You’re at Home at Meranda-Nixon Winery, Ripley, Ohio

9 June 202416 March 2025

Located in Ripley, Ohio, east of Cincinnati, is Meranda-Nixon Winery. Surrounded by beautiful vineyards in a gorgeous rural setting, this winery is the perfect location for scenic views, total relaxation and much-needed wine therapy.

The charming winery looks like a page out of Country Living magazine with its fashionable displays and bottles of wine for purchase. It was a busy Saturday morning and the tasting bar was crowded with wine enthusiasts and first time visitors. Eagerly waiting to ease into an open spot, I couldn’t help but eavesdrop on several conversations to decide which wines I wanted to sample.

Maura Meranda, co-owner of the vineyard, reached over the crowd to hand me a wine list and welcomed me to the winery. I began my tasting with the Chardonnay, described as “aged in oak barrels…starting with a buttery flavor followed with a toasty oak flavor with a hint of lemongrass and butterscotch followed with a pleasant citrus finish”. This complex wine is full of flavor and has a heavenly, buttery smell (Imagine an oaky hot buttered popcorn…yum!). It won the 2016 Gold Medal Winner in the Ohio Wine Competition.

Easing into the semi-sweet wines, the Trotter White Wine is my next selection which has “tropical flavors with a smooth finish. Summer in a bottle!” This would be a fabulous wine chilled and enjoyed on a hot summer day.

The winery’s 2014 Catawba Estate wine is described as “a wonderful blush wine balanced with raspberry and strawberry flavors”. I loved the sweet hints of fruit that lingered for a perfect, smooth finish and decided to purchase a bottle to enjoy later.

Sparkling wines are oh-so-fabulous and there is nothing better than a cold bottle on a hot summer day or for a lovely, winter celebration. Meranda-Nixon’s Estate Sparkling Catawba is absolutely refreshing, winning a Silver Medal in the Ohio Wine Competition.

Crossing over into red wine territory, I am ready to try the Red Oak Creek, a “blend of Traminette and Norton grapes and is aged in stainless steel. This semi-sweet wine has pleasing berry and raspberry flavors. Enjoy room temperature or chilled.” I had just recently been introduced to the Traminette grapes, which I learned is a French-American hybrid native to the state of Indiana. Known to sustain cold temperatures, it is resistant to fungal diseases and is a popular grape among Ohio wine makers. The Norton grape, however, was quite new to me. Used in producing a more dry wine, the Norton was first grown in the state of Virginia gaining popularity in the 1830s.

For a great wine to drink with burgers, the winery produces their Estate Cabernet Franc which is described as a wine which has “cherry flavors followed by hints of vanilla and a smooth peppery oak finish!” (Pepper? I am always looking for that perfect spicy wine).

Winning the 2015 Silver Medal in the Ohio Wine Competition is the 2013 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon that is a “ruby red wine with black cherry notes from start to finish with hints of vanilla and tobacco.” This wine comes highly recommended with steak.

Although they only had a few bottles left, Maura poured me a sample of the 2013 Estate Norton. One of their best wines to date, it won the 2015 Silver Medal in the Ohio Wine Competition. I enjoyed the smooth, complex taste of this “full bodied, deep ruby red wine that has a little bit of a tart, sweet and bold berry flavor. It has a delicate but smooth oak finish and is aged 12 months in 100% American Oak!”

Enjoying the combination of pepper and vanilla, the 2013 Estate Reserve Cabernet Franc was one of my favorite wines at Meranda-Nixon. This grape grows well in southern Ohio due to warmer temperatures so the grapes can ripen on the vine prior to harvest. “Black cherry on the mid-palate…it shows complex aromas of freshly crushed fruit (blackberry and plum) pepper and tobacco. Velvet smooth tannins, dense and rich, this elixir fills every corner of the mouth its decadence.” In addition to winning Best of Show, it also took home the Double Gold Medal in the 2016 Ohio Wine Competition. James Suckling, former editor of Wine Spectator, compared Meranda’s Cabernet Franc to those wines made in France.

With a two-hour drive home, I decided to complete my tasting and stock up on a few of my favorite wines. This has been one of the best wine tastings I have experienced in Ohio to date and the wines are of superior quality. But don’t take it from me, even their dog Lucy likes to chew the corks.

I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Maura Meranda to learn more about the history of the winery and to enjoy a glass of wine and the beautiful view. She explained to me that her husband Seth grew up in Ripley on his family’s tobacco farm. With over 100 acres, they provided tobacco for Philip Morris until 2003. Having purchased half of the farm, Seth and his late wife Tina decided to start a vineyard with only three acres. In 2007, they opened the Meranda-Nixon Winery, planted more grapes and made wine until her passing in 2012.

Seth’s passion for winemaking continued the operation. He later met Maura and they were a perfect match for producing some of Ohio’s fabulous award winning wines. What impressed me the most was that I also had the opportunity to meet their children. It was such a pleasure watching them work alongside their parents and providing tours of the vineyards. At the age of 15, Austin was so knowledgeable about the wine-making process and telling me about the grapes they grow in the vineyard (I see a future winemaker in the making).

My visit to Meranda-Nixon Winery was more than just a tour and a tasting. They are a family that loves to share their desire to make great wines. They are committed to giving their visitors an enjoyable experience with an atmosphere that is both welcoming and relaxing.

You may arrive at Meranda-Nixon Winery as a guest, but don’t be surprised if you leave this beautiful place feeling like family.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Meranda-Nixon Winery? I would love to hear about your visit if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

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

What to See and What to Do:

Meranda-Nixon Winery
6517 Laycock Road
Ripley, Ohio 45167
Telephone: 855 651 9188

Hours: The winery is open from 1PM to 8 PM on Friday and from 11AM to 6PM on Saturday. Monday – Thursday, the winery is open by Appointment only. The winery is closed on Sunday. Hours are seasonal and are subject to change. Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation and schedule of events.
Amenities: Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, outdoor seating, online shopping, wine, private events and scheduled events
Tips for Your Visit: During the nights when the winery provides entertainment, wine tastings are not available. As always, please drink responsibly.

Where to Stay:

The Signal House Bed and Breakfast
234 N. Front Street
Ripley, OH 45167
Telephone: 937 392 1640

Voted one of the top Bed & Breakfasts by Cincinnati Magazine in 2001.

Where to Eat:

Ripley Gourmet Tortillas
6 Main Street
Ripley, OH 45167
Telephone: 937 392 4000

What to Read:

Ripley, Ohio It’s History and Families, by Eliese Bambach Stivers
Beyond the River: The Untold Stories of the Heroes of the Underground Railroad, by Ann Hagedorn
His Promised Land: The Autobiography of John P. Parker, Former Slave and Conductor on the Underground Railroad, by John P. Parker

Featured Ohio Winery: Ferrante Winery and Ristorante

17 June 202323 September 2024

A sweet, older couple in their 70s were enjoying a glass of wine while sitting at a high top in the tasting room. I had just ordered a few wine samples at Ferrante Winery and Ristorante and took a seat near their table so I could look out the window and feel the warmth of the sunlight beaming in. I was taken by surprise when the lady, wearing a classy blue and white suit, asked me if I was from out of town. She noticed that they had not seen me in here before and said that they could answer any questions I had about the wines because they were regulars. I smiled, thanked them for their hospitality and thought to myself, “I want to be her when I am her age.” I answered by telling them that indeed I was visiting for the weekend and had a couple of activities lined up for the next couple of days. Before I had finished my wine samples, Martha, Joe and I were sharing family pictures and had become best friends. Wine is guaranteed to bring people together.

Entering through the French doors at the stone entrance, I immediately noticed that the facility is quite large with plenty of outdoor space amidst endless rows of grapevines. The inside was absolutely gorgeous with a restaurant straight ahead or the tasting room and store to the left. Of course I was drawn to the store with its large selection of wine and beautiful flooring with multicolor slats. Close by was the wine bar, so after reviewing the wide selection of products, I placed my order for my wine tasting and caught up with the server, who was restocking the wine for the day.

Ferrante Winery provides a number of pre-set tasting menus, so I selected the Proprietor’s Selection Tray which included medium to sweet wines, “ a selection of Ohio’s unique & favorite wines.” Here is a list of my tasting notes related to this amazing wine selection.

American Riesling win the Best Riesling at the Finger Lakes Wine Competition in New York
- Very clear, no legs and smelled fruity; I could taste apricot and peach and the wine had a perfect finish
Finger Lakes Riesling which won 2 double gold awards in multiple competitions
- Very light wheat color; thicker consistency with a tart smell, tastes fruity with a slight mineral taste and a long finish
Grand River Valley Vidal Blanc
- Similar in color to the American Riesling, this wine was very clear. It had the same consistency as the Finger Lakes Riesling with a crisp smell of apricot and apple; with a fuller taste it had a bold acidity; tasted very similar to an apple jolly rancher
  - In 2017, this wine won Best in Show at the San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition
Blanco – won the Gold in the OH wine competition
- Golden colored, thicker body and a great grapey smell, milder acidity; more fruity in taste (grape) with a short finish
White Catawba – Gold OH Wine Competition
- Very light-bodied wine and very light yellow with a unique bouquet, not too fruity but with subtle grape taste
Rosato – Best Blush in the OH Wine Competition
- Peachy pink in color, light body, subtle berry aroma, lingering acidity and short finish
Jester’s Blush
- Beautiful peach color, lovely smell, sugary sweetness, taste the same over full palate, short finish
Rosso
- Beautiful ruby red, grape juice with a kick; would taste amazing COLD!
Pink Catawba – smells like cotton candy, medium body with a sweet finish
Ice Wine – the Vidal Blanc is buttery and beautiful!

Founded in 1937 by Italian immigrants Nick and Anna Ferrante, the winery produced the Russo, Bianco, Concord and Niagara. Their son Peter moved the winery to its current location in 1979 and added the restaurant. Located in the Grand River Valley, some consider this area to be Ohio’s Mini Napa and I could not agree more. The vineyard offers an Italian inspired menu created by chef Nina Salerno. The gorgeous space is large enough for celebratory get-togethers or enjoy a glass of wine on the outdoors terrace while watching live weekend entertainment. The original farmhouse has been converted into their wine productio facility and is well-known for producing Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and their famous Grand River Valley Riesling.

For now, I will enjoy the wonderful company of Martha and Joe, learn more about their family and take note for any additional winery suggestions they may have for the area. Wine is such a beautiful way to bring people together and Ferrante Winery is one of the best Ohio wineries to enjoy a glass or two with new friends.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Ferrante Winery? Did you have lunch, dinner or enjoy a wine tasting? I would be happy to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my wine tasting at Ferrante Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Ferrante Winery & Ristorante
5585 State Route 307
Harpersfield Township, OH
Telephone: 440 466 8466

Where to Stay:

The Lily Cottage
1164 Idlewood Drive
Geneva, OH 44041
Telephone: 440 853 9373

Where to Eat:

Check out Ferrante’s extensive menu! I thoroughly enjoyed the Gnocchi Brue made of “tender chunks of filet mignon simmered in our Merlot wine demi-glace with Portabello mushrooms and onions. Served on potato gnocchi and spiked with gorgonzola cheese!

What to Eat: The cuisine in northeast Ohio is very diverse with a wide variety of Old World cuisine. Here are a few recommendations:

Assiette de Fromage (Cheese Plate) from L’Albratos for a wide ranges of cheese
Barberton-style Fried Chicken, made from a Serbian recipe is an amazing dish from White House Chicken in nearby Barberton, Ohio
Beef Cheek Pierogie’s from Michael Symon’s Lola
Corned Beef Sandwiches from Slyman’s
Polish Boy at Seti’s is a kielbasa topped with meat, coleslaw and ketchup.
Pierogie’s from Sokolowski’s University Inn
Veal Parmesan at Trattoria on the Hill in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood

Featured Ohio Winery: Soine Vineyards

19 December 202218 May 2025

Update: Soine Vineyards is now R&S Vineyards

Ten minutes north of Powell, Ohio is is one of the state’s original wineries, Soine Vineyards. Family-owned and operated, Soine was established in 2003.

Traveling the rural backroads on a beautiful summer day, I approached the gravel driveway surrounded by vines. It was too early for harvest, but there appeared several clusters of grapes on each plant. So far, it was looking to be a great harvest year.

The tasting room and production center are located at the end of the drive. I parked my car and entered to find Eric preparing for a busy weekend of wine tasting. He made some time to talk with me about history of Soine, the varietals they are growing in their vineyards and poured a few small samples.

While Eric manages the winery, his parents, Tim and Sandy help with the vineyard and greet the incoming visitors. A charming and kind couple, they were preparing for several reservations that afternoon.

Gervasi Vineyard, Canton, Ohio

24 June 202222 September 2024

After spending the morning and early afternoon at Stan Hywet Home and Gardens, I was excited to visit Gervasi Vineyard in the neighboring city of Canton. Located in the heart of town, the entrance of wrought iron and stone welcomed me to a small Italian-like village where I found several fabulous restaurants, a AAA Four-Diamond boutique hotel and award winning wines.

I began my tour of Gervasi Vineyard at The Crush House which is located at the back of the property. I was pleasantly surprised by the stylish restaurant and tasting room which was energetic, upbeat and full of conversation.

Not long after I had been seated, Nick, the wine bar expert behind the counter, stopped by to introduce himself and handed me a menu. I told him I was interested in a wine tasting and a small meal to tie me over for dinner. I watched as he efficiently checked on his customers, provided a brief overview of their next wine tasting and delivered their meals so effortlessly.

With so many available wines at Gervasi, I was relieved that they provided a predetermined tasting that coincided with my favorite wines. I wanted to try a mix of the vineyards reds and whites and decided to order the Vintner’s GV Tour, referred to as their “grand tasting experience”.

While the Crush House Burger with Gorgonzola cheese and bacon was tempting, I knew I would be eating in a couple of hours and noticed the Formaggio and Salami Plate. Offering a generous amount of meats and cheese, along with additional condiments, I knew this would be enough to satisfy me until dinner.

The charcuterie plate arrived and the presentation was elegant and inviting. I could smell the tartness of the mustard and the fruitiness of the marmalade. The cheese had a smoky taste and smooth texture paired with the full flavor of the stone grain mustard, they married perfectly with the selection of meats. The combination of prosciutto and blue cheese was super rich, creamy and absolutely delicious.

My first sample of six wines was the Floretto which has a light taste with a little sweetness. I could smell the green bell pepper and taste a hint of lime. The name, Floretto, means “little flower” in Italian and this wine had a nice finish.

Gervasi’s Pinot Grigio, Lucello is a tart wine and very acidic with the flavor of green apple. I enjoyed the crisp, clean taste of this wine.

I had just recently begun adding the chardonnay to my selection of wines at home to pair with salty and buttery foods. I enjoyed drinking the Ciao Bella with the cured meats offered with my formaggio and salami plate and decided to purchase a bottle to enjoy at a later date.

Bellina is Gervasi’s white wine that is aged in oak barrels and I enjoyed the wine’s smooth finish. Nick asked if I could detect the flavors of banana and toffee, and I supposed the buttery taste could have been toffee, but I did not recognize the banana.

The Red San Gervasio is the vineyard’s merlot and one of my favorite wine varietals to drink with rich foods, to add to sangrias and to sip through the long winter nights. I liked this wine’s smooth, even texture and taste and knew that it would pair with practically most of the meals I enjoy.

With a little blue cheese left on my plate, I sampled the Nebbiolo which was the perfect combination due to their earthy flavors. The Nebbiolo is perfect with fatty meats such as spicy beef short ribs and has a floral tone of violet.

Nick explained that the vineyard was currently out of their Lascito and Passione wines, which are grown and produced on their estate. I was looking forward to the Barolo as this is one of my favorite Italian wines.

My next wine Abbraccio had won several awards at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition to include 2016 Best in Class and 2016 Double Gold. Abbraccio, meaning “embrace” in Italian, is a full-bodied wine with bold layers of black cherries, black currant and subtle notes of plum.

My wine tasting was complete, but I added a couple of samples before visiting The Bistro, Gervasi Vineyard’s outdoor casual restaurant. I decided on a glass of Barbera, a spectacular red wine and then added a sample of Sognata, the winery’s fabulous dessert wine that tasted like apple juice. This wine won the 2016 Director’s Choice Award for the Best Dessert Wine from Ohio Wines and I purchased a bottle to enjoy as an after dinner drink.

It just so happened that the couple sitting next to me at The Crush was also at the Bistro. I absolutely love that wine brings people together. I had the pleasure of meeting Mike and Cathy who had just started dating within the last six months and we decided to order a drink together before finding a place along the lake. The weather was perfect on this early evening and seats were filling up fast. We placed our orders and enjoyed a few moments of people watching before our meals arrived. The pizzas were spectacular and soon I had to start making the trek back to Columbus with a stop in Mansfield for one last winery for the day.

I had learned earlier that the Gervasi estate grows six acres of their own varietals so I took a moment to walk among the grapes that would soon be ready for harvest. Ripening under the summer’s hot sun, the vines were full of plump fruit and looked as though they were ready to be picked.

I was sad to leave because Gervasi Vineyard is an impressive winery that offers a wide range of services and activities. Conveniently located off of .I-77, the winery is 20 minutes south of Akron. The Crush House is open for both lunch and dinner, seven days a week and provides tours at noon, 1 o’clock and 2. I could have easily spent the day here.

Have you had the opportunity to explore Gervasi Vineyard? I would be happy to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my afternoon at Gervasi Vineyard and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Gervasi Vineyard
1700 55th St. NE
Canton, OH 44721
Telephone: 330 497 1000

Where to Stay:

The Villas at Gervasi Vineyard
1700 55th St. NE
Canton, OH 44721
Telephone: 330 497 1000

Where to Eat:

The Crush House at Gervasi Vineyard
1700 55th St. NE
Canton, OH 44721
Telephone: 330 497 1000

I felt as though I was dining at an Italian villa. The food was spectacular and the location superb. I ordered the meat and cheese plate for dinner and enjoyed a wine tasting of Gervasi Vineyard wines.

Books to Read:

Wicked Akron: Tales of Rumrunners, Mobsters and Other Rubber City Rogues, by Kymberli Hagelberg
Lost Akron by Mark J. Price
Goosetown: Reconstructing an Akron Neighborhood by Joyce Dyer
The Rest is History: True Tales from Akron’s Vibrant Past by Mark J. Price
If Looks Could Kill by M. William Phelps
Mafia Cop Killers in Akron: The Gang War Before Prohibition by Mark J. Price
The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier

Photo Guide to Akron/Canton:

Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Northside Arts District in Akron
Luigi’s Restaurant at Lock 3 Park
750ml wine bar in Pilgrim Square, recommended by Wine Spectator
Chill Ice Cream for exotic flavors
Blu Jazz Club for its history (performers include Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald)

Voted Best in Ohio! The Winery at Versailles

17 June 202222 September 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

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

Featured Ohio Winery: Hanover Winery

3 June 202022 September 2024

The Pink Toad Party, Hanover Winery’s fundraiser for breast cancer was well underway when I entered the tasting room. A steady stream of women, many dressed in pink, stood in line to order the winery’s Pink Toad Blush in support of a great cause for loved ones and fellow breast cancer survivors. I felt honored to listen to some incredible journeys of survival from the brave women who had battled cancer and the dear family members who cared for them along the way.

I have since returned to Hanover Winery several times because of its picturesque, rural setting, its charming tasting room and of course, wonderful selection of wines. I, myself, am particularly fond of the Statesman and the Black Dahlia wines, yet there are over twenty-five wines to sample and purchase. From wonderful dry reds to a wonderful range of fruit wines, the winery offers a wide variety of award winning wines that are sure to please.

Here is a list of wines I have sampled:

REDS:

2015 Malbec: Robust, full body dry red with interesting notes of plums and dark berries. Notably higher tannins with a sweet tobacco finish. $23.99; Residual Sugar: 0%; Alcohol: 3%; This wine was awarded a Silver Medal at the 2018 Finger Lakes International Competition
Cabernet Sauvignon: Bold layers of dark fruits with subtle notes of vanilla and caramel. Medium smooth tannins. Well balanced in oak with a nice finish. $36; Residual Sugar: 0%; This wine was awarded the International Double Gold Medal at the 2017 Competition
Chambourcin: A complex red wine with rich dark fruit flavors, oak aged; $13.99; Residual Sugar: 1%; This wine was awarded a Gold Medal at the Ohio Wine Competition

Black Dahlia: Merlot Blackberry, dark and delicious; $18; Residual Sugar: 5%; This wine was awarded the Bronze Medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
Baco Noir: A bold dry red with layers of plum and vanilla flavors, oak barrel aged; $17; Residual Sugar: 1%
Pink Toad: Flavorful Catawba, a nice blush wine; $9.99; Residual Sugar: 9%; This wine was awarded the Bronze Medal at the Ohio Wine Competition

Sweet Lizzy: Sweet rose’ wine named in memory of our black Labrador Lizzy. $10.99; Residual Sugar: 9%; This wine was awarded the Gold Medal at the 2018 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and a Bronze Medal from the Ohio Wine Competition

WHITES

Chardonnay: Stainless steel fermented lightly oaked; $13.99; Residual Sugar 5%
Vignoles: Dry, oak aged with hints of pineapple and apricot. $12.99; Residual Sugar: 1%; This wine was awarded the Bronze Medal at the Ohio Wine Competition

FRUIT

Dammit Annie: A delicious blend of Blackberries and Haskap Berries; Sweet enough for dessert. Named after their Labrador Annie; $16.99; Residual Sugar: 5%
Peach: A smooth and delicious peach wine. A great summer treat $11.99; Residual Sugar: 9%; This wine was awarded the Silver and Bronze Medals at both the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and the Ohio Wine Competition

PORT

Attitude: A port style dessert wine, oak barrel aged. Alcohol 19.5%; $23.99; Residual Sugar: 5.9%; This wine was awarded the Silver Medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.

SPECIALTY

Unleashed: Raspberry Riesling, a sweet Riesling blended with real raspberries. Labeled in memory of our yellow Labrador Ellie; $13.99; Residual Sugar: 5%; This wine was awarded the Silver Medal at the Ohio Wine Competition

Additional wines available at Hanover Winery include:

REDS

2015 Tampranillo
Marquette
Marechal Foch
Hanover Red
Mason’s Red
Soft Red

WHITES

Soft White
Vidal Blanc
Riesling – New Release
Traminette – New Release
Seyval Blanc
Hanover White
Kiss Me

FRUIT

Blackberry
Ohio Apple
Cranberry

SPARKLING

Bubbly

My drive from Oxford took only about ten minutes and the rural route was a welcoming change to my city life. I could use a little leisurely wine time and knew I had finally arrived when I noticed the rows of Marquette and Seyval grapes.

According to Eddie McDonald, co-owner of the winery, the vines were planted in the spring of 2016 and it will take a few years until the crop produces grapes. He and his wife Elizabeth opened the winery in 2009 after making wine for family and friends as a hobby for over ten years. Known as Butler County’s sole winery, the gorgeous property is perfect for relaxing along the pond with a bottle of wine, enjoying the weekend entertainment or attending one of Hanover Winery’s many sponsored events. Visit their website to learn more about Hanover’s Annual Summer Wine Festival in August (expect a large turnout) and their Annual Animal Rescue Fundraiser in the Spring.

Business was soon picking up and Eddie was needed to bring some more wine up from their “wine cellar”. He asked if I wanted to check it out and of course I was curious to see where the magic happens. The entertainment was setting up on the patio, so I stopped by the tasting table and ordered a glass of Pink Toad to enjoy the pond. I brought my list of wines to purchase for upcoming events, and bought a few favorites for my friends and family. While Hanover Winery is one of my favorite wineries to visit because of the hospitality of Eddie and Elizabeth and the delicious award winning wines, I always enjoy visiting with the resident celebrities, Mason and Annie.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Hanover Winery? What wines did you try? 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 one of my favorite Ohio wineries and wishing you many Happy Travels. Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Hanover Winery
2165 Morman Road
Hamilton, OH 45013
Telephone: 513 863 3119

Where to Stay:

The Elms
75 South Main Street
Oxford, OH 45056
Telephone: 513 524 2002

Where to Eat:

LaRosa’s Pizza Hamilton
770 NW Washington Blvd.
Hamilton, OH 45013
Telephone: 513 347 1111
Website: www.larosas.com

Award Winning Wines at Henke Winery and Restaurant, Cincinnati

11 June 201817 September 2024

Spending the day in downtown Cincinnati, I made a quick visit to my old neighborhood on the west side of the city. Entering Henke Winery and Restaurant, I was surrounded by several wine awards as well as the yummy smell of garlic coming from the kitchen. Sounds of Paul Simon were streaming over the intercom, I could not wait to start my wine tasting and fill up on some amazing pasta.

Escorted into the tasting room, I could not help but notice the beautiful bay window with an urban view of the historic Cincinnati neighborhood town of Westwood. The room was bright, cheery and I found a small table by the bar. While waiting for a few moments, I took the liberty to explore the various wine displays and familiarize myself with the wines I would be sampling.

Established in 1996, owner and vintner Joe Henke has a well-founded approach to his winery and restaurant. With his focus on passion, quality and pride, it is no surprise that awards adorn the walls of the rooms, providing recognition for a large number of his wine blends, using a wide variety of grape varietals. Joe began making wine as a hobby and for nearly 25 years, he has turned his passion into a living. Ohio now boasts over 300 wineries, yet when Joe first started there were a total of 36.

I am excited to be working with Clay, one of the sommeliers at Henke, to assist me with my wine tasting. I am offered seven wines for a nominal cost of ten dollars, which includes the beautifully etched glass as a souvenir.

The Chardonnay is made from grapes grown in the Appalachian region, aged six months in American Oak barrels with a hint of apple, pear, butter and lemon flavors. The color of the wine is a very light lemon shade, served warm, which I rather enjoyed. I could taste the buttery flavors and agreed that there was a low acidity, which gave the wine a very smooth texture. This wine is sold for $6.25 per glass or $14 per bottle to take home.

Bottled in a beautiful blue container, the Vidal Blanc is a white wine made from grapes in the Ohio Valley. Stored in stainless steel containers, this is a sweeter wine with flavors of apple, grapefruit and pineapple. The taste of pineapple is stronger than the other fruits and the acidity of the wine can be tasted at the back of my tongue. It was served chilled and I found it to be quite refreshing. This wine can be purchased for $5.50 per glass.

Winning the Gold Award this year, the Cellar Blush is Henke Winery and Restaurant’s best seller. I love the beautiful peach hue to the wine and the smell is heavenly. Served chilled, it is a sweeter wine with flavors of kiwi, apricot, bubble gum, strawberry with an apple finish, which is what I adore about this wine. This is a rosé, sweet blush wine that sells for $11 per bottle and $5.50 per glass.

The Cabernet Franc has a perfect blend of flavors that include vanilla, blackberry and black cherry resulting in a full body taste. Spending 12 months in new neutral oak barrels, this wine is perfect with steak. The alcohol content of this wine is 15.5% and I can taste the blackberry on the top of my tongue. It is a drier red and as I continue my tasting, there is a wonderful tang of cherry that lingers as well. This wine has won several awards over the last few years both in Indianapolis and Ohio.

Red Zinfandel is one of my favorite wines, so I was looking forward to trying the CinZin. Henke Winery has been making this fabulous wince since the early 2000s and they have definitely perfected it. With flavors of raspberry, prune, raisin and blackberry jam, this amazing combination gives the wine a fruity taste with a spice that hits you at the back of the tongue.

Sadly, I am nearing the end of my wine tasting as I eagerly await the Cabernet Sauvignon. Clay mentions that this wine is similar to the Cabernet Franc in regards to the processing, but only 15.2% alcohol content and no residual sugars.

A glass of Merlot was one my early red wines of choice and this was my next selection. Made from Amador grapes grown in California, this wine exhibits flavors of nutmeg, vanilla, cherry and strawberry. It also has a nutty flavor with a hint of raisin. This wine is divine and rates high above most of the Merlots I have ever tasted.

Throughout this wine tasting, I have enjoyed savoring every drop of wine in my glass and I am down to my last sample, the Vendange a Trois. This wine is a 10% blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, while the remaining 80% is Merlot. With aromas of black cherry and violets, this is a softer wine with an alcohol content of only 13.7%.

There are so many reasons to like Henke Winery, not to mention the fifteen amazing wines they produce. The wine tasting experience is formal and carried out with such precision. I enjoyed the professional manner in which Clay provided me with such in depth information about each wine and gave me plenty of time to enjoy each sample.

I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting Joe Henke, the owner, who has been producing award-winning wines for over twenty years. Prior to opening the winery and restaurant, Joe worked at Mallinkrodt Tool Company, but I could see that he was in his element, greeting customers, visiting tables and noticing how happy he was to talk about his wines. His passion for winemaking extends to ensuring that each patron has a fabulous winetasting experience.

I was fascinated to learn that each year, Henke Winery hosts a cork contest called “The Window Garden”. On display are various objects of artistry that have been created out of corks and some of them are unbelievably outstanding.

I recommend visit Henke Winery and Restaurant for a fabulous winetasting experience and delectable meal. I absolutely enjoyed my visit and was happy to learn that their products can also be found at Cincinnati’s Jungle Jim’s International Market in Fairfield. Henke Winery exceeded my expectations and I look forward to visiting here again soon.

Have you visited Henke Winery and want to share your experience? I would love to hear which wines rank high on your list, so leave a message in the comments section below! Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Henke Winery and Restaurant
3077 Harrison Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45211
Telephone: 513 662 9463

Visit their website for additional information about their wines, weekend entertainment and future special events.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express West
5505 Rybolt Road
Cincinnati, OH 45248
Telephone: 513 574 6000

Where to Eat:

Henke Winery and Restaurant
3077 Harrison Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45211
Telephone: 513 662 9463

For a starter, I selected the Awesome Pan Seared Cheese and ordered the Center Cut Yellowfin Tuna as my entree. Henke makes their own Ricotta Tortellini which is exceptional!

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.

Where to Drink:

Moerlein Lager House
115 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 421 2337

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.

Indian Bear Winery in Walhonding, Ohio, NOW INDIAN BEAR CORK AND COFFEE

25 June 201616 March 2025

Update: The Indian Bear Winery is now Indian Bear Cork and Coffee

Update: On June 4th, 2023, a fire broke out at Indian Bear Winery and the structure was destroyed by the fire.

Update: On September 20, 2022, Indian Bear Lodge & Winery announced that they were under contract to sell 97 acres to “Because I Said I Would”, a non-profit organization making an impact on the local youth.

Indian Bear Winery is one of the most beautiful locations to sample wines in Ohio. A beautiful, country setting on two-hundred plus acres is only an hour east of Columbus and began as lodge in 2001.

From the moment I pulled onto the gravel drive, my senses were on full alert. The smell of fresh cut grass led me to sprawling acres and a lake where a teepee stood at its water’s edge.

It was early spring so the vineyards were just beginning to bloom and would be ready for harvest in the fall. Trellises supported a wide range of wine varietals, including those from Ohio.

In the summer of 2014, the owners, Brad Collins and Tom Lechner planted Concord, Seyval and Vidal grapes. Until the vines began producing fruit, the owners imported juices from California, Chile and New York to begin their wine making process. Head winemaker, Joe Hollabaugh will be creating new wines for the winery.

Approaching the entrance into the winery, I couldn’t help but notice its beautiful red and gray exterior. The building was completed by April 2015 and soon thereafter, was open to the public. The winery entered the 2015 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and won a Gold Medal for their “Roscoe’s Red Blend” as well as a Bronze Medal for their Vidal Blanc.

The tasting room was even more extravagant with its rustic, architecture and country decor displayed in its large exposed beams and expansive stone flooring. The hand-written list of available wines in addition to their wine tasting costs were posted above the service area.

I completed the laminated menu and decided on the 3 for $5 samples selecting the Peach Apricot Crush, American Vidal Blanc and the American Carmenere Reserve.

At the last minute, I included the Red Berry Crush slushie which tasted like heaven.

With my slushie in hand, I took the stairs to explore the areas available for private and semi-private events. On-site lodges provide accommodations for guests who wish to stay at the property. There are also two carriage houses and four cabins to sleep a total of more than 100 guests. From the second story deck, I could look out for miles into the countryside.

My favorite part of the decor were the oak barrels that are typically used for fermenting and storage.

Returning to the first level of the winery, I was in complete awe of the spectacular stone handiwork of the fireplace flanked by two storage compartments for firewood. I reached out to touch the smoothly sanded wood planks for the mantle which were designed from beams from a local area barn.

In addition to the interior, Indian Bear Winery has several outdoor settings including a fire pit. I found a stone bench to finish up my drink and could hear the visitors as they discussed their weekend plans. As I enjoyed the beauty of Indian Bear Winery, I could also hear the large tractor approaching as it mowed the high blades near the tasting room and I could once again smell the scent of freshly cut grass.

Have you visited Indian Bear Winery? What wines did you enjoy? 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 Indian Bear Winery along the Three Rivers Wine Trail and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Indian Bear Winery
3483 McCament Road
Walhonding, Ohio 43843
Telephone: 740 507 3322

Open Fridays from 3:00pm to 10:00pm and Saturdays from 12:00pm to 10:00pm.

Where to Stay:

Indian Bear Winery
3483 McCament Road
Walhonding, Ohio 43843
Telephone: 740 507 3322

Where to Eat:

Indian Bear Winery
3483 McCament Road
Walhonding, Ohio 43843
Telephone: 740 507 3322

Open Fridays from 3:00pm to 10:00pm and Saturdays from 12:00pm to 10:00pm.

For appetizers, they make a gorgeous charcuterie board, fittingly called, “The Napa.” A popular choice on the menu is Alfredo Chips- homemade kettle chips topped with alfredo sauce, blue cheese and green onions.

Plum Run Winery Soon to Offer Craft Beer

26 March 201531 August 2024

Plum Run Winery had just completed their renovations to provide its customers a larger space for sampling its award-winning wines and hard cider. I was looking forward to visiting this Grove City winery, so I called my friend Karen to join me for the afternoon.

The winery, offering a wide selection of wines, includes a few of the sweeter wines most popular in the state of Ohio. These varietals include dessert wines, sweet reds and roses as well as a lovely selection of fruit wines. Here are the list of wines that we selected for our tasting:

Apple: The winery buys their apples from Hugo’s, a local orchard. The color of the wine is yellow and a bit cloudy. It has a delicious taste that ends with a bit of a bite. It is described as “a blend of Gold Rush, Winesap and Yellow Delicious Apples, Ohio Grown!” 5% RS, $15 bottle, $6 glass

Niagara: Plum Run Winery’s classic “Ohio Sweet Wine”; I really enjoyed this one and Karen did as well. 5% RS, $13 bottle, $6 glass
Scioto Red: The combination between the Niagara and Concord grapes, this wine is described as a “sweet red wine that is light, fruity and aromatic”; Two sweet grapes that make the perfect combination that we enjoyed so much we picked up a couple of bottles. 4% RS; $13 bottle $6 glass
Cranberry: Described as “tart and sweet with the aromas of pure cranberry juice”, this wine also ranks high on my list; 8$ RS, $18 bottle $6 glass
Seyval Blanc: This would have been my second choice for wine as I really liked this one. It had a butterscotch smell and a smooth flavor; The winery labels this one as a “semi-sweet wine with hints of apple and pear.” 4% RS; $14 bottle, $6 glass
Dessert Wine, Red Tail: This is such a fabulous wine, and sampling it with a piece of dark chocolate made it even more enjoyable. A “port style wine made from the Rougeon and St. Vincent Grapes; bottled in 500 ml bottles [this is] a perfect wine in front of the fire” 9% RS and 19% ABV $18 bottle, $8 glass
Our final sample was the raspberry wine which really does taste like raspberry jam and has a high acidity.

There were so many great choices of wine, and Plum Run will soon be offering Chilean Chardonnay and Chilean Malbec. My favorite wine choice for this visit was the Red Tail Dessert Wine, so I stopped by the grocery store for some dark chocolate to pair with this smooth delicious port.

Having opened in 2012, Plum Run Winery had recently added the rustic seating area to their tasting room. With elegantly exposed brick walls, highlighted with thick wooden counters, the new stylish space adds a level of country sophistication to the wine tasting experience. My favorite addition was the barnyard siding windows and added counter space.

Dave Crosby and his wife Diane, are owners of Plum Run Winery and have been making delicious wines for over 30 years. Dave is well-known in Grove City because he taught school before opening the winery. In addition to wines, Dave has also created Dave’s Gold Apples, a hard apple cider which is delightfully refreshing.

The winery hosts a number of events over the summer, such as music on Fridays and Saturdays. The second Tuesday, they host a Wine and Canvas event, while every third Saturday is Wine and Yoga. There is plenty of space to bring your event to the winery should you choose to host a Pampered Chef, Tupperware Party, etc. And to confirm such events, make sure you visit their Facebook Page, Grove City Brewing Company to confirm the dates and times. You can also sign up for their monthly newsletter which lists the entertainment for the month and soon their website page will be up and running.

There is plenty of seating to accommodate close to forty visitors indoors as well as forty outdoors on their patio, which is only open during the summer season.

Plum Run Winery is a vendor at the Grove City Wine and Arts Festival where fifteen to twenty wineries are represented. The festivities take place over the weekend of Father’s Day with an entry fee of $20 to include a souvenir glass as well as a set number of tickets to purchase wine. The Ohio Grape & Wine Conference, scheduled in winter is another venue that the winery attends.

There is some exciting news from Plum Run Winery with their announcement to open Grove City Brewery scheduled for late June. A former brew master from Buckeye Lake Brewery will be heading up the craft beer creations, so it is sure to be a success.

Have you sampled the wines at Plum Run Winery or have a favorite Ohio winery that you like to frequent? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the in the comments below. Cheers!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Plum Run Winery
3946 Broadway
Grove City, OH 43123
Telephone: 614 991 0338

Hours: The winery is open from 11 AM to 10 PM on Tuesday – Thursday, 11 AM to 12AM on Friday and Saturday and from 11 AM to 6 PM on Sunday. Hours are seasonal and are subject to change. Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation and for a list of entertainment.
Amenities: Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, patio seating, Grove City Brewing Company, wine, beer
Tips for Your Visit: During the nights when the winery provides entertainment, wine tastings are not available. As always, please drink responsibly.

Where to Stay:

Drury Inn & Suites Columbus Grove City
4109 Parkway Centre Drive
Grove City, OH 43123
Telephone: 614 875 7000

Where to Eat:

Michael’s Hibachi
3985 Broadway
Grove City, OH 43123
Telephone: 614 317 7828

I had not visited a hibachi in such a long time that I was super excited to order some Japanese cuisine. I started out with the Spider Roll and then ordered the Steak and Shrimp hibachi with a glass of wine.

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

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