Tag Archives: wine tasting

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: Wyandotte Winery

A small vineyard and a beautifully groomed entrance greeted me as I arrived at Wyandotte Winery. Established in 1977, Wyandotte stakes its claim as the first and oldest winery of Central Ohio.

Entering the front door, I was met by a pleasant server at the wine tasting bar.  As I reviewed the wine list and the small plate items, I placed my order for the Meat and Ohio Cheese plate as well as seven wine samples, which were $1 per pour.  For visitors who buy six bottles of wine, ten free samples are included, while a 10% discount is provided for the purchase of wine by the case.

  • Carmenere Malbec Blend: lovely combination, not as dry as a Malbec, Pinot Noir or Merlot but had a hint of tartness; beautiful deep red color described with aromas of smoke and vanilla, cherry highlights, and a mild black pepper finish. $14.99  per bottle
  • Vin De Cacao – semi sweet red wine infused with cocoa; delicious and great for an after dinner drink; soft thick texture with a hint of chocolate described as off dry. $13.99 per bottle
  • Apple Hill – using apples from an orchard in Mansfield, this wine was crisp with a nice apple taste which was not too overpowering and had a hint of spice.  $13.99 per bottle
  • Grandstand – an Ohio Catawba; sweet white, all about the grape. $13.99 per bottle
  • Sweet William – Sweet American Table Wine mad of Ohio Foch and Niagara, a red/white blend.  A local favorite, this wine is sweet and fruity.  $14.99 per bottle
  • Hope is100% pomegranates making it sweet and tart.  Proceeds from this wine benefit cancer and you can purchase it by the glass for $8 or $14.99 per bottle.
  • Vintage Harbor Reserve Port – luxuriously rich fortified dessert wine available by the glass for $8 or by the bottle for $29.99.

Ask about their Heirloom Chardonnay, the Ice House (Ice wine from Gewurtraminer), Glass House from Vidal Blanc, wine slushies and sangria pitchers.

I enjoyed learning about the history of Wyandotte Winery, first established as Jones Wyandotte Wine Cellar.  The home-style winery was designed and built by Floyd Jones, which included a cellar where the wine was produced, and on the first floor, the tasting room, gift shop and living quarters of Mr. Jones and his family.  Floyd offered a variety of grape-based wines, while creating specialized wines from rhubarb, beets and dandelions.

In less than 10 years, the Jones family turned the winery into a prosperous business and sold it to Bill and Jane Butler in 1985.  Bill successfully continued the wine-making tradition and won many awards for his wine and became well-known for his Raspberry Champagne.  Expanding its operations to include the William Graystone Winery and Restaurant, the Butlers opened a second location in German Village in 1990 hosting elegant dinners and special events.

By 2004, Wyandotte Wine Cellar was up for sale and today’s owners, Robin and Valerie Coolidge re-opened Wyandotte Winery in 2007.

From harvesting and bottling, to fermentation and aging, all stages of wine production are conducted onsite.

Harvesting the estate Marquette grapes as well as collaborating with other fruit and grape growers, Robin incorporates Ohio produce as much as possible in creating his wines.  Some of the best local varietals include the Niagara, Catawba and Concord grapes while Riesling, Gerwurztraminer and Pinot Noir also thrive in the Ohio climate.  French-American hybrids that survive well in the cold temperatures include Baco Noir, Chambourcin, Seyval Blanc and Traminette.

Check out Wyandotte Winery’s wine making operation by signing up for a free wine cellar tour on Saturdays.

Wyandotte Winery offers several events throughout the year which are not only educational, but fun.  Valerie Coolidge is the wine and food pairing expert at Wyandotte and teaches guests how to pair food with wine for a more enjoyable experience.  There is plenty of space to host an event, celebrate a birthday or enjoy a special occasion.  With Wednesday Happy Hour and Friday night music, guests should check Wyandotte Winery’s website for fun events year around.

Valerie is also the genius behind the “Famous Wyandotte Wine Cakes” which are prepared with both wine in the batter as well as in the glaze.  The wine cakes are available both at the winery or by ordering them online.  Samples are available upon request at the winery.

Relax in the outdoor space at Wyandotte Winery and you may find yourself in the hammock.  Buy a bottle or enjoy a glass for $6 (a glass of Port for $8). Wine slushies in cherry, berry or kiwi as well as Sangria are also on the menu.  From the words of winemaker, Robin Coolidge, “Drink what you like!”

Have you had the opportunity to visit Wyandotte Winery  to sample some of their amazing 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 fabulous time at Wyandotte Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!  Cheers!

What to See and What to Do: 

Wyandotte Winery
4640 Wyandotte Drive
Columbus, OH  43230
Telephone:  614 476 3624; 877 906 7464

Hours of Operation:
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and Saturday from 1 – 7; Friday from 1 – 9

Wyandotte Winery also owns Rockside Winery in Lancaster under the management of their son Ryan, opened in November of 2014.

Where to Stay:

Hilton Columbus at Easton
3900 Chagrin Drive
Columbus, OH  43219
Telephone:  614 414 5000

Where to Eat:

Cap City Fine Diner and Bistro
1301 Stoneridge Drive
Gahanna, OH  43230
Telephone:  614 478 9999

I was in the mood for real diner food, so I ordered the Warm Pretzel with (beer) Cheese to start and the Diner Meatloaf Sandwich as my entree.

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

  • Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream:  Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
  • North Market:  A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
  • The Thurman Cafe:  The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village.  There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.
  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant:  While the sausage at Schmidt’s is the official food of Columbus, it’s the amazing Cream Puffs that have the locals lining up at the door.

What to Read: 

  • Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
  • Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
  • Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
  • Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper

Photo Guide for Columbus: 

  • Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
  • Columbus Museum of Art:  the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
  • Everal Barn and Homestead:  landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
  • Frank Fetch Park:  gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
  • Franklin Park Conservatory:  beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
  • Gantz Park:  barn, beautiful trees,
  • German Village:  brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
  • Grove City:  brick roads, small town, shopping area
  • Hayden Falls:  wooden walking path, waterfall
  • Historical Village of Hilliard:  a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
  • Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
  • Inniswood Metro Gardens:  gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
  • Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
  • Ohio State University:  campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
  • Park of Roses in Clintonville:  various types of rose gardens
  • Riverfront Park:  city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
  • Schiller Park:  gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
  • Scioto Mile:  city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
  • Scioto Park in Dublin:  statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
  • Short North:  restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
  • Topiary Park:  depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo

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!

Gervasi Vineyard, Canton, Ohio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

Books to Read:

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

Photo Guide to Akron/Canton: 

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

Beautiful Rural Winery in Ohio: Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard & Winery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

Featured Ohio Winery: Stoney Ridge Winery in Bryan

As I travel down the long graveled drive, coming into view is Stoney Ridge Winery appearing more like a schoolhouse or the church of a small congregation.  The pristine white-sided structure with its red brick addition provides plenty of space for wine tastings, events and an afternoon out with friends.  Located in the rural town of Bryan, Ohio, Stoney Ridge is a sprawling estate with over thirteen acres of vineyards to produce their award winning estate wines.

The winery was first opened by Philip and Pamela Stotz who began planting the vineyard in 1997.  Among the varietals grown here are hearty, French-hybrid grapes that can survive the cold such as the Frontenac, Marechal Foch, Vidal and Vignoles.  While all of their wines are produced here, they purchase a variety of grapes from Lake Michigan to Lake Erie to include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Riesling.  The winery provides samples of not only their wines, but handcrafted hard ciders as well.

Entering the Stoney Ridge Winery, my eyes are immediately directed to the beautiful woodwork interior and stunning stone fireplace.  A viewing tower and upstairs loft provides spectacular views of the outdoor landscape.  In front of me is the long, light colored granite bar with plenty of space for a large number of wine tastings.  The winery will be hosting an event for the Humane Society and I have arrived an hour before the occasion begins.

While sampling a few wines, I learned that the Stotz family property offered a local farmer’s market where they first began selling produce from their forty acres.  As their endeavor grew, they planted their first acres of vines in the late 1990s.  Visitors can tour the vineyard on a harvest wagon, enjoy samples of their wine and shop in the gift store for a wide variety of foods, gift baskets and crafts.

Stoney Ridge Winery has a great following with about eighty percent of their business local.   Their best-selling wines include Sweet Barn Dance Red, Sunset Cruise, Stormy Nights and their semi-dry Riesling.  I ordered a bottle of Barn Dance Blush and took a seat at one of the picnic tables by the pond admiring the well-manicured trellis vines in the distance.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Stoney Ridge Winery in Bryan, Ohio?  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 winery experience and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Stoney Ridge Winery
07144 County Road 16
Bryan, OH  43506
Telephone:   419 636 3500

Where to Stay:

Colonial Manor Motel
924 E. High Street
Bryan, OH  43506
Telephone;  419 636 3123

Boutique in the heart of downtown Bryan, this motel also includes a complimentary breakfast.

Where to Eat:

Stoney Ridge Winery
07144 County Road 16
Bryan, OH  43506
Telephone:   419 636 3500

Stoney Ridge Winery offers a great selection of flatbread pizzas and appetizers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winery Contact Information:

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

Old Mill Winery, Geneva, Ohio

It was a gorgeous day for wine tasting in Ashtabula County.  After visiting Markko Vineyard and Hundley Cellars, I made a quick stop at Old Mill Winery in Geneva.

Settled in a historic mill dating back to the 1860’s Old Mill Winery is a great stop for sampling Ohio wines.  The grist mill supplied flour to local residents and feed grain to farmers for over 100 years.  Eventually, the mill would close down and would be left abandoned.  Years later, the mill was converted into a winery in the 1980s.

Keeping the original structure, visitors today can take a quick trip back into history to explore the mill equipment.  Full of character and history, Dave and Eileen purchased the winery in 2005 intent on keeping its charm.

The Old Mill Winery is a great place for locals and visitors and the perfect place to meet for amazing wines, delicious foods and making memories. With local entertainment, a grill for serving up hamburgers and plenty of seating, making memories at Old Mill Winery is sure to happen,

Have you visited Old Mill Winery in Geneva, Ohio?  What did you order and how was your experience.  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 visit to Old Mill Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels.  Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Old Mill Winery
403 S Broadway
Geneva, OH  44041
Telephone:  440 466 5560

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:

Old Mill Winery
403 S Broadway
Geneva, OH  44041
Telephone:  440 466 5560

Serving  great appetizers to pair with wine, steamed mussels, bacon bleu salad, pulled pork, several pizza options, sirloins, burgers and pasta.

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

The Vault Wine Bar: Eclectic Menu and Extensive Wine List

Running in from the rain, I entered The Vault Wine Bar and was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful interior that was formerly a bank.  Located in the historic town of Shelby, this gorgeous wine establishment offers a wide range of wines, including those from Ohio, and an awesome menu.

The beautiful white marble with veins of black stopped halfway up the wall.  Subdued colored hues of paint colored the drywall reaching up to the white-painted tin ceiling.  A large bar ran halfway through the room leaving just enough space for a walkway and additional tables for seating to the right.

Away from the entrance at the far end of the bar, stood the beautiful blue vault that once stored thousands of dollars.  Today it is the perfect place for storing wines.

Having looked over the wine menu, I thought I would order wine from Firelands, a well known Ohio winery, starting with the Gewurtztraminer and then the Dolceto (made with litchi and passion fruit) and their Ice Wine.

Ready to order dinner, the menu was extensive with so many delicious options.  Did I want to order an appetizer like the Stuffed Jalapenos or the Stuffed Dates?  Or should I select a larger meal like the BBQ, the Spareribs or The Vault Pizza with horseradish and caramelized onions?  Seriously, this was the most difficult decision I had to make all week.

Michelle, the server behind the bar, was absolutely fabulous and helpful after telling her which options interested me.  In the end, she recommended the stuffed dates and suggested that I save room for dessert.

The stuffed dates arrived and they looked decadent.  These little bits were stuffed with bleu cheese, wrapped in bacon, baked and then drizzled with a balsamic reduction.   Full of flavor, each succulent bite of goodness made me wish I would have placed an order for two.

My wine glass was empty and the lovely couple sitting diagonal from me suggested that I order the sangria to compliment the dates.  The sweetness of the wine really brought out the tangy taste of the balsamic reduction and the combination was absolutely fabulous.  I was happy for the recommendation and we quickly became fast friends, having the love of wine in common.  They introduced themselves as Amy and Joe and said that The Vault Wine Bar was one of their favorite places to hang out in Shelby.  Amy mentioned that they enjoy spending time here on Saturdays and Thursday nights because they have a band, usually country, rock or the 80s.

Amy and Joe finished their pizza and were meeting up with some friends, so we exchanged our personal information, accepted each other’s friend request on Facebook and promised to get together soon.

Finishing my wine and meal, I wanted to check out the upstairs area, which can be reserved for special occasions.  The outside patio seats 70 and is also available, but with tonight’s rain, it was best to stay indoors.  The view from the upper floor was lovely, looking down onto the primary restaurant space, the bar, tables and chairs and wall of wines. The spacious room upstairs was elegantly decorated with hardwood floors, leather sofas and chairs.  The wooden paneling looked as though it was original and I imagined that there were office up here at one time.  Looking out the window, I could see the main street and noticed that the sun was beginning to set.  I needed to pay my bill and then make the drive back to Columbus, but not before sneaking a peak at the outdoor patio.

Have you visited the Vault Wine Bar or nearby wineries in Richland county?  I would love to hear about your experience or any recommendations for a future visit.  Many thanks for reading about my stop at The Vault and wishing you many Happy Travels!  Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

The Vault Wine Bar
29  West Main Street
Shelby, OH  44875
Telephone:  567 292 9081

The winery offers over 30 wines by the glass and I decided to support Ohio wines by ordering the Gewurtztraminer from Firelands, the Versailles Niagara and Cypress Hill’s blueberry wine.

Where to Stay:

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
2069 Walker Lake Road
Mansfield, OH  44906
Telephone:  419 747 2227

Where to Eat:

The Vault Wine Bar
29  West Main Street
Shelby, OH  44875
Telephone:  567 292 9081

The Stuffed Dates I ordered were phenomenal and the menu changes regularly.  Check out The Vault Wine Bar’s Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs, Goat Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos, or the Pretzel Sticks with a white cheddar beer cheese!  The pizzas are also fantastic and my favorite is the Caprese Pizza with basil pesto, tomato slices, fresh mozzarella and a balsamic reduction drizzle.

Halliday’s Winery in Lake Milton, Ohio

While driving to Pennsylvania to visit my brother and his family, I would notice several road signs advertising the wineries of northeast Ohio.  I was determined to make a stop on my way home in the little town of Lake Milton and had the opportunity to have lunch at Halliday’s Winery.

It was a busy lunch hour and I was greeted by a friendly server who sat me at a table near the window.   Handing me a food menu and tasting sheet, I selected a flight of wines and a flatbread pizza.

The winery was named in honor of James Halliday who is settled along the Mahoning River over 200 years ago.  The winery’s website includes a few interesting stories about the life of James Halliday who built a grist mill here and raised his family.

Waiting for my meal, I watched several families arrive, meeting each other for the afternoon.  Children played near the entrance as families waited for a table.  I could hear them discussing their week and upcoming plans as the room was filled with conversation.

With a few more minutes to wait, I read through the excerpts on their website about the Halliday family.  My favorite selection was titled “The Mill”, which emphasized the coming together as a community to support each other and help in times of need.

My Asiago Basil flatbread pizza arrived topped with sharp asiago cheese, mild pepper rings and sweet basil.

Finishing lunch, I submitted my tasting sheet with the list of wine I wanted to sample.

  • Mozina Creek is described as a delightful merlot with Chambourcin and Chancellor hybrids added for character. This well balanced wine offers aromas of juicy red berries, off dry, fruity characteristics and a touch of light oak.  Listed as a semi-dry, the wine is available at $8 per glass or $22 per bottle.
  •  Darak Sunrise is a light bodied red full of Concord fruit flavor.  Lush soft and smooth. Fresh grape aromas and flavors that provide a distinctive, juice taste.  Listed as a semi-sweet wine, it is available for $7 per glass or $19 per bottle.
  • Carosello is a white Riesling wine with aromas of white peach, pear, mineral and floral accents. Rich mouth feel it is bright on the palate creating an appealing balance of fruit and acid.  This semisweet wine is available for $9 per glass and $24 per bottle.
  • Sweet Sarah, made from local Niagara grapes tastes of candied lemon rind with hints of jasmine high notes.  A popular sweet wine, it is available for $7 per glass and $19 per bottle.
  • Mead is a wine made from honey which comes from local northeastern Ohio bee colonies.  It is available for $7 per glass and $40 per bottle.

Sampling wines and enjoying a light lunch, I enjoyed my time spent at Halliday Winery.  Before leaving Lake Milton, I stopped by the state park to walk off my lunch, enjoying the scenic views of the lake before leaving for Columbus, excited to spend time with my family.

Have you visited Halliday’s Winery?  Did you have lunch or sample their 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 quick stop in Lake Milton and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Halliday’s Winery
2400 NE River Road
Lake Milton, OH 44429
Telephone:  330 654 9463

Hours: Thursdays from 3 – 8PM, Friday and Saturday from noon to 10PM, Sunday from 11:30AM to 6PM