; 937 459 4405

Pig Candy is hands-down my favorite appetizer on the menu! Smoked, candied bacon, with cinnamon, sugar and unique blend of spices makes this selection a favorite of the restaurant’s patrons. The Pig Candy BLT is also a popular offering, which includes the amazing appetizer on bread with lettuce and tomato.

For pizzas, I can’t get enough of the Detroiter and Cherry Margherita pies!

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

18 June 201716 September 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

Where to Stay:

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

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

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

What to Eat:

Madsen Donuts
Slovenian Hot Dogs at Eddie’s Grill

What to Read:

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

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

Jungle Jim’s International Market, Fairfield, Ohio

10 November 201616 September 2024

To describe Jungle Jim’s as an “International Food Lovers’ Paradise!” is more than accurate and may quite well be understated.

The parking lot was packed as I arrived at the supermarket’s flagship location in Fairfield, Ohio. Not quite sure what to expect, I was happy to have picked up a map because this place is ginormous. With my shopping cart, I began my trek through over 150,000 worldwide product and was happy to try some samples as well. I could have easily spent hours browsing the aisles, sorting through all of the fabulous merchandise and produce.

Greeted by a talking corn stalk, I would soon learn that the entertaining displays are as much a part of the experience of Jungle Jim’s as exploring the superstore and its endless grocery items.

Bearing towards the right, I passed the pharmacy and American grocery aisles. I soon arrived at the delicatessen where I found several stands displaying a wide variety of snacks. Attendants were distributing samples of organic crackers topped with brie cheese and fig jam. I found myself adding these items to my cart for my next get-together with friends.

I selected a few dairy products from Greece and Italy to create a charcuterie board to enjoy later that afternoon. I also selected a variety of cheeses from England, Ireland and Australia.

What’s a charcuterie board without wine? The wine and beer “wing” of the market is stocked with spirits from all over the world that at first glance, I was a bit overwhelmed. The wine representatives at Jungle Jim’s are more than helpful to help visitors find the best wines in their price range based on the wine that interest them.

Nearby was a liquor store, a humidor and a tasting bar. There is not much that Jungle Jim’s does not offer and who wouldn’t mind a glass of wine while shopping for groceries?

This is not just the average grocery store wine selection. There are aisles and aisles of wines from Argentina to South Africa, clearly marked by country.

One of my favorite areas of wine to explore is the local vintages where I stocked up on a few bottles from my favorite Ohio wineries.

The beer selection is just as impressive. I had a great time shopping for a few international beers to enjoy throughout the week. Each aisle is clearly marked by country and local beers making it easy for me to find the brands I wanted to sample.

Jungle Jim’s also has a tasting room where visitors can sample a pre-selected list of wines and beers for a minimal charge. I ordered a couple of samples and then a glass of wine, that I could drink as I continued shopping.

I passed the beer cave and restrooms heading away from the beer and wine until I arrived at the bakery. With so many selections, I decided to pick up some cannolis and macaroons.

The desserts seemed to continue on into eternity. In addition to Jungle Jim-made sweets, there are local selections from some of the best bakeries in Cincinnati.

The meat counter offers fresh cuts of meat or packaged items that include some exotic cuts of beef. One of my favorite areas of the market is the International produce where fruits and vegetables are imported from all over the world.

Where else can you find Durian fruit in the state of Ohio?

To the left of the International Produce section which includes such items as bok choy, chili peppers, yucca, etc., there are several rows of freezers and shelving units that display Asian foods and spices.

From Japanese to Balinese, Chinese to Taiwanese, there is no shortage of cooking items for making some of the best Asian dishes.

I couldn’t wait to explore the seafood area. Jungle Jim’s is one of the rare markets that carries sushi-grade tuna. I was also able to find lobster, oysters as well as a selection of local fish.

Once I had taken in the smells of the seafood and said goodbye to the lobster, I arrived at a large fire truck showcasing a never ending supply of hot sauce.

Germany is to my right and further down the aisle is a great selection of cookware and gadgets. From here, I could see Sherwood Forest representing the foods of Great Britain. I picked up some Twinings Tea and proceeded past the Hispanic section towards the aisles of Italy.

In the market for a couple of great pasta sauces, the Jungle Jim’s representative suggested a local option, so I grabbed one off of the shelf and began making my way towards the check out line.

Within minutes I was home and ready to open one of my bottles of wine after a long day of shopping. I had such an amazing experience at Jungle Jim’s and couldn’t wait to make a few new dishes from the ingredients I had just purchased. Removing a pad and pen from the kitchen drawer, I began a new list of items to purchase for another visit I planned for the next weekend.

Jungle Jim’s International Market first opened its doors as a permanent fruit and vegetable market in 1975. From its humble beginnings in a 4,200 square foot complex to a 6-acre megastore, Jungle Jim’s also provides a variety of additional services to its customers including banking, pharmacy, post office, jewelers, hair dressers and restaurants to name a few.

Have you visited Jungle Jim’s or experienced an international Superstore? I would love to hear about your experience so leave your comments below! Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Jungle Jim’s International Market
5440 Dixie Highway
Fairfield OH, 45014
Telephone: 513 674 6000

Jungle Jim’s International Market – Eastgate location
4450 Eastgate South Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45245
Telephone: 513 674 6000

Hours: Daily from 8AM to 8PM; Holiday Hours – Easter: 8AM to 8PM, Thanksgiving: 8AM to 5PM, Christmas Eve: 8AM to 6PM, Christmas Day: Closed, New Year’s Eve: 8AM to 8PM, New Year’s Day: 8AM to 8PM
Amenities: worldwide merchandise, guided tours, cooking classes, events, wine tastings
Length of Visit: Minimum 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Pick up a map of the venue; plan on at least a couple of hours if you want to explore the whole store. check out the website for upcoming events and cooking classes, arrive on Saturdays and Sundays for samples, and visit Monday through Friday to avoid the large crowds.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express Fairfield
6755 Fairfield Business, Joyce Park Drive
Fairfield, OH 45014
Telephone: 513 860 2900

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Eastgate
4521 Eastgate Blvd.,
Cincinnati, OH 45245
Telephone: 513 947 9402

Where to Eat:

Acapulco
5953 Boymel Drive
Fairfield, OH 45015
Telephone: 513 874 5777

I ordered the Hot & Spicy Burrito filled with refried beans, ground beef, shredded chicken and rice, topped with supreme sauce and sour cream.

BanThai

792 Eastgate S Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45245
Telephone: 513 752 3200

The Bento Boxes for lunch are the best deal priced at only $10.95 served with salad, spring roll, crab rangoon, fruit, and lo mein noodles or rice. So far, I have tried Box Number 3 (spicy tuna roll and 3 pieces of a California roll), Box Number 4 (Shrimp Tempura roll and 3 pieces of a California Roll), and Box Number 15 (Grilled 4 chicken satay). They are made fresh and extremely filling.

More of My Favorite Places to Eat:

Skyline Chili: My go-to meal at Skyline is the 4-way chili with onion served with oyster crackers and hot sauce. I always pick up two York peppermint patties after cashing out. Cincinnati chili is a beef based sauce served over spaghetti noodles and cheese. Additional toppings include onions and beans.
LaRosa’s Pizza: A local chain pizzeria, this Sicilian style pie is made with a sweet crust and sauce. My favorite menu item is the Caprese pesto Flatbread Pizza.
Graeter’s Ice Cream: It’s the French Pot process that makes Graeter’s Ice Cream so decadent and rich. Towards the end of the process, they pour chocolate into the mix creating large chunks of yummy goodness.
Montgomery Inn BBQ: Visiting the original Montgomery Inn BBQ at the boathouse is a culinary and scenic experience. Their ribs are served with a sweet and tangy sauce that has since made them the “Ribs King” and a favorite among locals. Load up on their amazing BBQ flavored Saratoga chips,
Glier’s Goetta: While it looks like a slab of corn beef hash, this breakfast staple is made of sausage and oats, cooked until crispy. Most breakfast restaurants carry it as a side, especially the local cafes and diners.
BonBonerie: One of the most decadent pastry shops in Cincinnati, their rich confections are absolutely amazing.

Books to Read:

Eligible: A Modern Retelling of Pride & Prejudice, by Curtis Sittenfeld
Running, by J.T. Cooper
Dead Witch Walking, by Kim Harrison
Beloved, by Toni Morrison
Double Dutch, by Sharon M. Draper
Romiette and Julio, by Sharon M. Draper

Photo Guide for Cincinnati (as provided by Chris Thompson on FourSquare):

The John A Roebling Suspension Bridge
- Pick a spot near the Covington pier and shoot north toward the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunset and underexpose by a few stops to get the lights just right.
- The new lights on the bridge create excellent stars when you photograph them using a narrow aperture (~f/16 and above) on your camera. That means you’ll need a longer exposure (and thus a tripod).
General James Taylor Park
- Shoot from the top of the flag pole mound to get more building reflections in your shot. Shoot at sunset or sunrise for great lighting.
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
- Arrive first thing in the morning when the sun is coming up
The Fountain at Fountain Square
- For great photos of the fountain: set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure (2-5 seconds) to capture the running water. Get Carew or the colored lights above Rock Bottom in the background.
Fountain Square (look for reflections in puddles)
Celestial Restaurant in Mount Adams – The restaurant is now closed, but you may still be able to use the parking lot.
Carew Tower Observation Deck
- Provides some neat photos of the highways snaking around the city. Set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure to get moving car trails. It’s only open at sunset a few days each year.
Engine Company 46, 2733 Erie Avenue (at Michigan), Cincinnati
- One of the most beautiful historic firehouses in all of Cincinnati. The firefighters here are used to having their photo taken while they work. Ask nicely and you can get some cool shots.
Cincinnati Observatory Center
Krohn Conservatory
Great American Ball Park
- Shoot the front of the stadium around sunset to get a nice color blue in the sky. Get one of the player statues in your shot for extra effect.
Devou Park
- The overlook next to the Drees pavilion affords a great view of the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting. Underexpose slightly to get the city lights just right.
Newport Central Catholic for fireworks
- Shoot the Riverfest fireworks from this location. Bring a long lens and a tripod. You’ll want a long-ish exposure (5-10 seconds) to capture the bursts, but make sure the skyline isn’t overexposed.
Riverfront Park
- The colorful fountains make a great subject, but you need to use a relatively fast shutter speed (>1/20 or so) to catch the lights before they change color, leaving your pic with plain white lights.
American Sign Museum
- Be sure to bring a tripod to capture all the signs. Manual white balance is the way to go, because there are so many crazy colors of lights that your camera won’t know how to react.

More photos

The Cigar Room

International Cheese

My Favorite Cheese! Feta!

Visiting My First Winery in Sonoma, Viansa Winery & Italian Marketplace

19 June 201431 August 2024

Pouring ourselves glasses of champagne, we said goodbye to the city of San Francisco, boarded our limousine and continued our journey towards California’s wine country. Not long after we had crossed the Golden Gate Bridge, the landscape opened up and we were greeted with vineyards as far as the eye could see.

Viansa Winery (Viansa Winery & Italian Marketplace), a small boutique winery in Sonoma, was the first stop on our wine tour. Reminiscent of an Italian village, we were looking forward to sampling their wines and shopping at their marketplace. We arrived to the charm of the winery’s architecture and beautiful gardens.

Viansa Winery and Italian Marketplace was founded in 1989 by Sam and Vicki Sebastiani. The name is short for Vicki and Sam who are descendants of the Sebastiani family making wines in California since 1904.

We began our tour of the winery from the central courtyard, beautifully designed. Passing a statue surrounded by potted plants in the center of the plaza, we entered the stately wooden doors reinforced with iron. Inside, we had entered the wine cellar lined with large oak barrels.

We found the tasting bar, reviewed the list of sixteen wines (red, white and sweet) produced by Viansa and selected our samples for the complimentary tasting. Our pourer was extremely helpful in assisting us with our wine selections. Since I prefer the red wines, I began with the light “Piccolo” Sangiovese, a blend of Sangiovese grapes grown in nearby Sonoma Valley and Carneros.

The 2000 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is 99.4% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged in a American and French Oak barrels for a period of 20 months. It was a “complex and full-bodied wine with well extracted fruit and tannins; aromas and flavors of raspberry, blackberry, plums, anise and spice. Barrel aging adds nuances of sweet vanilla and toasted coconut. This wine has balanced acidity and an appealing cranberry, wild strawberry and red currant finish that lasts.”

Chosen as Best in Class at the 16^th Annual 2006 Jerry D. Mead’s New World International Wine Competition, the 2002 Samuele Cabernet Franc was awarded the Gold Medal. It is described as a “rich elegant wine with aromas of violets and beautifully balanced tannins and acids.” A red blend consisting of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this wine is aged a total of twenty-six months in oak barrels. Its flavors are comprised of blueberry and juniper making it a unique blend.

Another spectacular wine offered at Viansa is the Red Blend Riserva Anatra Rosso made with a combination of Merlot, Sangiovese and Teroldego grapes. The 2000 Santerra Rosso is described as “a California grown Super Tuscan wine. Super Tuscan wines originated in the 1980s by a small group of producers in Italy’s Tuscany region who felt restricted by their country’s tough laws on blending and labeling. Super Tuscans are comprised mostly of Sangiovese and typically blended with varying amounts of Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Experts have rated the best of them as truly superior to traditional reds of the region, characterized by deeper color, fuller body, more depth and complexity of flavors, better balance and greater capacity for aging. The Santerra Rosso super Tuscan has a very smooth mouthfeel with appealing flavors of dried cherries, cranberry and sage. The fruit and tannins create a nice balance in pairing with a wide variety of foods. 42% Sangiovese, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Serve at 65 degrees.”

The following is a list of Viansa wines and descriptions that we did not sample. The information was either provided by the winery or wine apps:

Ossidiana Red Bordeaux Blend, Sonoma County (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc) “crafted mostly from Cabernet Franc, is Viansa’s flagship wine…a rich, intense red that can be enjoyed now or cellared for up to 15 years.”

The Frescolina White Blend is described as a “delightfully refreshing blend of Muscat Canelli, Symphony, Viognier & Pinot Blanc, originally created as a dessert wine. The updated version is only slightly sweet and is a wonderful aperitif.”

The Viansa Nebbiolo Sonoma County (La Nebbia) comes from a “grape native to foggy Piemonte in Northern Italy. It is right at home in our Sonoma Mountain vineyard where it receives ample morning sun and afternoon shade. We blended in Primitivo (12.5%), Teroldego (2.3%) and Sangiovese (.2%) to round out this distinctive wine. A dry red with good acidity, our 2001 “La Nebbia” offers earthy flavors of tobacco and leather along with subtle notes of dried cherry and smoky oak.”

The Viansa Red Bordeaux Blend Sonoma County 2003 Lorenzo “has a nice entry with flavors of ripe boysenberry & blackberries. It boasts wonderfully balanced tannins and flows across the palate, with beautiful colors of blackberry with magenta hues. We suggest you decant for at least 1 hour before serving and can be cellared up to 5 years and would be at it’s best cellared for 1-2 years before enjoying.”

The 2004 Viansa Pinot Grigio Carneros Vittoria was an “Award winning Bronze Medalist for Chardonnay in the 2005 Pacific Rim International Wine Competition, Viansa’s Pinot Grigio has light flavors of apricots, pears and green apples with hints of orange and lingering nutty flavors reminiscent of hazelnuts and macadamia nuts.”

The Viansa Dolcetto Sonoma County Athena is “Crafted entirely from Dolcetto grapes, a varietal native to northern Italy. Viansa’s “Athena” Dolcetto is a fruity delight, an off-dry red bursting with notes of raspberry and cranberry and is a winery favorite, even of white wine aficionados. It pairs nicely with a variety of foods, varying from picnic fare to elegant entrees.” This wine was awarded “a Silver Medal for its NV “Athena” Dolcetto, a delicious blend of three Italian varietals — Dolcetto, Muscat and Sangiovese.

After we completed our wine tasting and placed orders for bottles to be shipped home, we stepped outside to the most amazing views of the Sonoma Valley. Vineyards stretched for miles and the scenery was absolutely breathtaking. If the Sebastiani’s vision was to recreate an Italianate destination winery producing exceptional wines, they have certainly succeeded. If there was a hotel on the property, I would probably never leave.

Have you visited Viansa Winery? Did you love the wines and fabulous views? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reminiscing with me on my trip to Viansa 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:

Viansa Winery
25200 Arnold Drive
Sonoma, CA 95476
Telephone: 707 946 4735 (extension 5 for reservations)

- Admission Fee: No admission fee to visit
- Hours: Open daily from 10AM to 5PM;
- Amenities: Restaurant, terrace, picnic tables, marketplace, wine store, stunning views of Sonoma Valley, private tastings & tours (reservations required 48 hours in advance) 707 946 4735 x5; for same day experience or groups larger than six, please also call in advance, visitor’s center; Entertainment is provided during the summer from 12PM to 3PM on Saturdays.
  - Private Outlook Tasting ($75 per person): accommodates 2 – 6, 90 minutes in the custom outlook with a flight of reserve wines and locally sourced cheeses. Discount for club members.
  - Viansa Summit Tour and Tasting ($35 per person): accommodates 12, 45 minutes to tour the estate and enjoy a flight of wines
  - Savor Sonoma ($50 per person): accommodates 2 – 10, 90 minutes to relax in the rustic Logia with award winning Reserve Wines and a selection of cheeses;
  - Signature Experience ($70 per person): accommodates 2 – 10, 90 minutes to sample flights from their Signature Series wines, seated in the wine library.
- Guided Tours: Guided Tours are available at 11AM and 2:15PM
- Length of the Tour: 2 – 3 hours and an additional 1 hour if you intend to enjoy lunch
- Tips for Your Visit: Check the conservatory’s website for special events such as the Butterfly Exhibit and Orchids. During the summer, the conservatory hosts a Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays.

Where to Stay:

The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa
1325 Broadway at Leveroni & Napa Roads
Sonoma, CA 94576
Telephone: 707 935 6600

Where to Eat:

The Girl & The Fig
110 West Spain Street
Sonoma, CA 95476
Telephone: 707 938 3634 x10

I love the concept of food and wine pairings in this charming brasserie. I would definitely order the fromage tower.

What to Eat in Sonoma:

Dungeness Crab from nearby Bodega Bay, usually starting in November. Call ahead to confirm as “crab catches can be unpredictable”.
Free-range chicken from Petaluma Poultry has been serving up juicy birds since 1969.
Goat cheese
Lamb at Marin Sun Farms
The Olive Press produces Sonoma’s second-largest harvest of olives.
Peaches in Healdsburg from Dry Creek Peach & Produce
Pekin Duck from Liberty Ducks/Sonoma County Poultry in Penngrove has been around for four generations
Pork from Front Porch Farm which offers a wide range of breeds to include European Mangalitsa, Mulefoot, Red Waffle and Tuscan Cinta Senses pigs.

What to Read:

Divisadero, by Michael Ondaatje
A Fire Story, by Brian Fies
Into the Forest, by Jean Hegland
The Life She Wants, by Robyn Carr
The Road to Hope, Crissi Langwell
The Underside of Joy, by Sere Prince Halverson

Photo Guide for Sonoma:

Armstrong Redwoods State Nature Reserve, Guerneville
The Barlow, Sebastopol
Domaine Carneros Villas and Vineyards for incredible views of the chateau and gardens.
Duncans Landing at Bodega Bay for coastal views and beach scenes
The Fremont Diner, Sonoma: Check out the “Greetings from Sonoma” sign
Paradise Ridge Winery Sculptures, Santa Rosa for works of art throughout the estate
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum for its amazing interior
Petaluma Pumpkin Patch for the sunflower field and animals from the petting zoo
River’s End Restaurant in Jenner is perfect for photographing the sunset
The Russian River
Salt Point State Park’s Sandstone Hills showcases spectacular sandstone rocks and panoramas of the Pacific Ocean
Screamin’ Mini’s to photograph all of the ice cream flavors of the rainbow and interior
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, Santa Rose for beautiful waterfalls and spectacular nature
Tea Room Cafe in Petaluma for foodie photos