Shade

SHADE WINERY

A juicy glass of wine and an ambling walk through a vineyard are fitting ways to usher in the change of seasons. Both can be enjoyed at Shade Winery, about 10 miles from downtown Athens. Owners Neal and Oui Dix thought of everything: epic scenery, good food and a portfolio of estate wines that appeals to a wide variety of tastes.

“Southern Athens County is just beautiful in the fall,” Neal Dix says. “The air is clear and crisp. The trees have tremendous color. The grapes are hanging heavily on the vines.”

A wraparound porch just off the tasting room offers panoramic views of the vineyard and a distant pond that reflects sunlit reds and golds of a nearby oak tree grove. When temperatures drop, visitors gather around the outdoor fireplace.

The patio is another perfect sipping spot, adjacent to rows of chardonnay, vidal blanc, cabernet franc and cynthiana grapes (a variety also known as Norton). Here, it’s easy for visitors to see a connection between the verdant vines and the drink they hold in their hands.

Around 15 wines are available at any given time, so the six-taste flight is a good option for the commitment averse. The vidal blanc, a varietal similar to sauvignon blanc, grows extremely well here in Ohio’s Appa-

Shade Winery is located about 10 miles outside of Athens. Around 15 different wines are available at any given time. The vidal blanc grape grows well in this part of the state.

lachian wine region and it tends to pair well with everything.

Shade Winery is more of a respite than a raucous time, and that was intentional.

“Our guests come to relax and unwind over good wine and food,” says Dix. 401 Gilkey Ridge Rd., Shade 45776, 740/6961323, shadewinery.com

Prost!

Wine and Stein By Claire Barrington

Pour a glass of wine alongside your stein. Oktoberfest season is the perfect time to check out winery-brewery duos throughout the state. So, gather, drink and be merry at these all-in-one spots. Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery in Hartville embraces the complete Oktoberfest experience making it the perfect first stop on your tour. Home to beautifully balanced, handcrafted wines and Stark County’s first craft brewery, Maize Valley provides the perfect setting for both wine and beer lovers. Enjoy their Oktoberfest events that feature a signature Munich-themed brew and commemorative ceramic stein and combine tradition with fall flavor by sampling their apple pie and cranberry wines. Take a trip to the Appalachian wine region and visit the family-owned and operated Merry Family Winery in Bidwell. The property has a quaint, country atmosphere with picturesque views. Sit, sip, relax and indulge in handcrafted favorites straight from the vineyard or onproperty brewery. Fill your ice-cold stein to the rim with a small-batch craft beer or Merry Family’s famous old-fashioned root beer. Make sure you pair your stein with a cozy fall favorite like their sweet apple wine or hard apple cider for the full fall experience. If you are looking to couple romance with festivities, Valley Vineyards in Morrow is a perfect fit. From wine to beer to cuisine and ambiance, they have it all. Whether you’re looking for a rich, full-bodied red or a sweet, decadent white, you’ll find a wide range of luxurious options to please your palate. All beverages are crafted by Valley Vineyards’ on-site winemakers and brew masters. They embrace the season’s spirit with Fall Festival events and an Oktoberfest-inspired craft beer. Autumn escapades come full circle at Majestic Oak Winery in Grand Rapids. The property’s beautiful foliage embodies feelings of fall. The oak trees responsible for their namesake are truly majestic with autumn color. Check out the on-site Neon Groundhog Brewing and make Oktoberfest your own with their unique small-batch craft beers and live music. Majestic Oak is known for creative spins on signature wines, so don’t forget to give their caramel apple sangria a try, a seasonal favorite to finish off your fall festivities right.