Tag Archives: wine tasting

Making Wine at Grape & Granary for Ohio Wine Month

Located in a small shopping plaza in one of Akron’s industrial districts is the hidden gem, Grape & Granary.  Drawn to the opportunity of making my own wine, I had no idea what to expect.  The thought seemed interesting and I was looked forward to learning more about the process.  With a long list of wines available for purchase and production, I was a little overwhelmed, but decided to sample a few wines while reading over the instructions and information for making my own.

Selecting a table, I quickly learned that  I was seated near a wedding party, They were deciding which wine to make for their reception and choosing their labels for the wine.

In front of me was a selection of several wine glasses as well as spices for dipping oils and a basket of bread.  With a small fee of 50 cents per wine sample, I wanted to try a few flavors before making my purchase.  I was offered a long list of wines as well as specialty blends that I had never tried before.  Here is the list of wines that I sampled:

  • Strawberry White Merlot – delicious, great strawberry taste
  • Kiwi Pear – LOVE this one…it was like eating fresh pears
  • Sangria Zinfindel Blush – has a wonderful, fruity aftertaste
  • Raspberry Dragon Fruit – sweet and tastes like kool aid
  • Cranberry Chianti  – not too tart
  • Strawberry Riesling – a sweet, full strawberry taste
  • Summer Surprise is a watermelon Jalapeno wine; the watermelon flavor breaks the heat, but I thought it was too sweet
  • Jalapeno Ice Wine – AMAZING! WOW! I had to buy a couple of  bottles of this one! So unique!

I learned that the Peach Apricot Wine is their best seller, but they were sold out during the time of my visit.

Grape & Granary is also a distillery, so I had a list of options such as Grappa, Whisky, Brandy, Gin, Caffe Liquor or Limoncello.  Since the limoncello was a dollar per sample, I simply couldn’t resist.

One of the advantages of visiting Grape & Granary is that they also provide bread and dipping oils to sample.  The Herbes de Garlic Sea Salt was one of my favorite blends so I purchased a small jar for home.

During my visit, I was able to witness an engaged couple bottling wine for their upcoming wedding.  They had already selected their wine from a list of prepared wine juices.  Choosing the Luna Rossa, they met with the winemaker to incorporate the yeast into the juice and waited 7 weeks until it was ready to bottle.   The cork is then added and later a label would be placed on the bottle after printing.

The couple selected their label which would be ready in a couple of weeks and then the  process would be completed.  For the particular wine they chose, the cost would be $165 which would include 28 – 30 750 ml bottles.  The cost for labels was 30 cents and the bottles an additional charge.

I was so thankful for the opportunity to watch the wine making process and found it to be a fun, educational experience.   The Grape & Granary sells a wide variety of wine making kits and offers orders from their online store and catalog.  I decided to purchase a wine kit in hopes that I would have some success and then start a winery in Napa.

Have you had the opportunity to make your own wine at Grape & Granary or at another wine making venue?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks for reading my post and I wish you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Grape & Granary
915 Home Avenue
Akron, OH  44310
Telephone:  330 633 7223

Where to Stay:

Country Inn & Suites
1420 Main Street
Cuyahoga Falls, OH  44221
Telephone:  330 926 1233

Where to Eat:

Beau’s on the River
1989 Front Street
Cuyahoga Falls, OH  44221
Telephone:  330 920 7530

I was so excited to find this amazing restaurant with a fabulous view along the Cuyahoga River.  I ordered a Wedge Salad and the Caprese Flatbread for my main entrée.

An Afternoon Wine Tasting in Tuscany

During a fall trip to the Mediterranean, I was looking forward to visiting the Tuscany region of Italy.  I had booked a seven-day cruise on the Pullmantur Sovereign and decided to experience the rolling hills of vineyards on an excursion sponsored by the ship.  The opportunity to sample the Italian wines outside of Florence was an unforgettable experience and from that point forward, I became fascinated by the wines of Italy from Chianti to Sangiovese.

The day was absolutely beautiful for a morning in Pisa then a short bus ride to the Tuscan region of Lucca.  Famous for its wine and spectacular countryside, vineyards of Semillon and Pinot Bianco grapes surrounded us as the bus arrived at Fattoria il Poggio.

Fattoria means “farm” in Italian and the il Poggio is what the Italians refer to as an agritourismo, otherwise known as a farm stay.  Farm stays are  perfect for guests who are interested in immersing themselves in the local culture based in an agricultural setting. In most cases, the restaurants at a fattoria will incorporate the “farm to table” concept using its own fresh produce and meats.

With voracious appetites, we were eager to sample the local wines as well as the olive oil produced by the farm.  This beautiful eco-tourismo exports seven red and white wines as well as a variety of olive oils and balsamic vinegar.

We arrived to elegantly prepared tables draped in white linen tablecloths where empty wine glasses patiently waited to be filled.  Our host welcomed us to Fattoria il Poggio as servers filled our tables with copious bottles of wine and antipasti.  I could not wait to indulge in the estate wines, snack on locally prepared meats and cheeses and enjoy some of the finest ingredients organically grown at the farm.

The hospitality at Fattoria il Poggio was exceptional, the scenery mesmerizing and the food was more than outstanding.  Enjoying the generous portions set before us, we learned so much about the daily farm activities as well as how their products are made.

The wine pours were flowing and there were plenty of meats, cheeses, bread and olives.  Served family style, I can assure you that no one left hungry and not a drop of wine was left in the bottles.  What an amazing way to spend the afternoon.

We were offered six wines to sample as well as the wide range of items produced at the farm.  Fattoria Il Poggio has been making high quality wines since 1845 as well as growing fruits and medicinal herbs.  These items were available for purchase at the gift shop where other wine related souvenir items were sold as well.

A day in Tuscany is certainly not enough time to visit the region of remarkable wines which has made such an impact on the country’s culture.  With seven World Heritage Sites and endless charming villages, this area is one of the most visited in Italy.

Should guests decide to book a stay at Fattoria il Poggio, luxury  accommodations include such amenities as WiFi, satellite TV, floor heating, a private spa and a rooftop pool.  Additional services include local tours,  onsite events and cooking classes.  The il Poggio is the ideal location for wedding ceremonies, anniversaries and other monumental celebrations.

I absolutely love the idea of supporting local families and booking a stay at an agritourismo.  With first class service, outstanding amenities and fabulous produce, Fattoria il Poggio is the perfect farm stay for a future visit to Tuscany.

Are you a wine lover?  Have you visited a winery that you absolutely loved?  Or do you have the experience of staying at an agritourismo?   I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. And if you have visited Lucca and can recommend other wineries, I would love to hear about your favorites as well.  Many thanks for reading about my wine tasting in Lucca and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Fattoria il Poggio
Via S. Piero, 39
55015, Montecarlo LU, Italy
Phone:  +39 0583 22088

Where to Stay:

Fattoria il Poggio
Via S. Piero, 39
55015, Montecarlo LU, Italy
Phone:  +39 0583 22088

Where to Eat:

Fattoria il Poggio
Via S. Piero, 39
55015, Montecarlo LU, Italy
Phone:  39 0583 22088

Fattoria il Poggio’s Menu

During our wine tasting, we sampled various delicious Antipasti dishes.

What to Eat: 

  • Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a T-bone steak with the filet on one side and sirloin on the other.
  • Cacciucco is a fish soup dish from the port towns of Livorno and Viareggio.
  • Castagnaccio is a cake made from chestnut flour.
  • Crostini Toscani is bread topped with chopped liver sauce.
  • Lampredotto sandwich is made from the fourth stomach of a cow served in broth and served with a spicy sauce.
  • Lardo di Colonnata is cured pork meat.
  • Panzanella is a bread soup served cold made from bread, tomatoes, onion, basil, olive oil and vinegar.
  • Pappa al pomodoro is a simple soup made of tomatoes, garlic, and basil leaves served with stale bread.
  • Ribollita is a soup made with cabbage, beef, carrots and onion.

What to Read:

  • A Culinary Traveller in Tuscany,  by Beth Elon
  • A Thousand Days in Tuscany, by Marlena de Blasi
  • A Vineyard in Tuscany: A Wine Lover’s Dream, by Ferenc Mate
  • Every Day in Tuscany, Seasons of an Italian Life, by Frances Mayes
  • Not in a Tuscan Villa, by John and Nancy Petralla
  • The Agony and the Ecstacy, by Irving Stone
  • Under the Tuscan Sun, by Frances Mayes
  • War in Val D’Orica: An Italian War Diary, 1943 – 1944, by Iris Origo

Photo Guide for Tuscany:

Here are some amazing locations to photograph Tuscany, Italy:

  • Florence:
    • Canonici Palace
    • Florence Baptistry
    • Florence Cathedral
    • Florence Skyline:  view from Palazzo Vecchio
    • Il Duomo
    • Marcampo
    • Michelangelo’s David statue
    • Montalcino Street
    • Palazzo Strozzi
    • Perano Castle
    • Piazalle Michelangelo
    • Piaza del Duomo
    • Pienza
    • Ponte Vecchio
    • The Streets of Florence
    • Uffizi Gallery
    • Volpaia
  • Pisa
    • The Leaning Tower
    • Marina
  • Tuscany
    • Abbazia San Galgano
    • Abbey of Sant’Antimo
    • Agritourismos
    • Basilica di Santa Magherita
    • Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta
    • Carrara Marble Quarry
    • Castel Boccale
    • Chianti
    • Cortona
    • Crete Senesi
    • Firenze – the Arno River from the Ponte Santa Trinita
    • Monte Divalli
    • Montepulciano
    • Monticchiello – Strada dei Cipressi
    • Palazzo Pitti
    • Pitigliano
    • Podere Belvedere countryside in the Val D’Orcia
    • Poggio Covilli d’Asso
    • San Gimignano
    • San Giovanni
    • Seminario Maggiore
    • Siena – view from the Torre del Mangio
    • Terranuova Bracciolini
    • Tuscan Tunnel
    • Volterra
  • Wineries
    • Avignonisi
    • Barone Ricasoli
    • Capezanna
    • Castello Banfi
    • Castello di Ama
    • Castiglion del Bosco
    • Poggio al Casone
    • Poggio Antico

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

Cruising the Pullmantur Sovereign- COMPANY CLOSED

UPDATE:  During the COVID Pandemic, Pullmantur announced liquidation of the company.  As of November 2020, the company stated that it would be up and running again by the end of 2021.

Having come off of a whirlwind two-day visit to Rome, I boarded the Pullmantur Sovereign for a seven day cruise through the Mediterranean.  The spectacular itinerary included some of the most beautiful sites the Med coast has to offer.  With a full week of excursions, I could just sit back, relax and enjoy the cruise.

Pullmantur is a cruise line based out of Spain and is very popular with the Europeans.  The primary language on board is Spanish, but announcements are followed up in English. This piqued my interest along with the fact that alcoholic beverages are included in the price of the cruise.  I had learned about the company while searching for a cruise on the Vacations to Go website and booked it immediately.

So why did I choose Pullmantur?  First there was the itinerary of course, but having checked the cost of cruises in the Mediterranean, I found this to be quite economical at US $349 for 7 days (not including port fees and taxes).  AMAZING!  In addition, the price for my roundtrip ticket to Rome was only $850 so I could not pass up the opportunity and knew that I was going to have the time of my life.

Travel Tip:   I took this cruise in late September, which is considered off-season.  The weather is still quite warm and the children have all gone back to school by this time.  

My journey began in Rome where I had a couple of days to wander the ancient ruins, historical museums and religious places of worship.  It was my first time in The Eternal City, so to be honest, I was slightly overwhelmed.  I had booked the hop on, hop off bus because I knew it would be an economical way to explore the sites costing me only $50. The bus route listed a number of stops where the main attractions were within a couple of blocks.  I was able to step off of the bus for an hour or two, return back to the drop off location and reboard at my convenience.

The day of my cruise had arrived and I had hired a car to take me to Civitivecchia, which lasted approximately 45 minutes.  Upon arrival at the port, I was pleasantly surprised that there were no long check-in lines.  Within minutes, I had passed through security, boarded the ship and dropped off my luggage in my room.  When I inquired how the process of embarkation could be completed so quickly, I learned that Barcelona was the originating port.  Rome had less than 100 passengers boarding on that day and I was excited to start my adventure.

To learn more about my adventures in Rome, check out my following blog posts!

Visiting Rome – Day 1
My First Trip to Rome – Day 2
St. Peter’s Basilica
St Peter’s Square
The Roman Forum
Palatine Hill
Capitoline Hill
From Piazza Popolo to the Spanish Steps

Next stop Livorno!

Livorno is a port town located in the northern region of Italy.  It is the perfect location for day trips to Florence, Tuscany and the colorful villages along the coast like Portofino.  There are several tours that operate from the ship and I selected the Pisa and Tuscan Wines tour.  If I had the opportunity to cruise this ship again, I would definitely choose the Coast of Cinque Terre and Porvenere! There were so many great options!  To hear about my exciting day in Pisa and Lucca, check out my following blog posts for some great information about these two spectacular locations!

Pisa and Its Leaning Tower
An Afternoon Wine Tasting in Tuscany

Additional excursions from the ship:

  • Florence and Pisa: This excursion includes a guided tour of the Renaissance city of Florence with stops that include the Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiori, the Ponte Vecchio bridge and Piazza della Signora.  The next stop on the tour is Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower and to roam the Piazza dei Miracoli.  The cost per adult is 85 Euros.
  • The Best of Florence begins in the historic center with views of the Piazza da Santa Croce and the Ponte Vecchio. Visit the Uffizi  Gallery with some of the world’s most famous art by renowned Renaissance artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo.
  • Lucca the Fortress City: Explore the wonderful city of Lucca that dates back to the Roman period of 180 BC.  The guided tour includes a visit to the Old Quarter, San Michele de Foro, the Guinigi family tower, a Roman amphitheater and the Cathedral of San Martino.  The cost for this tour is 38 Euros.
  • The Coast of Cinque Terre & Portvenere: For 77 Euros per person, a bus will take visitors to Manarola, which is the oldest of the Cinque Terre villages.  Take a tour of the area and then a boat ride to Vernazza.  From here, catch the ferry to Monterosso where lunch will be served with time to explore the town and shop. Another scenic boat ride will take passengers to Portovenere until returning back to the ship in Livorno.
  • Italian Pasta Experience: The coach will take you to Lucca where a tour guide will give you an overview of the beautifully walled city.  See the narrow streets while visiting the churches of San Frediano and San Michele. There will be plenty of time to wander before visiting Pisa.  Learn how to make pasta and of course, there will be plenty to sample.  The cost for this tour is 188 Euros per person.
  • Florence and Wine Tasting in a Tuscan Castle: Take a 90 minute bus tour through Renaissance Florence before arriving at the Piazza della Santa Croce.  Here there will be an opportunity to see street performers and shop among the traditional craft shops in the village.  After a 45 minute ride, arrive in Greve at one of the main castles where a traditional Tuscan lunch will be served, and of course plenty of wine.

Our next stop on the itinerary was Villafranche, France.  I remember the beautiful, subdued hues of this cozy port town and wished I had the additional time to visit the relaxing cafes along the harbor.

I opted to book the Monaco and Monte Carlo bus trip which was panoramic, pristine and posh.   To learn more about my visit to Monaco, check out the following post!

The Beautiful French Riviera:  Villafranche and Monte Carlo

Some of the other excursions available were:

  • Nice – Eze: Take a coach tour to Nice and walk the famous “Promenade des Anglais”. Check out the Hotel Negresco before taking a guided tour through the old part of the city.  The medieval village of Eze is one of the most picturesque villages of the Cote d’Azure located high on a hilltop with amazing views of the coast.  Stop by one of the famous perfumery’s which is known for its amazing scents.  The tour is 45 Euros per person.
  • Nice and Saint Paul de Vence: In addition to visiting the famous beachfront of Nice, this tour also includes a walk through the medieval village of Saint Paul de Vence. Considered two of the most picturesque locations in the French Riviera, go from walking the beach to exploring cobblestone streets with a rich history. The cost for this tour is 39 Euros per person
  • Mountain Village of Eze and Nice Wine Tasting: For only 69 Euros per person, take a visit to the medieval mountain village of Eze and then on to Nice, famous for its Promenade des Anglais.  Enjoy Provencal wines with a professional oenologist.
  • Dream Villas in the Blue Coast: Explore the luxurious peninsula at Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and visit the one time residence of baroness Rothschild to wander the home and gardens. The bus tour takes the coastal drive back to Villafranche where million dollar homes line the coast.   This tour costs 50 Euros per person.
  • A Tasting Tour of Nice: Visit the local fresh market and sample its produce on this guided tour of Nice.  Visit the Old Town district with its Baroque buildings and neo-classic colonnades.  Try some of the local specialties such as pissaladiere or socca.  The tour allows for some free time to wander about the Old Town for some shopping or a cup of coffee.  This tour costs 90 Euros per adult.

I had been waiting for the day when our ship reached Barcelona.  I was so excited to see all of the architecture and to stroll the street of Las Ramblas.

I had decided that instead of booking an excursion with the ship, I would go out on my own and purchase the Hop On Hop Off bus tour.  Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and there was a torrential downpour.  I was determined to make the most of my time in Barcelona where was able to visit the Boqueria market, the Sagrada Familia, Palau Guell and Parc Guell.  I wished I had more time in Barcelona because there were so many interesting points of interest, that I will need to make plans for a future trip!

The ship offers its own wonderful share of excursions for Barcelona to include:

  • A Tour of Barcelona: See the architectural wonders of Antonio Gaudi by visiting the ever changing Sagrada Familia.    This tour is perfect for the price at 29 Euros.  Check out the popular Gothic Quarter, shop and visit the cathedral.  The tour includes a stop at Montjuic, which overlooks the city and was once the sight of the Olympic Games.
  • Barcelona Highlights and Jamon Tasting: Starting in the Gothic Quarter, see the medieval side of Barcelona’s historical buildings.  Stroll Las Ramblas, the main thoroughfare that runs north and south through the city.  Enjoy a ham tasting sampling three different types as you sip on a glass of cava. Complete the tour with a visit the to ever so vibrant Boqueria market.  All of this for only 39 Euros per person.

Day Four was spent at sea as we sailed toward Tunisia.  The following day, we arrived at the port of Tunis.  Weeks before cruising to Tunisia, the US embassy was attacked and it was recommended that Americans should not disembark while in port.  We took heed to their warning and stayed aboard, but if I had the opportunity, I would have loved to have seen the city of Carthage and the village of Sidi Bou Said, which is said to look much like a Greek village with its whitewashed buildings accented in blue.

According to the brochure on the ship, “Sidi Bou Said is perched high atop of a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, this picturesque village is a delightful place for a leisurely stroll through winding cobbled streets. Wander around the boutiques for souvenirs or relax at a cliff-side Moorish café”. Sounds exciting!

UPDATE:  The ship no longer travels to Tunisia due to the heightened safety alert to visit this country.

It was Day Five and we were visiting the Italian city of Naples.  Besides having its own historical significance, there are some great locations close by that are truly worth exploring. I selected Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast but making my decision was not an easy one when tours to Capri and Ischia were also offered.

  • Panoramic Tour of Pompeii and Naples: Check out one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in all of the world, Pompeii. Back in Naples, visit the Posillipo neighborhood, the Mergellina district and the great seaside promenade. Take the opportunity to visit the Ovo castle in the charming district of Santa Lucia and explore the busy fisherman’s neighborhood.  The tour costs 49 Euros per adult.
  • Pompei & Vesuvius: Pompeii was devastated by the explosion of Mt. Vesuvius in 49AD.  Pompeii is now an archaeological site and Vesuvius a national park.  Take an hour long city bus tour of Naples before reaching these sites.     The tour costs 89 Euros per person.
  • Capri: Catch a Jet-Foil boat ride from the port of Marina Grande through the Bay of Naples.  Hop on a ship that will take you around the island before heading back to port.  Catch the minibus to Capri’s Piazetta where there will be plenty of time to stroll the city’s famous white streets.  This tour is well worth the 89 Euros per adult. (If the weather does not cooperate, the excursion will head over to the town of Anacapri).
  • Tour of Naples: Stroll the Piazza del Plebiscito where you will discover Castles, Galleries and an Opera House.  There will be time on your own before visiting the San Gennaro Duomo.  Continue to the tour with stops at Mergellina, Via Caracciolo and the Ovo Castle.   You can’t beat this price at 34 Euros per adult.
  • Relaxing Ischia: This is a perfect excursion for 85 Euros per adult. Reach the island quickly by hydrofoil for a visit to Ischia, the largest isle on the Gulf of Naples. Famous for its hot springs, the tour coach also takes you through the municipalities of Ischia, Barano, Serrara Fontana (for wine sampling) and Forio (for a local meal).  Walk through the Castiglione Gardens at Lacco Ameno and or visit the town of Casamicciola. This tour include the spa facilities at the gardens which include 10 different pools, and two saunas, whirlpools and a platform that gives you the opportunity to swim in the sea surrounding the island.

I had one last day in Rome but since I was staying close to the airport, I decided to stay near the hotel.  The ship offered quite a few options in Rome, including:

  • A Full Roman Excursion: Check out some of the most iconic spots in Rome which include, the Vatican City, Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.  Stand in awe in front of Michelangelo’s Pieta and then it’s time for lunch.  Hop on the bus for a sightseeing tour to see the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Circus Maximus and Mussolini’s balcony,   The tour cost is only 85 Euros per adult.
  • Eternal Rome and Imperial: Start in the Vatican  City to visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the square.  Take a walk to the Trevi Fountain and then after lunch, check out the Piazza Navona.  Before completing the tour, drop by the Roman Forum and see the exterior of the Colosseum. All of this for only 64 Euros per person.
  • Etruscan Secrets. See the secret Etruscan tombs and the Tarquinia Museum for only 59 Euros per person. The tombs are located in Monterozziune and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Venture into the city to view the Roman church of San Francisco and the XIII century palace.
  • Tivoli and Hadrian’s Villa: Dating back to the second century, Villa Adriana was the home of Emperor Hadrian and is now a World Heritage Site. Some of the features of the house include a Greek theater, spas and baths, a maritime theater and the Golden Piazza, a residential complex.  Next, visit Villa Este with gardens that are fit for a king.  Check out the Alley of the Hundred Fountains. This is an exceptional tour and will set you back 115 Euros per adult.

The Pullmantur Sovereign was the perfect ship for my Mediterranean trip.  Having worked on ships for over three years,  I remember my cruise ship days as if it were yesterday.  I was especially fond of the “Sail Away” events where I could watch passengers enjoy the start of their cruise setting sail for its first destination.  It have to admit, I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity for a Bon Voyage drink!!

Have you cruised with Pullmantur?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for your interest in my trip with Pullmantur!  Happy Travels!

An Overview of Blog Posts from 2015

What a great year for travel!  Here are some of my adventure blogs for 2015:

CARIBBEAN AND PORTS OF CALL: 

Bermuda

Hamilton, Bermuda

Grand Cayman:  Stingray City,  Afternoon Drive on Grand Cayman,  and Hell

Stingrays at Stingray City

Honduras:  Untouched Beauty, Underwater Photographs

Gorgeous Honduras Beaches

EUROPE: 

Wine Tasting in Tuscany

+0927 Table cloth for Wine Tasting

Wine Event at Fattoria il Poggio

UNITED STATES:

United States:  Arizona

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Indian Settlement at Montezuma Castle National Monument

United States, California:  San Francisco Downtown

San Francisco Chinatown

United States, California:  San Francisco Golden Gate

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge

United States:  Louisiana

Mardi Gras

Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans

United States, Michigan;  Holland, Michigan

Tulips in Holland, Michigan

 

United States:  Ohio

Cincinnati:  Cincinnati Art Museum, The Divine Felines Exhibit

Recumbent Lion, Ptolomaic Period, 305 – 35BC, Reportedly from Giza

Fragmentary Inscription, Dynasty 25 – Dynasty 26, 670 – 650 BC

Cincinnati:  Interview With Artist, Jimi Jones

Jimi Jones Artwork

Jimi Jones

Cincinnati:  Cincinnati Children’s Museum – Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit

Exploring the Genius of Leonardo da Vinci at the Cincinnati Children’s Museum

Cleveland:  The Cleveland Art Museum, Pharaoh King of Egypt Exhibit

The Pharaoh Exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art

An Egyptian Sarcophagus

Cleveland:  Maltz Museum, Operation Finale

The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichmann

The Holocaust Survivors

Columbus:  Franklin Park Conservatory

Gorgeous Orchids at Franklin Park Conservatory

Amazing Butterflies at the Franklin Park Conservatory

Columbus: Inniswood

Having Fun with my New Camera

 

Springfield:  Art Museum, Jason Morgan

Jason Morgan Artwork

Springfield:  Art Museum, Jimi Jones

Jimi Jones Artwork

Auschwitz Exhibit at The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Celebrating 70 Years of Auschwitz Closing

Sam and Ethel’s

Enjoying a Reuben at Sam & Ethel’s

Yellow Springs Brewery

Sampling craft beer at Yellow Springs Brewery

Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail

Hiking the Rim Trail

Ohio Christmas:

Columbus: Alum Creek Lights

Drive Thru Christmas Lights

PNC Lights: Cincinnati Zoo

A Tunnel of Lights

I hope you enjoyed this recap of my blog posts and travels for 2015.  Stay tuned for more adventures to come in 2016!  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

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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

Plan a Visit to Buckeye Lake Winery for Ohio Wine Month in June

What better place to enjoy a bottle of wine than alongside the beauty of Buckeye Lake in Ohio?   Buckeye Lake Winery was my first choice for a girl’s day of wine tasting, so I called a couple of my Columbus girlfriends to join me and began our 25-mile road trip to Thornville.

We arrived at 11 AM when the winery opened and was met by the winery’s proprietor, Tracy Higgenbotham and a large truck of fermented grapes arriving from Napa Valley.  Tracy welcomed us, provided us with menus and excused himself for a moment while we decided on what to order for lunch.

Within minutes, we had ordered several wine samples, the charcuterie plate, Boursin with Pecan & Honey and the Fig and Gorgonzola flatbread.  Several other options we considered were the Brie Wedge with fruit and a house made port reduction, Buckeye Lake Winery’s signature Winery Chips with a garlic cream sauce, bleu cheese, Parmesan and scallions as well as the Caprese Flatbread.  One look at the brunch menu and we all agreed we needed to make reservations soon to share the Bananas Foster French Toast.

Chatting it up with Tracy, he was eager to tell us about the winery and his previous experience visiting California’s wine country on business trips.  With his passion for great food and delicious wine, he and his wife Laura opened the winery to bring the Napa Valley experience to Ohio.   Tracy explained that he works directly with vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, Lodi and the Russian River Valley, personally selecting the grapes that go into making his wines.  Wine production begins at custom crush houses where the grapes are fermented and then he coordinates the shipping of the product to complete the aging, blending and bottling of the wine in Ohio.

While most of Buckeye Lake Winery’s wines come from grapes in California, Tracy knows that the Ohio wine drinkers like their sweet wines and has collaborated with local Ohio grape growers to make the winery’s popular Sweet Lake View.

White Wines

  • Lake View White – Dry White Wine, California: The winemaker’s selection is a limited release blend of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and is clean, bright and fruity $23 / $7
  • Pinot Grigio, Russian River Valley: This wine is aged in stainless steel tanks and is minerally rich. It has a honeysuckle and pear taste $24 / $7
  • Sauvignon Blanc – Napa Valley, California: Bright floral notes with tropical fruit, honeysuckle and a clean finish.  $26 / $8
  • Chardonnay – Napa Valley, California: This wine is barrel aged for 10 months and is clean and bright with hints of smoky toasted oak vanilla, green apples and pears.  $32 / $9

Red Wines

  • Lake View Red – Dry Red Wine, Lodi California:  The winemaker’s selection is a limited release blend of Petite Sirah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and is full bodied with a soft finish.  $29 / $8
  • Cabernet Sauvignon – Lodi California: This wine is barrel aged for 18 months and has hints of black cherry, blackberry and oak with a soft finish.   $32 / $9
  • Zinfandel – Lodi, California: This wine is produced with grapes from 100 year old vines and is barrel aged for 18 months.  It is jammy, spicy and rich with a velvet finish.  $43 / $9
  • Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley, California: This wine is barrel aged for 18 months in oak barrels and is rich, robust with black cherry flavor and a hint of dark chocolate and tobacco.  $75 This wine is sold by the bottle only to Wine Club members and is not included in wine tastings

Ohio Wine

  • Sweet Lake View, Ohio Wine: Sweet Lake View is produced and bottled at Buckeye Lake Winery.  The wine is aged in stainless steel tanks and has hints of citrus, peach and honey  $18 / $6

Prices are subject to change, so visit Buckeye Lake Winery’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Our lunch had arrived and we could not stop raving about our selection.  The Fig and Gorgonzola flatbread was spectacular with a perfect mix of saltiness from the bacon, the sweetness of the figs and caramelized onion with bursts of garlicky goodness.  The charcuterie plate was a generous portion of meats and cheeses (homemade goat cheeses with either apricots or blueberries), a few grapes, olives and French bread with a delicious marmalade.   We could not wait to dig into the Boursin with Pecan & Honey but waited to make it our dessert to this divine trio of small plates.

While it would have been lovely to have dined inside of the wine cave, we found a table outside so that we could enjoy the soothing view of Buckeye Lake.  We shared a bottle of Chardonnay, Zinfandel as well as our meals while catching up on the latest gossip.  We shared photos, secrets and happily stayed longer than planned.  Feasting on spectacular meals and delicious wines, enjoying the spectacular views, we couldn’t help but feel that we had truly arrived in Napa.

Have you had the pleasure of visiting Buckeye Lake Winery?  What did you think of the fabulous wines and food?  What were your favorite wines and menu items?  I would love to hear about your experience sampling wines at the winery if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Many thanks for catching up with me at Buckeye Lake Winery 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:

Buckeye Lake Winery
13750 Rosewood Road
Thornville, OH  43076
Telephone:  740 246 5665

Where to Stay:

Best Western Lakewood Inn
122 Arrowhead Drive
Hebron, OH  43025
Telephone:  866 599 6674

Where to Eat: 

Buckeye Lake Winery
13750 Rosewood Road
Thornville, OH  43076
Telephone:  740 246 5665

Buckeye Lake Winery has extensive menu of starters and meals that have been customized to pair with their wines.

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