Parking near the large pole barn, I noticed the dark clouds and picked up my umbrella as I exited the car. I was happy to sample a few local wines at Old Mason Winery in nearby Miami County which had opened its doors in 2013. I entered into a beautifully transformed pole barn, decorated with light colored brick and granite counter tops.
Several tables with chairs were open in the tasting room, so I took a seat near the beautiful fireplace. Reviewing the menu, Donna stopped by to provide me with a tasting sheet and explained that I could select five wines in either 1 or 2 ounce pours. There were so many options available that included:
- Frontenac, a dry red wine with cherry over tones and characteristics of black currant, plums, leather and vanilla, aged on American Oak.
- Marquette, a complex ruby colored wine with notes of cherry, berry, black pepper and spice
- HyBlend is a blend of Frontenac and Marquette grapes. Fermented dry and then aged on American and French Oak, this smoky smooth wine satisfies.
- Chambourcin – smooth, French oak, smokehouse and earthy
- Sunlight – This white wine is made from local Cayuga grapes and is fermented dry. With a slight citrus aroma, it has a crisp citrus taste.
- Vidal Blanc – a hybrid white grape fermented dry provides a crisp and clean fruit flavor and texture
- Traminette – a semi-dry white wine with a floral scent and fruit aromas. The flavor is rich with hints of pear and honey.
- La Crescent – a sweet wine made with 100% Estate grown grapes.
- Nature’s Ink – smelling like a fruity Flintstones vitamin, you can tell the sweetness compares to the other Noiret grapes. With a berry taste / green and black pepper, raspberry and mint, this wine is dry and has tannin structure
- White Blossom – This white wine is made of three varietals that give it notes of melon with a slight citrus flavor on the finish
- Dark Rose- a berry flavored wine best served chilled
- Niagara – typical of Niagara with its off-putting smell, it has an average taste
- Statesman – my favorite from the list, this is typical Ohio wine with a cherry finish
- Razz – made from raspberries
- Apple Blend – made from apples
- Cool Mango – made from apple and mango
In addition to the Statesman, I also enjoyed the Razz, Cool Mango and LaCrescent and don’t forget their slushies.
As I left Old Mason Winery and Vineyard, the rain had let up and I noticed the picnic area. I would love to return when the weather is clear. Surrounded by open fields and lush green grass, the rural setting would be perfect for a picnic.
Have you visited Old Mason Winery & Vineyard in West Milton, Ohio? Which wines did you drink? 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 Old Mason Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels.
Ohio Mason Winery & Vineyard Inc.
4199 South Iddings Road, West Milton, OH 45383
Telephone: 937 698 1122
- Hours of Operation: Monday – Thursday from 12 – 6; Friday and Saturday from noon to 9 and closed on Sunday
- 10% discount on a case of wine
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.
