Tag Archives: vineyards

Featured Ohio Winery: Markko Vineyard

Conneaut is about as far northeast as one could possibly drive in the state of Ohio.  It is also home to one of the oldest wineries, so I set out to spend a weekend in Ashtabula and Lake County to visit as many wineries as possible.

As I approached Markko Vineyard, and after driving around in circles for a half an hour, I finally called for directions.  I began to see acres of vineyards surrounding me and felt comfortable that I would arrive at any moment.  As I drove up the gravel driveway, I felt as though I was entering a secret society, tucked away in the Sherwood Forest, hidden by tall oaks and maples, welcomed by stone pillars.

I began my tasting with the 2013 Reserve Chardonnay.  Described as “typical Linda elegance, fruit finesse”, a bottle sells for $36 per bottle.  I noted that this wine was a little acidic, but smooth.   The 2012 Reserve Chardonnay was a bit smoother and I preferred it over the 2013.

My final tastings included the Pinot Noir 2012 Reserve which is “fruity with a hint of currant with a crisp, nice finish.”  I enjoyed the body of this wine as it did not feel weighty but light.  I continued with the Pinot Noir wines, a 2013 Reserve, “light red, fruity, medium body balanced”.  I enjoyed the earthy, fruity finish of this wine which sells for $30 a bottle.   

There were several wines available to include Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, Cabernet Sauvignons, a Johannisburg Riesling, non-vintage wines and a dry Champagne.

Excelsior is a 1993 Champagne Brut made from “Riesling sekt for majestic celebrations in both red and white.”

The 1999 Late Harvest Select Reserve Chardonnay sounded lovely, “rich floral honey, unctuous “like Ice Wine”, selling for $75 per bottle.

More recent vintages of Markko’s Chardonnay begin in 2009 described as having a refreshing finish, smoky pears, while the 2010 provided spice, citrus and a bright finish.  They were selling their 2012 Select Reserve Chardonnay for $36 a bottle described as “pear, melon, light opulence, complex finish that will grow with age.

Markko Vineyard also produced several Cabernet Sauvignon selections starting with its 2012 Reserve with cherry berries and restrained long elegance and their 2012 Select Reserve with dark fruits and a delicate complexity.  These wines are priced at $33, $36 and $39 per bottle respectively.  The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon reserve was described as “dark berries, garden glory lingers”.

The 2009 Johannesburg Riesling was described as light fruit, dry, hint of pine, selling for $27 per bottle.

In addition to the two Pinot Noirs I had sampled, the vineyard also sold a 2009 Majestic Reserve for $27 per bottle with “currant flavors, spices, sandlewood and almond, finesse suspended.”

Producing a line of non-vintage wine under the name “Covered Bridge”, the estate provides an $18 Riesling, a Chardonnay for $21, the Picnic White for $18 and a $12 wine named Picnic Red.

Arnie Esterer planted his vineyard in 1968 making Markko one of the oldest wineries in the state of Ohio.  The wines on this estate are some of the best I have ever sampled.  Arnie takes pride in the science of making wine and works each year in perfecting his craft.

To compliment your wine tasting or to order with a bottle to enjoy on their patio, Markko Vineyard also provides cheeses from Mayfield Road Creamery and their own Gouda and Camembert.

Directions:

  • Off of Interstate 90, take exit 235 (route 193) north ½ mile to the first stop light, Main Street. Turn right (east) on Main Street for approximately 3 miles;  You will be close when the road turns to gravel.  Take first driveway on left (north side) back into the woods.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Markko 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 wonderful experience at Markko Vineyard and wishing you many Happy Travels!  Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Markko Vineyard
4500 S Ridge Road W
Conneaut, OH  44030
Telephone:  440 593 3197

Because the winery hours of operation are seasonal, please reference the winery’s website prior to visiting the winery.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express Ashtabula – Geneva
1831 Austinburg Road
Austinburg, OH   44010
Telephone:  440 275 2020

Where to Eat:

Biscotti’s Restaurant
186 Park Avenue
Conneaut, OH  44030
Telephone: 440 593 6766

Serving  Italian cuisine, I ordered the Medallions Gorgonzola Alfredo to try their homemade Alfredo sauce, so rich and delicious.

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

Featured Ohio Winery: Terra Cotta Vineyards

Passing cattle farms along the hilly landscape of Muskingum County, I approached Terra Cotta Vineyards in New Concord, Ohio.  The long gravel drive boasted beautiful full grapevines that would soon be ready for harvest.  It was an early Saturday afternoon, the calm before the storm as a large crowd was expected for the winery’s popular weekend cook outs with a selection of strip steak, marinated pork or salmon cooked over the grill.

The winery, owned by Donna and Paul Roberts, was first established in 1996 sitting in the midst of fifty-six acres.  With an environment similar to the European wine regions, the Roberts family found the perfect terrior to grow quality grapes that can sustain the cold Ohio winters.

Entering the rustic winery, the light woods of poplar accented by the terra cotta walls were overshadowed by the gorgeous open, cathedral ceiling.  The tasting table was to my left where I decided to try a few samples which included the Chambourcin,  Steuben, Baco Noir, Catawba and the Terra Rosa.

I ordered a glass of the Terra Rosa and took a seat on the back porch to admire the dramatic valley views and rolling hills.   I learned that beneath the beautiful green landscape was red clay soil and the region is known for its beautiful clay ceramics.  In addition to their daughter, Alysia’s pottery, it was how the Roberts’ family came up with the name of the winery, Terra Cotta Vineyards.

So while I am enjoying the panoramic view and the delicious wine, I think about the upcoming harvest.  While so many factors have an impact on the quality of the wine, all of the preparation and maintenance over the spring and summer will be important.  But in the end, everything is about the harvest.

I would be interested in hearing about your visit to Terra Cotta Vineyards, if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Do you have a favorite wine or another Ohio wine suggestions?  I would be happy to learn more about the Ohio wine industry and look forward to your message and recommendations.  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Terra Cotta Vineyards
2285 Rix Mills Road
New Concord, OH 43702
Telephone:  740 872 3791

Please refer to the winery’s website for the most up-to-date information such as hours of operation.

Where to Stay:

Hotel Garland
150 Garland Way
New Concord, OH  43762
Telephone: 855 462 9255

Where to Eat:

Theo’s Restaurant
632 Wheeling Avenue
Cambridge, OH  43725
Telephone:  740 432 3787

Looking for authentic home cooking, we stopped at Theo’s Restaurant for lunch and ordered burgers and fries.  The service was excellent and so was the food!

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!”

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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.

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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.

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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

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Hundley Cellars, A Cozy Winery in Ohio’s Grand River Valley

An adorable cottage sits in the midst of northeast Ohio’s wine country.  With brown shingle siding, a stone fireplace, vaulted ceiling and hunter green roofing, it looks more like a hunting lodge than a Great River Valley winery .  From the moment I arrived, I felt as though I was sitting in the midst of a best friend’s great room.  The gorgeous light wood interior, accented with dark furniture was classic and extremely cozy.

I selected a table looking out towards the deck where it was still quite cold to be seated outside.  I placed my order at the tasting bar for a flight of wines and a small plate from the simple snacks menu which included cheese, crackers and meat for an additional charge.

My wines arrived and shortly thereafter the Cheese Board which had some amazing samples of Cotswold (Gloucester with Chives, England) cheese, Red Dragon (with Whole Grain Mustard, Wales) cheese, Five Counties/Stripey Jack (England) Vintage Cheddar (Canada), pickles and artisan crackers.  The meat selection was the perfect size that paired well with the wines I had selected.

Starting out with the Chardonnay, I noted the beautiful blonde color of the wine and simple body.  Lightly oaked, this perfect buttery Chardonnay would pair quite nicely with a lovely Camembert.  I knew that my sister will enjoy this wine over the holidays and added this to my list of wines I wanted to purchase.

The Estate Traminette was the color of sunshine and I could taste the minerals in this wine for certain.  It was a perfect pairing with the crackers that were placed on my board as the third set from the left.

Interestingly, the Niagara had what appeared to be bubbles and I enjoyed this wine with the selection of meat.  It was a semi-sweet wine that had a mild bite to its finish.

The Estate Seyval are grown on the property and are hand picked during harvest.  With a color of light straw, this wine had a medium body and a short finish and I imagined it would be perfect with grilled salmon or a tuna steak.

The Late Harvest Vidal was another estate wine which had a hint of light green to its light yellow undertones.  It had an intense honey taste with a strong apricot smell.  The taste was fruity with a smooth texture and I knew this would pair well with my spicy Asian dishes.

The Merlot had a nice dryness and full body.  A beautiful beet color, this purplish red wine was perfect with the meat and cheese and ended with a short tart finish.

My final sample was the Harvest Red.  Solid red in  color it had it had a very strong grape smell which reminded me of jam. A very sweet grape juice taste which I find to be typical of Ohio wines and always a delicious choice.

Hundley Cellars opened its doors in 2014 and offers an amazing selection of wines.  Sitting on 35 acres in Ashtabula County, the property includes a beautiful outdoor deck to enjoy the pond and surrounding vineyards.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Hundley Cellars?  I would love to hear about your visit and learn which wines you enjoyed most if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Hundley Cellars and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Hundley Cellars
6451 St. Route 307
Geneva, Ohio  44041
Telephone:  440 361 3088

  • Hours: The winery is open from 12 PM to 7 PM on Wednesday and Thursday, 12 PM to 9 PM on Friday and  Saturday and from 12 PM to 6 PM on Sunday. The winery is closed on Monday and Tuesday.  Hours are seasonal and are subject to change. Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation.
  • Amenities:  Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, outdoor seating, wine, private 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 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.

Caesar’s Creek Vineyards in Xenia

Rows of young vines bordered the gravel drive leading to the pole barn of Caesar’s Creek Vineyards.  I left a cloud of dust behind me, wondering if the winery was open on this Friday afternoon, because it seemed unusually quiet, or maybe I was just early.  Approaching the large double doors into the entrance, I stepped into a beautiful large tasting room that I had all to myself.  Trisha kindly offered me a list of wines and  I was so excited to sample a few wines, beginning with the Traminette 2013.

The Traminette is a semi-dry white wine “with orange blossom aromas. Notes of citrus on the palette.” I love the smell of this wine while the texture and taste was crisp yet smooth.  I enjoyed the light flavor of the wine and decided that this was one of my favorite wines from Caesar’s Creek Vineyards. To purchase a bottle, the cost was $15.95 and $6 a glass.

I decided to branch out with a sample of Creek Stomper.  My preferences are the drier reds and fruity wines, but I am surprised by how much I am enjoying the whites.  This 2013 wine is a semi-sweet white wine with apples and honeydew on the nose and palette.  I can definitely taste the apple but I am really stretching to savor the honeydew flavors but regardless, I definitely enjoy the smooth body of the wine.  They say you have to keep drinking wines to improve your wine tasting abilities, so that won’t be a problem.

My next sample was Just Peachy which is described as a sweet white wine with “delicious peach nose and palette.”  As soon as Trisha uncorked the bottle, my nose took in the beautiful fruity bouquet of peach and my mouth began to water.  This is such an easy wine to love.

Headwaters White is another 2013 vintage that is “very sweet with notes of honey and tangerine”.  I enjoyed the wine, but struggled to taste the fruit so I moved on to Miss Petunia Pie.

Of course, who doesn’t love the picture of a little Shih Tzu frolicking around in the grass as the label on the bottle?  Similar to a dessert wine, this is made from Frontenac Gris Grapes and California Chardonnay.  It has a thick texture and comes in a half sized bottle for $12.95.  I set aside a bottle of Miss Petunia to take home to enjoy at a later date.

My final tasting was the 2013 Twilight which is a semisweet with bright notes of cherry, undertones of citrus and a clean finish.  I learned that this is made from the Cayuga white grape which is a hybrid of Schuyler and the Seyval Blanc.  I enjoyed the fruity taste and gorgeous color, so I purchased another wine to take home.

I explained to Trisha that I was new to learning about wines.  She said that tasting and trying new wines were the perfect way to become more acquainted with wines.  She also suggested a couple of references that she thought would be helpful.  In addition, she mentioned that I contact Chip Emmerich from Burnet Ridge to set up an appointment for a tour.  She stated that he is very knowledgeable about wine and would give some great advice and encouraged me to try their Purple Trillium.

I was so thankful for the opportunity to learn more about Caesar’s Creek wines.  When I asked Trisha about the vines, she said that they planted their first vines in 2005 where they grow nine varieties of hybrid grapes on seven acres.  With the recent winter vortex, some of the grapes would take longer to produce grapes. I left Caesar’s Creek Vineyards with three bottles of wine and an abundance of suggestions and tips.  I could totally get used to this.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Caesar’s Creek Vineyards?  Did you have a favorite wine?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my afternoon at Caesar’s Creek Vineyards and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Caesar’s Creek Vineyard
962 Long Road
Xenia, Ohio  45385
Telephone:  937 479 4278

The winery’s hours change seasonally, so please reference the winery’s website for hours of operation.

Where to Stay:

Ramada Xenia
300 Xenia Towne Square
Xenia, Ohio  45385
Telephone:  937 372 9921

Where to Eat:

Acapulco Restaurant
88 Xenia Towne Square
Xenia, Ohio  45385
Telephone:  937 374 0582

The chips and salsa remind me of my days in Southern California, authentic and a little spicy.  I ordered the chicken burrito with rice and beans which was enough to feed me for three days.

What to Eat: 

  • Award-winning wings and steaks at Nick’s Restaurant
  • Tenderloin Sandwich at Linda’s Family Restaurant

What to Read: 

  • Ohio Town:  A Portrait of Xenia, Ohio by Helen Hooven Santmyer
  • Herbs and Apples by Helen Hooven Santmyer

Buccia Vineyard Winery Bed and Breakfast, Conneaut, Ohio

It was harvest time for grapes in Ohio, and with so many vineyards, I planned to spend a weekend exploring some of the more established wineries around Ashtabula County.  Traveling as far northeast as possible, I found the little town of Conneaut, the home to Buccia Vineyard Winery Bed and Breakfast, a vineyard with a charming bed and breakfast.

Joanna and Fred Buccia have been tending to their vineyard since the 1970s and I looked forward to sampling a broad representation of this region’s wines.  Resting under an arbor of grapes above me, Joanna picked a few grapes for me as she sat down at the picnic table eager to tell me more about the history of grape growing around this area.  She reminded me that the weather in May was cold and while July and August were unusually hot, the harvesting of grapes would come early this year.

From dry and full bodied Cabernet Francs to the semi dry Lake Erie blend of Reflections, there seemed to be an endless selection of premium wines and new grapes of which I had never heard.  For example, the Baco grape produces a wonderful red wine that was dry, smooth, with a minimum acidity while the Chambourcin, a French-American hybrid that thrives in the cold temperatures, producing a red wine with a higher acidity and low tannins.

Many of the wines at Buccia Vineyard are made from the grapes that they grow on the property, called estate wines, while the remaining grapes and juice come from Chile, Argentina and California.  My next sample was the Seyval, another French hybrid that is grown mainly to produce white dry wines.

A small group of four unloaded out of an early model station wagon.  Inquiring if they could try a few of the wines, they also asked if they could stay the night at the bed and breakfast.  Joanna excused herself from our conversation and tended to the visitors as I overheard Fred tell them that the winery was for sale.

Enjoying the relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by vines full of grapes, I continue sampling the Vignoles and another new wine for me, the Agawan that has  “fruity start with an herbal finish”.  Rounding out my wine tasting, I poured a small taste of Reflections, a red blend made from the “best of Lake Erie grapes”, then took my last sip of Maiden’s blush, a sweet wine combined with the juices of local blueberries.

Joanna returned after setting up her new guests in one of the four rooms at the bed and breakfast.  She gave me a quick tour of the property and showed me the available rooms with quiet decks, hot tubs and fireplaces.   I listened to the faint sounds of Jimmy Buffett coming over the radio as I gave Joanna my list of remaining sites I planned to visit in Conneaut.  It was a lovely summer day and I had the beautiful shores of Lake Erie to explore.

Have you visited Buccia Vineyard?  Did you have a 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 Buccia Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Buccia Vineyard Winery Bed and Breakfast
518 Gore Road
Conneaut, Ohio   44030
Telephone:  440 593 5976

Where to Stay:

Stay at the Buccia Vineyard Winery Bed and Breakfast or there are several options along the Lake Erie seashore.

Where to Eat:

Biscotti’s Restaurant
186 Park Avenue
Conneaut, OH  44030
Telephone: 440 593 6766

Serving  Italian cuisine, I ordered the Medallions Gorgonzola Alfredo to try their homemade Alfredo sauce, so rich and delicious.

A Visitor’s Guide to Mt. Adams, Cincinnati, OH

Having lived in Cincinnati, I spent many weekends in Mt. Adams, enjoying its old-world charm and fabulous restaurants.  Steep winding roads lead to a hillside neighborhood that towers over the city’s downtown district.   With parks providing spectacular views, Mt. Adams is also a perfect getaway for locals who want to experience a location that seems more like a European village than a suburb of the Queen City.

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I began this trip with a visit to Rookwood Bar and Restaurant which is located at 1077 Celestial Street.  First established in 1892 as the location for the production of world-renowned pottery, a visit to Rookwood is one that will not soon be forgotten.  Eat on the outdoor patio or request to dine inside of the kiln for a unique experience.  I love the views from here and the food is spectacular.

UPDATE:  Rookwood Restaurant now closed!

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Across the street at 1071 Celestial is the upscale restaurant, The Celestial.  This four-star restaurant requires a dress code, but the food is exceptional as well as the views of downtown Cincinnati.  This piece of land was once part of Mt. Adams’ “entertainment district” where an amusement center and beer garden stood until they were destroyed by a fire in 1895.

UPDATE:  The Celestial Restaurant has closed after 50 years.

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I followed Celestial Street until it met Hill Street.  Next to the Mt. Adams steps is a beautiful park.  Quite often I would pass by runners and joggers along this path which opens up to phenomenal views of Kentucky and the Ohio River.  This area was once owned by Nicholas Longworth who planted his vineyards along this hill.  Soon thereafter,  immigrants from Ireland and Germany took residence here.  It was in this part of southwest Ohio that Longworth developed the Catawba grape which would be used to produce “America’s first champagne” known as Golden Wedding.

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One of my favorite places to hang out with friends on the weekends was Mt.  Adams Bar and Grill, located at 938 Hatch Street.  This place has some great history and I love the fact that the backbar came from a speakeasy owned by “The King of Bootlegging”, George Remus.  Remus was a Cincinnati criminal attorney that became famous for defending murderers, but was most known for making and distributing alcohol during the Prohibition.  It is said that he was the inspiration for the famous character of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book, The Great Gatsby.

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A small entrance leads to The Blind Lemon next door to Mt. Adams Bar and Grill and could easily be missed.  Another hidden gem with lots of history, this amazing bar is the perfect place to enjoy the summertime garden patio or wintertime bonfires.

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Most bars and restaurants on Mt. Adams are within walking distance, so finding a great streetside parking spot is essential.  Since spaces fill up quickly, there is also the three-level parking garage on St. Gregory.

It was not unusual for us to start our night at Mt. Adams Bar and Grill for dinner, stop at The Blind Lemon for a couple of drinks and end the night at Yesterday’s Old Time Saloon where the drinks were strong and the prices were cheap.

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A short walk from the Holy Cross Church is The Monastery that was once the location of the Cincinnati Observatory.  Dedicated by President John Quincy Adams in 1843, the telescope was considered  the most powerful scope of its time.  Today the Monastery houses the property management firm of Towne Properties, while the Observatory has long been moved to the Mount Lookout neighborhood.

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From the Monastery, I traveled down Pavilion to the next corner where I stopped for a Cafe Mocha at The Bow Tie Café.  I took a seat at the Piazza where I took some time to enjoy the view, catch up on some of my notes and look over a few of my photos.

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I sat under the shade of the monk statue who stood with grapes in his right hand and a cup of wine in his left.  What a perfect representation of historical Mt. Adams when it was once a successful vineyard.

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I continued my walk heading east on Pavilion where I reached Guido Street.  Making a right, the street dead ends into The Holy Cross Immaculata Church.  Built in 1859 for mid-19th century German immigrants,  Mass continues to this day with one service on Saturday and two on Sundays.

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Since the 1860’s, the Mount Adams steps leading up to the Holy Cross Immaculata have a great significance to Christians during the Good Friday holiday.  The tradition is similar to the Santa Scala in Rome where believers start at the bottom and recite the rosary while advancing up each of the 85 stairs until reaching the top.   Beginning at midnight on Holy Thursday until midnight on Good Friday, the ritual begins at the “Good-Friday Arch” on Adams Crossing, across  Columbia Parkway.

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Backtracking towards St. Gregory on Pavilion, I passed another popular spot on Mt. Adams, known as Crowley’s.  Located at 958 Pavilion, Crowley’s is Mt. Adams’ oldest Irish Pub.  Irish immigrants made Crowley’s their meeting place when it first opened and it has remained in the Crowley family for decades.

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Mount Adam’s Pavilion has been a favorite bar on Mt. Adam’s for as long as I can remember.  With a packed schedule of live entertainment, this location is also perfect for enjoying fabulous views of the river.

Along  St. Gregory’s are several bars and restaurants to include:

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Quincy’s, located at 111 St Gregory, Mt. Adams

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Longworth’s at 1108 St. Gregory Street, Mount Adams

UPDATE:  Longworth’s is now permanently closed.

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Monk’s Cove, at 1104 St. Gregory, Mt. Adams

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Tavern on the Hill, found at 1111 St. Gregory, Mt. Adams

Mt. Adams remains  an artistic community and location for some of the best museums in Cincinnati.  I have visited both the Cincinnati Art Museum and Krohn Conservatory.  The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park is a two-time Tony Award winning theater which sponsors a wide variety of productions.  For a period of meditation, visit Eden Park with its gardens, fountains and spectacular scenic views of the Ohio River, downtown Cincinnati and Kentucky.

I imagine Mt. Adams as it would have been when the German and Irish immigrants first lived here or when it was a community of artists, who enjoyed the quiet solitude away from the city.

I love this neighborhood’s strong history and its European charm where one can easily walk from one side of town to the next.  So many things have changed over the years but one thing remains constant.  Mount Adams is one of my favorite places to visit in Cincinnati.

Have you spent time in Mt. Adams or have a favorite Cincinnati neighborhood that I should visit?  I would love to hear your recommendations if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for visiting Mt. Adams with me through my blog post and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

The Monastery
1055 Saint Paul Place
Cincinnati, OH  45202

The Holy Cross Immaculata Church
30 Guido Street
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone: 513 721 6544r

Where to Eat: 

Mt. Adams Bar & Grill
938 Hatch Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone:  513 621 3666

The Bow Tie Cafe
1101 St. Gregory  Street
Cincinnati, OH   45202
Telephone:  513 621 2233

Where to Drink: 

The Blind Lemon
936 Hatch Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone:  513 241 3885

Yesterday’s Old Time Saloon – permanently closed
930 Hatch Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone:  513 421 9998

Crowley’s Bar
958 Pavillion
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 721 7709

Mount Adams Pavilion – permanently closed
949 Pavilion Street
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone: 513 744 9200

Quincy’s – permanently closed
1101 St. Gregory Street
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone: 513 381 3132

Monk’s Cove
1104 St. Gregory
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone: 513 703 7600

Tavern on the Hill – permanently closed
1111 St. Gregory St, #1
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 421 3309

Where to Stay: 

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Midtown
610 Eden Park Drive
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 381 8300

Mt. Adams is located on the east side of Cincinnati and can be accessed by taking Columbia Parkway.  For more information about this  fabulous hillside location, pick up a Mt. Adams map by the parking garage or visit their website at www.mtadamstonight.com.

 

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View from the Celestial Parking Lot

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Another View of Downtown Cincinnati from the Celestial Parking Lot

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Mt Adams Steps

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View from the park next to Mt. Adams Steps

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The Monastery

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A View of the Monastery from Guido Street

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Mt. Adams Steps

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View of Cincinnati from the Mt. Adams Steps at the Holy Cross Immaculata Church

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Reaching the top step of the Holy Cross Immaculata Church, Mt. Adams

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View of Downtown Cincinnati from Ida Street on Mt. Adams

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

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

UPDATE:  Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant is permanently closed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have you visited Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant?  Did you order dinner and try their fabulous wines?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Moyer Vineyard and wishing you many Happy Travels.  Cheers!

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat: 

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

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

Photo Guide for Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant: 

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

Sonoma’s Sebastiani, Continuing to Make Wine History

During a conference in San Francisco, my boss Joe wanted to thank a few of our clients for working with us over the years, renting a limousine to tour California’s wine country.

One of the wineries on our list was Sebastiani, located in the heart of Sonoma.  This historic winery has been providing some of the best wines in the region for over a century.  Opening in 1904, Samuele Sebastiani, an immigrant from the Tuscany region of Italy wanted to provide wines to San Francisco restaurants and his friends and family.

The only Sonoma winery to survive prohibition (they provided wine to the local churches), the winery was passed down from one generation to the next (August, Sam) and has grown to become one of the most recognized wineries in all of Sonoma.  We were so excited to visit the winery’s tasting room and explore the winery with an informational tour.

Today, Sebastiani is focused on developing its exceptional estate wines from vineyards with optimal terroir for wine production.  Daily wine tastings are offered for groups of six and less without a reservation from 10AM to 4:30PM.  The 30 minute tasting costs $20 per person and wines by the glass are offered as well ranging from $7 – $10.  In addition, the winery offers a wide range of educational tasting opportunities to include wine and food pairings in addition to locally crafted foods, cheeses and chocolates, the winemaking process, and the history of winemaking.

Have you had the opportunity to visit one of Sonoma’s oldest wineries?  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 brief visit to Sebastiani and wishing you many Happy Travels!  Cheers!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery
389 4th Street East
Sonoma, CA  95476
Telephone:  707 933 3200

  • Amenities:  a hospitality center, barrel room with antique redwood tanks, grand event space and daily tours and tastings; culinary and wine tastings;

Where to Stay:

Silverado Resort and Spa
1600 Atlas Peak Road
Napa Valley, CA   94558
Telephone:  707 257 0200

Where to Eat:

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

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

What to Eat in Sonoma: 

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

What to Read: 

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

Photo Guide for Sonoma: 

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