3 minute read
Ohio's Wine Country
Words by Wendy Pramik / Photography by Wendy Pramik / Layout by Atlas Biro
Indulging in the freedom of a “soft retirement,” Steve and Teresa Morbitzer pull up to the tasting room of Rockside Winery and Vineyards in Lancaster, half an hour from their home in Columbus’ German Village neighborhood. Moments later, the couple is savoring glasses of Vidal Blanc and gazing at the chartreuse grapevines that cover the landscape.
A bit farther north, along the shores of Buckeye Lake, a young Johnstown couple commemorates their first Father’s Day at Thornville’s Buckeye Lake Winery. Basking in the ambiance of vintage boats, they delight in a flight of Napa Valley wines, celebrating a special moment in festive, seaside-like surroundings.
These scenes unfold at seven distinct wineries throughout Fairfield County, Ohio, on the Covered Bridge Country Wine Trail. It’s a haven for discerning wine lovers and admirers of rural landscapes, where you can experience flavors reminiscent of the California coast yet remain firmly planted in Ohio’s backyard.
Fairfield County boasts 15 of the state’s 125 historic covered bridges, the most of any county. The wooden structures, built to protect their underlying bridges from decay, date back to the 1800s, and many still function today.
“We take great pleasure in discovering the sights of Ohio, from the charm of covered bridges to the allure of wineries,” said Steve Morbitzer, a short while after he and Teresa arrived at Rockside in a sleek BMW Z3 convertible.
Nestled among the idyllic, rolling hills of Lancaster, this family-run business has produced stellar wines since 2014. Nearby are two covered bridges, including a carefully preserved red one called the John Bright No. 2 Covered Bridge that spans a stream on the Ohio University-Lancaster campus.
It’s a cornerstone of the Covered Bridge Country Wine Trail, which shows off the state’s bountiful harvest and engineering history. All make great spots for selfies.
For Heather and Todd Keenan and their daughter, Bristol, a visit to Buckeye Lake Winery presented a day at the beach to view antique watercraft at the Wine & Woodies boat show. In addition to wines and sunsets, Buckeye Lake Winery is known for its impeccable cuisine, including steak, salmon, pasta, and rolled gelato.
“We did a tasting from pinot grigio to red, and we’re trying to rank them now,” said Heather Keenan before joining Todd for a walk to the shore to examine the wooden boats.
Nearby stands the Charles Holliday Bridge, built in the 1890s. It originally crossed Walnut Creek and has been reconstructed on the Millersport Lions Club Sweet Corn Festival grounds.
The structure represents Fairfield County’s bounty of bridges and wineries, which make for an unforgettable visit.
Visitors may request a Covered Bridge Country Wine Trail guide and more information about Fairfield County wineries by calling 800-626-1296, or by stopping at the Fairfield County Visitors and Convention Bureau in downtown Lancaster.
