Tag Archives: Vidal Blanc

Engineering Fabulous Wines, Vinoklet Winery

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It was a beautiful day, so I planned a visit to Vinoklet Winery & Restaurant on Cincinnati’s Westside.   As I pulled into the parking lot, I was more than surprised by the number of cars and was having a difficult time finding a parking space.

Vinoklet hosts a buffet style dinner over the weekends and is also a popular place for hosting events.  That evening, there was a family reunion, a business dinner as well as a bachelorette party.  I was incredibly grateful that the hostess found a small table for me in a corner when I explained I was interested in a wine tasting.

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In addition to sampling wine, I decided to purchase the cheese tray which included Swiss, Cheddar and Pepperjack cheese, pepperoni, crackers and grapes.  It was the perfect amount for the tasting, but I wished that I had booked a reservation for the buffet-style meal where fish, steak and shrimp were grilled to perfection served with salads, sides and decadent desserts.

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There are a total of nine wines available for tasting, arranged from dry to sweet with the reds to my left and the whites on my right.  I began my tasting with the Brother Joe, a cabernet sauvignon described as “A premium red wine made with cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and chambourcin grapes.  Rich ripe flavors with an elegant finish”.

The Cincinnatus was next, which is a “dry red table wine made with Merlot and Chambourcin grapes.  Vibrant flavor with a harmonious finish”.  I picked up a bottle for our family cookout that weekend, knowing it would be perfect with steak.

I enjoyed the Sunset Blush and It was such a great, refreshing wine that I ordered a glass after my tasting.  This is a “semi-sweet wine made with Catawba, Vidal and Niagara grapes. Aromatic fruit with a zesty finish.”

The last red wine on the list was the La Dolce Vita, translated as “The Sweet Life” in Italian.  It is a “sweet red dessert wine made with Chambourcin and Concord grapes.  Soft and fruity to enjoy anytime”.

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Halfway into my tasting, I had the privilege of meeting Kreso Mikulic, the owner of the winery.  Checking in with his guests, he was enjoying a glass of wine.  Making his rounds, he stopped by my table after coming in from outside and we chatted a few moments about his winery.

Kreso is originally from Croatia, where wine was a part of his everyday life.  Just like many of the northern Italians, each of the members in his village grew their own grapes to produce wine for their families.  He actively participated in the process as a child and has years of experience making extraordinary wines.

Kreso went on to become an electrical engineer, moving to the US and finding work with the General Electric Aviation division.  He is credited with a variety of patents for the aerospace industry.   Once he retired, he opened the winery in 1980 and has been hosting guests in Colerain for nearly forty years.

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Sunset Blush

Continuing with my fifth sample, I learned that the Traminette is a grape blend of the Seyve, a French American hybrid with the vitis vinifera of German descent.  It is the next wine on my list and described by Vinkolet as a “premium wine with spicy characteristics of honey and florals”.  The taste was strongest towards the back of the tongue.

Tears of Joy is definitely a drier wine and is made with Vidal Blanc grapes.  It is “crisp and full of flavor yet soft to the palate”.  It was a little too dry for me, but I really enjoyed the Dreamer, a semi-sweet wine made with Vidal Blanc grapes and an Ohio favorite, the Niagara. The winery labels it as “perfectly balanced and delicate to the taste.”

In Vino Veritas was another favorite wine at Vinoklet Winery.  Also made with Niagara and Vidal Blanc grapes, this is sweeter than the Dreamer and would be a great wine to enjoy on a summer afternoon.

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Passion was the last wine in the tasting and was absolutely delicious.  I couldn’t resist and had to purchase a bottle to enjoy at home.

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What I liked most about the winery was that it is also a restaurant and banquet facility.  Located on rolling hills, I enjoyed walking out to the acres of vineyards that would soon produce grapes over the summer months.  Relaxing at the bonfire after dinner is a favorite pastime with many of Vinoklet’s customers and the sunsets from here are absolutely breathtaking.

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The Weekend Dinner option includes the buffet and there are Weekend Grillouts over the summer months offering a wide selection of meats.  In the evening, the winery sets up the fire pit when the weather permits.

Vinoklet Winery is the perfect location to enjoy an evening meal or celebrate a special event.  With the scenic views, delicious foods and award-winning wines, we found the winery more than exceptional.  What makes Vinoklet so special is also memorialized in Kreso’s philosophy.  When it comes to wine, “the best wine is the wine that pleases you the most”, and at Vinoklet Winery there are so many award-winning options from which to choose.   It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to make wines, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to be an engineer.

Have you visited Vinoklet and do you have a favorite wine from the winery? Do you have a favorite Ohio winery?  I would love to hear about it to experience it for myself.  If you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below, that would be great! Many Thanks for reading about our evening wine tasting at Vinoklet and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Vinoklet Winery & Restaurant
11069 Colerain Avenue
Cincinnati, OH  45252
Telephone:  513 385 9309

  • Hours: The winery is open from noon to 5 PM on Tuesday, noon to 8 PM on Wednesday and Thursday with wine tastings from noon to 4 PM, noon to 11 PM on Friday and Saturday with wine tastings from noon to 4 PM, from 1 PM to 5 PM on Sunday.  The winery is closed on Monday.  Hours are seasonal and are subject to change.  Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation and schedule of events.
  • Amenities:  Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, outdoor seating, online shopping, wine, private events and scheduled events
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Please note that the wine tastings are only provided during certain hours and are subject to change.  As always, please drink responsibly.

Where to Stay:

Hampton Inn Cincinnati – Northwest/Fairfield
430 Kolb Drive
Cincinnati, OH  45014
Telephone:  513 942 3440

Where to Eat: 

Enjoy the buffet at Vinoklet on Wednesdays and Thursdays or visit on Friday and Saturday nights for the opportunity to grill your own entree with a selection of side dishes, desserts and of course, wine!

Featured Ohio Winery: Ferrante Winery and Ristorante

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

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.

While the winery does not make its own food inhouse, they bring in food trucks over the weekend and provide guests with entertainment.     Visitors can spend time inside at the tasting room or grab a seat  on the outside patio, weather permitting.

Each year, Soine Vineyards produces award winning wines sourced from their locally grown estate vineyard.  Using unique techniques of blending and vinification, the winery carefully monitors the brix levels and makes modifications to ensure the best production of wines.

Have you visited Soine Vineyards in Powell, Ohio, just north of Columbus?  Which wines did you sample and/or take home?  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 Soine and wishing you many Happy Travels!  Cheers!

What to See  and What to Do: 

Soine Vineyards
3510 Clark Shaw Road
Powell, Ohio 43065
Website:  www.soinevineyards.com

Hocking Hills Winery in Athens, Ohio

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.

Mastropietro Winery in Berlin Center, Ohio

It was a beautiful sunny day exploring Ohio’s Amish Country when I happened upon an Italianate winery in Berlin Center, Mastropietro Winery.  The winery is surrounded by acres of vines producing estate grown varietals such as Vidal Blanc, Chambourcin and Frontenac grapes, perfect for the winter temperatures.  In addition to these hearty Ohio grapes, the winery also brings in northern California fruit for expanding their wine offerings.

Mastropietro Winery was the first to open in Mahoning County in 2005.  In addition to wine, they offer a lovely selection of sangrias, slushies and dessert wine.  With a full service bar, visitors who may not be interested in wine, can purchase craft beers, snacks and appetizers.

Grandfather Joseph began making wine in their basement which led to starting their business.  Soon, Joseph’s son Daniel, wife Marianne and sister Cathy were supporting the winery as well and were making award-winning wines.

The winery and tasting room hosts a number of events.  In addition, there is a spacious banquet hall for private events such as weddings.  In the summer, they sponsor concerts, a balloon festival and car shows.

Arriving in the afternoon, I noticed the stunning Tuscan-style property with plenty of outside seating.  I had decided on a glass of Dolce Bianco to start and found the perfect place to admire the surrounding fifty-two acres and enjoy the welcome silence.  Firepits are also available for guests, perfect for the cooler spring and fall weather.

Mastropietro was a welcome stop on my visit to Amish Country and I look forward to returning for one of their summer events and to restock on the Dolce Bianco.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Mastropietro Winery?  Which wines did you sample?  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 Mahoning’s Mastropietro and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Mastropietro Winery
14558 Ellsworth Road
Berlin Center, OH 44401
Telephone:  330-547-2151

St. Joseph’s Pinot Vista Vineyard in Madison, Ohio

When I arrived at St. Joseph Vineyards, I was aware of the winery’s reputation for making some of the best wines in Ohio.

Founded in 1987, Doreen and her husband Art Pietrzyk, moved from Cleveland to Ohio’s Grand River Valley after perfecting their wine-making skills over several years since 1972.  Art was an engineer, so of course he was curious to learn how wine was made, so he began his own operation making wine from grapes and concentrate.

Art and Doreen’s curiosity for making wine led them to work with such winemakers as Bill Worthy in the Grand River Valley, Doug Mooreshead at Presque Isle Winery and favorite local, Arnie Esterer of nearby Markko Vineyard.   They also reached out to Ohio State University’s agriculture division, traveled the world to sample lots of wine and eventually purchased land to start growing their own grapes.

The drive to reach the vineyards was absolutely stunning with twists, turns, valleys and hills.  The gravel road eventually reaches the winery which was built in 1999. Approaching upstairs, the smell of cedar escapes the tasting room where the winery’s medals and wines are displayed while the basement houses the winemaking operations.

Standing behind the counter was Doreen, pouring her award-winning varietals from their local vitis vinifera grapes.

According to Doreen, there are seven acres of grapes, mostly red from Ohio’s Grand River Valley with an additional six acres of white grapes in Conneaut’s Lake Erie Appellation. They types of grapes they have planted include Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Vidal Blanc.

I couldn’t resist a glass of the Saperavi, a popular grape from the country of Georgia. The name means “dye”, which relates to the deep, red color of the wine, almost black in color. With a full body and dynamic texture, this wine is my favorite at St. Joseph Vineyard.  Considered a bit jammy, the taste of the wine changes after the second day.  Smelling of berries, it also tastes fruit-forward and would be perfectly paired with steak.

The wine label is a replica of the beautiful stained glass window on the property.  Perfectly recreated, it resembles the elegance and artistic nature of the winemakers and their process.

White Wines

  • Pinot Gris:  A dry wine with orange, citrus and honeysuckle fruit flavors
  • Chardonnay:  A dry, complex and intense wine made “sur-lie style” with apple and buttery flavors
  • Sauvignon Blanc: A fruity wine rich in tropical, pineapple floral and herbal character
  • Riesling:  A semi-dry fruity wine intense with apple, citrus and melon flavors
  • Vidal Blanc: A semi-dry Germanic style wine enlivened with pear, peach and apricot fruit flavors
  • Ice Wine:  This special sweet dessert wine is made from grapes that are picked and pressed while still frozen to extract a highly concentrated juice.

Red Wines

  • Pinot Noir: A bright red with luscious bing cherry and strawberry flavors, coupled with hints of violet.
  • Reserve Pinot Noir:  A big intense red with black cherry and plum flavors along with clove spice and cedar tones with a perfume bouquet with hints of roses.
  • St.  Joseph Noir: A proprietary red blend which includes varieties such as Pinot, Cabernet, Petit Shiraz, Merlot, Shiraz and Sangiovese.
  • Merlot: A dark red wine teeming with raspberry, currant and plum aromas.
  • Shiraz: The Shiraz is Rhone-style red with blueberry, clove and peppery flavors.
  • Cabernet / Cabernet Franc: Big Red Cabernet with berry, plum and vanilla notes.

St. Joseph’s Vineyard’s philosophy comes from a Bible verse from the book of Matthew.  “Wherefore ye shall know them by their fruits. The good vine bears good wine.”  (Matthew 7:16).

The Pietrzyks have lived up to their philosophy, creating award winning wines for years and I am ready to grab a couple bottles of Saperavi and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Have you visited St. Joseph Vineyards?  What was your favorite wine?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to St. Joseph Vineyards and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

St, Joseph Vineyards
6060 Madison Road
7800 Warner Road (tasting room)
Thompson, Ohio  44086
Telephone:  440 298 3709

Main Room is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11AM to 6PM during the spring and fall and open Friday and Saturday from noon to 7PM, all year.

Where to Stay:

The Lodge at Geneva on the Lake
4888 N. Broadway
Geneva on the Lake, Ohio  44041
Telephone:  866 806 8066

Where to Eat:

I recommend having snacks at Hundley Cellars because they are fabulous and unique!  Here are a couple of suggestions close by if you would prefer a full menu option:

Chops Grille & Tap House
1752 State Route 534 South
Geneva, Ohio  44041
Telephone:  440 466 7427

Crosswinds Grille
5653 Lake Road East
Geneva, Ohio  44041
Telephone:  440 466 8668 x4

My favorite menu item is the charcuterie board.   Crosswinds is known for its farm to table offerings where everything tastes so fresh.

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

Featured Ohio Winery: Hanover Winery

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

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!

Award Winning Wines at Henke Winery and Restaurant, Cincinnati

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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.