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: 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.

Beautiful Rural Winery in Ohio: Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard & Winery

3 June 202222 September 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have you had the opportunity of visiting Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard and Winery? What were some of your favorite wines? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my lovely visit to Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard and Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

Hocking Hills Winery in Athens, Ohio

25 September 20212 March 2025

After making several trips to Athens to visit my sister, I decided to stop by Hocking Hills Winery in Logan on my way home to Columbus. Beckoned by billboards along US-33, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to sample locally-produced wines and purchase a couple of bottles for myself.

Max and Loris Davidson owned the property and raised cattle on the farm until the land was passed down to their family by 2008. Wanting to maintain the farm for agricultural use, it was their grandson, Blaine, who came up with the idea to plant a vineyard to produce wine as Hocking Valley Vineyards. That same year, 2013, they planted their first 600 vines on just over one acre. The grapevines included the hearty French-hybrid varietals that would thrive in the cold weather of Ohio to include the Chambourcin, Traminette and the Vidal Blanc.

The large room is a great meeting place with the tasting bar on the opposite side of the entrance. I grabbed a seat and a menu and within minutes ordered their wine flight where I could sample eight of their sixteen varietals.

Their estate grown wines include:

Vidal Blanc, first harvested in 2013 from their estate grown grapes. It is a full bodied white which pairs with shellfish and chicken.
- The Vidal Blanc grapes are also used to make the Lilly of the Valley wine
Sauvignon Blanc, first harvested in 2016 from the Lontue region of the Curico Valley of Chile, South America. Pairs great with grilled chicken as well as Greek and Mexican cuisine.
Traminette, first harvested in 2017

Additional Wines:

Chardonnay aged in American Oak for 8 months
Pinot Grigio from grapes harvested from the Lontue region of the Curico Valley of Chile in South America. The cool wine region allows the grapes to flourish in the Andes Mountains providing a crisp, dry white.
Riesling from the Columbia Valley of Washington state in a cool climate resulting in semi-sweet wine which balances out rich, saucy dishes. (This was one of my favorites!)
Moscato from Lodi, California
Sweet Chardonnay from California’s Central Valley
Malbec
Syrah
Zinfandel from Lodi, California is a region where much of the great Zinfandel is produced. Pair this wine with rich meats.
Hocking River Red, a sweet red wine blend
Rock House Rouge
Balanced Rock Port, a dessert wine
Peach Wine Slushy
Raspberry Wine Slushy

While the winery has been winning awards since 2015 and their wines have also been recognized by a number of organizations:

Awards and Recognition?

2019: Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor!
2019: Riesling awarded a Silver Medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition!
2019: Chardonnay awarded a Bronze Medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition!
2019: Hocking River Red awarded a Bronze Medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition!
2018: Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor!
2018: Petite Syrah awarded a Bronze Medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition!
2018: Trillium awarded a Bronze Medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition!
2017: Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor!
2015: New Business of the Year Award by the Hocking Hills Chamber of Commerce!

Hocking Hills Winery offers a nice menu of appetizers ranging from $8 to $20 and visitors can also order food from local restaurants through UberEats, DoorDash or from the restaurant’s website as well.

What to See and What to Do:

Hocking Hills Winery
30402 Freeman Road
Logan, OH 43138
Telephone: 740 385 7117

Hours: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1PM to 8PM, Friday from 1PM to 10PM and Saturday from 11AM to 10PM; Closed Tuesday
Tips for Visiting Hocking Hills Winery: The winery caters to hikers, so make sure to stop by! In addition to wine, the winery provides additional juices and water. Children are permitted as well as dogs. They do not accept reservations. Their white wines are vegan but egg whites are used in their red wines to soften the tannins. Outside food and beverages are not permitted but they have a menu which is also located on their website.

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

21 August 202122 September 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have you had the opportunity to visit Sarah’s Vineyard? What was your favorite wine? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to Sarah’s Vineyard and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Winery Contact Information:

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

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

Featured Ohio Winery: Barrel Run Crossing Winery & Vineyard

18 June 201817 September 2024

It was a beautiful spring day and I had set out for Barrel Run Crossing Winery & Vineyard to sample wine on the Canal Country Wine Trail. The tree branches were just beginning to bud with new leaves as I approached the winery. I had stopped short of a set of railroad tracks ahead in rural Rootstown, Ohio. Stepping through the arbor, I entered the beautiful white farmhouse turned winery.

What was once a family farm over the last four generations, is now a vineyard with French-American hybrids. These varietals, known to successfully grow in the climate of Ohio, are cold-hardy vines and resistant to disease. Barrel Run Crossing planted their first crop in 2008 with a selection of grapes to include Corot Noir, Frontenac, Frontenac Gris, Marquette, Noiret, St. Pepin, Traminette and Vidal Blanc.

Excited to sample a few wines, I studied the menu and soon realized the selections were cleverly themed around the railroad. The $9.95 BRX Wine Tasting flight included a choice of five wines and a customized wine glass to take home. Hardly noticing the description of the wines, I based my decision solely on the names starting with Locomotion, Engine Number 5, Tipsy Conductor, Off the Tracks and All Aboard.

Locomotion was labeled as a dry white blend of Chardonnay, Traminette and Vidal, a new crafted wine recently added to the menu. The combination of estate grown varietals with the Chardonnay was the perfect balance resulting in a nice, smooth finish which could find myself easily pairing with a white sauce pasta.

“A True Ohio Dry Red Blend Wine with Cherry Notes and Blackberry and Plum Aromas” adequately described the Engine Number 5. I enjoyed the subtle tart stone fruit flavors of this wine while tasting a hint of blackberry at the finish.

An estate wine, “crafted entirely from Frontenac and Frontenac Gris grown onsite”, the Tipsy Conductor is satisfyingly crisp with a lovely sweetness from a semi-sweet white.

All Aboard, was a white wine much sweeter than my previous selections. Produced from the estate grown Vidal Blanc, I imagined this wine would be perfect on a spring or summer afternoon.

Off the Tracks, a sweet red created from the local estate Frontenac grapes is popular among Ohio wine drinkers. The addition of blackberry juice gives this wine an added element of sweetness.

Barrel Run Crossing offers the Sugar-Luv chocolate pairing of truffles with five complementary wine samples for $7.50, every third Friday of the month. They also host a food and wine pairing event by reservation only and encourage visitors to facilitate the space for family gatherings.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Barrel Run Crossing Winery & Vineyard? I would be interested in hearing about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reviewing my port about my visit to Barrel Run Crossing and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Barrel Run Crossing Winery & Vineyard
3272 Industry Road
Rootstown, OH 44272
Telephone: 330 325 1075

Where to Stay:

Rocking Horse Inn
248 W Riddle Avenue
Ravenna, OH 44266
Telephone: 330 297 5720

Where to Eat:

Lil’ Paisan’s Pizzeria
4129 Tallmadge Road
Rootstown, OH 44272
Telephone: 330 325 4000

I went for the 9-inch Deluxe Supreme made with homemade pizza dough and fresh toppings. I wished I would have ordered a larger size it was so good!

Kinkead Ridge Winery and Its Bright Future

8 September 201716 September 2024

Located in downtown Ripley, Kinkead Ridge Winery is an urban winery that has been producing exceptional wines over the last few years. I had the opportunity to meet the new owners, Dr. Don Bowers and his wife Anna Marie, during a wine event over the Memorial Day weekend.

Dr. Bowers provided me a list of his wines that included a detailed description. I began my tasting with the 2014 Lowell Marie Pinot Gris. “A nose of pear and melon is followed by a hint of fruity sweetness blending melon and pears with a rapidly developed crispness and a late burst of citrus rinds. The finish brings to mind Meyer lemon and shows a light minerality. A fine partner with hors d’oeuvres and milder cheeses, this wine will compliment seafood, white fish and mild chicken dishes. Serve chilled.”

The 2015 Lowell Marie Viognier Roussanne “opens with sweet white blossoms on the nose with a hint of honey. The style is off dry with pineapple and apple flavors from the Viognier (grapes) and mild citrus form the Roussanne (grapes). A relaxing refreshment by the glass, it would be enhanced by sharp, dry cheeses and cured meats. It will pair well with meals of chicken, veal or mild pork featuring creamy sauces and with shellfish especially seared scallops. The alcohol content is 15% while the residual sugar measures at 1.5%. The wine is 70% Viognier and 30% Roussanne.”

The 2014 Roussanne Viognier seemed much sweeter than the Viognier Roussanne, which is the perfect wine for me as I am beginning to learn more about the drier white wines. “This wine begins with orange blossom and flint of the nose revealing the Viognier. The flavor is pineapple with hints of tobacco and a bracing mouthfeel. The mixed herbal note and the distinct finish of lime zest gives voice to the Roussanne. This Rhone style white wine will complement aromatic cheese and salami, sausage and specialty hams and will being a bracing crispness to rich chicken and veal dishes, enrich scallops, cream sauces and pasta with shellfish.” A bottle of this wonderful wine is $14.99.

My last sample of white wine was the 2015 Lowell Marie Sauvignon Blanc Semillon. “This nearly equally partnership of two classic Bordeaux white varieties starts with aromas of lemon and green apple notes. Reflects a surprising smoothness that would enhance soft creamy cheeses, nuts and succulent cherries, figs or plums. This full bodied wine complements oysters, prawns, clams, flaky white fish, grilled salmon or tuna as well as chicken or veil. Serve gently chilled”, this bottle is available for $13.99 per bottle. I am a huge fan of seafood, so I purchased a bottle so that I could try it with my favorite grilled salmon recipe.

The 2014 River Village Cellars Traminette is a semi-sweet “captures the sweet fragrances of warm evenings, of honeysuckle and wild rose, of water lilies and lavender. …Like its parent, Gewurztraminer, this wine stands up to the fiery spices of Asian cuisine but this year’s vintage was a bit softer and sweeter for sipping…Serve chilled.” I enjoyed the spicy aftertaste of this wine which comes from the flavors of nutmeg, rose and star anise.

Described as a “New World hybrid grape with a pronounced character reminiscent of Gewirtztraminer from Alsace”, this wine was made from Traminette grapes provided by McCafferty Bridge Vineyard and has a very light flavor and fruity aroma.

Before moving on to the red wines, I enjoyed sampled some of the complimentary cheese and crackers provided by the winery. Since I love the dry reds, I was so excited to sample the Merlot, a 2014 Lowell Marie. Described as “light bodied and immediately drinkable, it is an early release especially well-suited for refreshing summer drinks and Sangrias as it doesn’t overpower fresh fruits and takes will to a bit of sweetness and sparkle. It also complements lighter outdoor meals and picnics and could be lightly chilled.” It is perfectly priced at $10.99 per bottle.

Kinkead Ridge’s 2013 River Village Cellars comes from the Chambourcin grapes also produced by McCafferty Bridge Vineyard. It is “full-bodied, deep-colored with notes of cassis, berry fruit and plum.” This wine is perfectly paired with “beef, lamb wild game and richly flavored cheeses”. Barrel aged nine months, the retail bottle price for this wine is $11.99. I enjoyed the taste of this wine and loved the aromas of stone fruit.

One of my favorite wines at Kinkead Ridge was the 2013 Estate Bottled Petit Verdot. “Hand harvested…, this intensely-colored dark purple tannic complex wine displays a fragrant nose with tones of violet and leather. Small-lot fermentations with hand punch-downs and classic small scale winemaking techniques were used to create this wine. Aged in premium French and American oak, one can enjoy this wine with beef, lamb or wild game. Tasting this wine will leave you wanting more!” A bottle of Petit Verdot can be purchased for $24.99 and is well worth the price.

Kinkead Ridge boasts two Cabernets and I enjoyed both of these wines immensely. The Sauvignon is “hand-harvested…, this wine is dark ruby red, well structured, and complex displaying classic Cabernet aromas of cassis, plum and black cherry. The process for creating this wine were similar to the winery’s Petit Verdot, also aged in premium French and American oak.” This excellent wine has a lovely, smooth texture.

The Cabernet Franc, bottled in 2013 was also “hand-harvested…this wine’s fragrant aromas of violet and black cherry precede a taste of full-bodied, richly flavored complexity, with raspberry and spice overtones.” This wine is perfect with “beef, turkey, pork and rich stews.”

During my visit, I had the opportunity to discuss the future of Kinkead Ridge’s Winery with new owner Dr. Don Bowers. He is a medical doctor by trade and since I work in the pharmaceutical industry in research and development, I found the explanation of his wine-making techniques to be very interesting…after all, it is all about chemistry. Dr. Bowers and his family are very involved in the day to day process of wine making. Having purchased Kinkead Ridge, the established winery has a long list of venues where their wines can be purchased and the owners have plans for expansion. I look forward to visiting the winery again in the future and continue to follow the winery’s success.

Have you had the opportunity to try some of the fabulous wines produced by Kinkead Ridge Winery? I would love to hear about your favorite wines and your experience with the winery if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

I would like to thank Dr. Don Bowers and his family for their time and hospitality during my visit!

What to See and What to Do:

Kinkead Ridge Winery
904 Hamburg Street
Ripley, Ohio 45167
Telephone: 216 551 9093

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

Cohearts Riverhouse
18 N. Front Street
Ripley, OH 45167
Telephone: 937 392 4819

Delicious burger with a fabulous view of the Ohio River!

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