Sip Magazine 2024

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wPERFECT PAIRS A GUIDE TO FOOD & WINE PAIRINGS

WINE OF THEIR LIVES MEET OHIO WINEMAKERS WHO SHARE A LOVE FOR THE CRAFT

BRANCH OUT TAKE OUR QUIZ TO FIND NEW FAVORITE WINES

BY KEVIN KOPANSKI

Enjoy good times with your friends at Hanover Winery in Hamilton.

Find your favorite wines at Ohio’s wineries and discover why Ohio wines are irresistible to Sip. Hear the passion in a master vintner’s voice. Laugh over a glass of wine with friends, and stroll hand-in-hand through beautiful vineyards. —

Your feedback is important to us as we plan upcoming issues of Sip magazine. In an effort to make sure that you have all you need for your next Ohio winery visit, Great Lakes Publishing, the publisher of Sip, is conducting a short online survey about the magazine. Our goal is to inspire readers to explore Ohio’s wineries and provide them with the tools to plan their outing. The survey will only take six minutes to complete and will automatically enter you in the Sip Reader Survey Sweepstakes*, where three lucky respondents will win Ohio wine and food gift baskets, valued at more than $150 each.** To participate, visit glpublishing.com/ohwine. We look forward to hearing from you!

*No purchase necessary to win. **The sweepstakes, offered by the Ohio Grape Industries Committee, begins June 1, 2024, and ends on May 31, 2025. Winners will be randomly drawn at the conclusion of the survey period. For official rules and regulations, visit glpublishing.com/ohwine.

OHIO GRAPE INDUSTRIES COMMITTEE

Say cheers to the scenic views at M Cellars.

w ine

Lives HAVING THE OF THEIR

BY RICH WARREN

THE HUNDREDS OF WINERIES ACROSS THE SEVEN WINE REGIONS IN OHIO offer their visitors incredible diversity, not just in the types of wines they produce, but also in the unique ambiance to be found at each one. Yet one thing that unites them all is the sheer love of the winemaking industry their owners and winemakers share. They’ve come to the industry from many different backgrounds, but most would now never dream of working anywhere else. It’s all about the love of Ohio wines, according to these seven winemakers across Ohio.

Stroll through the vineyard. Gather with friends.

Old World Wine

The “M” in M Cellars stands for Matt and Tara Meineke, a couple whose passion for winemaking began after a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. In 2007, they purchased an existing vineyard in the Grand River Valley, replacing the Concord and Niagara vines with European-style vinifera vines and other varieties. Nearly all the handcrafted wines they now produce are estate-grown. In fact, visitors to M Cellars’ tasting room, which opened in 2012, can look out the window to see the very vines that have produced the wines they’re sampling.

Matt Meineke focuses on the winemaking, making premium small-lot wines that he himself enjoys drinking. Several unusual varieties M Cellars produces are a white wine called Rkatsiteli from the former Soviet republic of Georgia — it’s one of the oldest wines in the world. It’s become a customer favorite, along with Meritage, a red Bordeaux blend. Several sparkling wine varieties are also popular with M Cellars’ customers. The Meinekes purchased more land in 2017, where they have planted several varieties, including Saperavi, another Georgian wine.

Tara’s main focus is front-of-house, making sure M Cellars’ visitors enjoy their experience. In fact, she received a 2023 Legacy Award from the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, an honor awarded to women in only six categories.

Meineke says what he loves most about his work is the creative aspect, experimenting with wines to find new flavor profiles he enjoys himself. He’s confident that his own appreciation of the wine will transfer to customers as well. “We like crafting flavor profiles that guests will enjoy,” he explains.

Come Sip, Sit, Relax at Gallia County’s first Winery/Brewery. Take in the picturesque views of the countryside, stroll through the vineyard. Sample handcrafted wines and beers, try our homemade root beer soda. With so many great varieties to choose from you are sure to find something to love!

ABOVE: Take a walk through the vines with your wine glass in hand.

RIGHT: Warm up by the fire on cool summer nights at Breitenbach Wine Cellars.

An Amish Country Destination for Generations

Breitenbach Wine Cellars near Sugarcreek gives its visitors an abundance of reasons for stopping by. Inside its brightly colored main building with rounded towers, there’s not only a tasting room and retail facility but also a deli selling Amish cheeses and meats and a café offering flatbread pizzas, salads, and sandwiches.

Atop a nearby hill, a large structure called The Toolshed is the site of many events, including Breitenbach’s popular annual Dandelion Festival. And for those who want to linger, a charming old farmhouse with four bedrooms can be rented overnight.

Breitenbach was founded in 1980 by Cynthia and Dalton “Duke” Bixler. The winery remains a family enterprise with Bixler still serving as president and his daughters, Anita Davis and Jennifer Kohler, overseeing day-to-day operations. Son-in-law Scott Kohler is currently Breitenbach’s winemaker.

In the first year, Breitenbach produced just eight varieties of wine totaling 1,500 gallons, while nowadays the winery produces an astonishing 40 different types of wine and more than 150,000 gallons annually. In addition to their signature sweet wines comprised of flavors like dandelion, rhubarb, blood orange, and cranberry, Breitenbach

CANAL COUNTRY

also produces dry reds like Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, whites like Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay, and specialties like a tawny port and cream sherry.

According to Anita Davis, Breitenbach attracts visitors from all over the U.S. and from as far away as Ireland, England, and Australia. In fact, Breitenbach has been around for so long, visitors today now include the children and grandchildren of guests who visited in the early years.

“I love the connections we make here with customers who come back year after year,” Davis says. “They love how friendly our staff is, but also they just enjoy the atmosphere. Their loyalty is extremely rewarding.”

A Vine Experiment

A drive down a long gravel lane in Morrow County will lead visitors to familyowned Shamrock Vineyard. Current owner and winemaker Van Creasap picked up the reins for operating the winery from his grandfather, Dr. Tom Quilter, who’d begun planting vines next to a small farmhouse outside Waldo as far back as 1971. That makes Shamrock the oldest successful vineyard in central Ohio, with this year marking the 40th anniversary of Quilter opening his doors to the public in 1984. He and his wife, Mary, were elected to the Ohio Wine Producers Hall of Fame in 2004, acknowledging their years of pioneering Ohio wines.

Visitors from long ago will remember enjoying wines seated at the dinner table inside the old farmhouse, now occupied by Creasap and his family. Nowadays, they offer wine tastings in the renovated barn. Many of the wines they sample are made from grapes Quilter planted as experiments to see which would survive the brutally cold winters in Morrow County. Quilter tried as many as 25 to 35 grape varieties, a process of experimentation now continued by his grandson, who’s planted grapes like Chancellor, Aravelle, and Itasca. His goal is to find a variety of sweet and dry wines to please every palate.

Although he’s fond of both the outdoor work in the vineyard as well as the research involved in planting new varieties, Creasap also enjoys the interaction with his guests. “I love to show off what we make here with our own two hands. I tell our guests they should drink what they like and to make time to enjoy their wine with their family and friends. My grandfather made some very fine wines, and I’m happy to continue his legacy.”

LEFT: Celebrate with your friends at Shamrock Vineyard. ABOVE: The sun sets on the grapes in the vineyard. BELOW: Share a few bottles with friends over dinner.

Rooted in History

In the mid 1800s, Ohio produced more wine than any other state in the country, thanks largely to a gentleman named Nicholas Longworth, who planted vineyard after vineyard both in Cincinnati and in the adjoining Ohio River Valley area. Longworth focused largely on native American grapes, particularly Catawba, which he used to produce a sparkling wine that received critical acclaim from as far away as Europe.

The Skeleton Root in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood is committed to producing wines that have their historic roots in southern Ohio, using grapes that have flourished here in the past. Owner and winemaker Kate MacDonald estimates that 30 to 40% of Skeleton Root’s wines are made with American heritage grape varieties and that 80% of their fruit is derived from Ohio and other neighboring growing regions.

Skeleton Root’s main focus is on dry wines produced with minimal interventions and an acidity that pairs well with food. Both still and sparkling versions of Catawba are produced at Skeleton Root, as well as a Norton, a Delaware, and a Field Blend White wine using Lake Erie-raised Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. New releases expected this year will include a Norton blend, a vintage of sparkling Catawba, and a dry red from the Isabella grape. Skeleton Root’s visitors enjoy all these wines in a light and airy upstairs loft in a former warehouse. A huge mural depicts Nicholas Longworth’s vineyard and present-day Eden Park.

“For us, I want our wines to be an expression of a place, specifically this place,” MacDonald says. “I love that our wine results from interaction with this place and the work that takes place in the vineyard. I love the diversity of my work, going from dirty boots in a vineyard to pouring wine at our bar.”

OHIO RIVER VALLEY

Snack on appetizers like the cheese board at The Skeleton Root.

Veterans of Wine

What began as a family hobby has ultimately led to GR8 Vines Winery, a cozy urban winery in downtown St. Marys that’s rapidly becoming a popular community gathering place. In 2013, Andy Liming and his wife, Terri, bought a home winemaking kit as an experiment, producing a first batch so strong, “it would have burned the hair in your nose,” Andy laughs. Over time, they mastered the process and soon found that every corner of their house was taken up by winemaking. In 2020, they found a storefront property in St. Marys where they now produce several wines, ciders, and wine slushies, using grapes from vineyards in the Lake Erie region.

The Limings named their winery GR8 Vines as a nod to their blended family of eight people. Visitors will quickly notice a military theme. You’ll find a photo of Andy in full Marine regalia on a wall near the bar, taken in the 1990s with President George H.W. Bush. Hundreds of signatures adorn a “Wall of Heroes” where veterans and active duty service people from every branch of the armed services have signed their name. The label on every bottle of wine produced at GR8 Vines has an American flag and a dog tag thanking service members.

The Limings want their winery to be a family friendly place welcoming both local residents and visitors from afar. “Tons of people love our military theme,” Andy says. “But even more, they appreciate the welcoming atmosphere we extend to everyone who comes through our doors. And for us, meeting new people and hearing their stories is just as satisfying as making a variety of wines we hope they’ll enjoy.”

ABOVE: Sit outside at GR8 Vines, and head inside where veterans can sign their name on the “Wall of Heroes.”

VINO

Natural Beauty Runs Deep

The oldest family-owned and -operated winery in Ohio, Heineman’s Winery dates its origins back to 1888 when Gustav Heineman immigrated from Germany, settling in what both then and now is a flourishing grape growing region on the islands and shores of Lake Erie. Current owner and winemaker Dustin Heineman represents the fifth generation of the family to operate the popular winery on South Bass Island, just a short walk from downtown Put-in-Bay.

Heineman credits his father, Ed, who passed away in 2023, with teaching him everything he knows about winemaking and expanding the winery’s offerings to more than two dozen types of wines that match practically every preference. Most of the grapes are grown right on South Bass Island with a few varieties supplemented by other Lake Erie vineyards on the mainland. The most popular is Pink Catawba, first bottled by Heineman’s in 1972, using native American grapes that prosper in the soil and growing conditions of the Lake Erie islands.

“Just like we’re in our fifth generation, we’ve had several generations of families come back year over year,” Heineman says. “I’m honored not only to continue our family tradition, but for Heineman’s to be part of other family’s traditions.”

In addition to its wines, Heineman’s offers a large outdoor seating area that makes people feel like they’re sitting in their own backyards. Underneath the winery is the Crystal Cave, the world’s largest celestite geode, with walls covered by bluish celestite crystals 8 to 18 inches long.

Step inside the geode below Heineman’s Winery.

LAKE ERIE SHORES & ISLANDS

A Twisted Path to Winery Owner

Located deep in the hilliest part of Gallia County on picturesque, meandering country roads, Twisted Vine Family Vineyard offers ample rewards for those who set out to find it. Located on a rise at the edge of a forest, the tasting room has a spacious covered deck overlooking the vineyards, a lovely pond, and fields of Ohio wildflowers planted for the purpose of attracting pollinators and Monarch butterflies. If a walk through the woods sounds enticing, hiking trails with interpretive signage are available, and birders may find a species or two they’ve never seen before, including quails, as birds pass through in the spring and fall migrations.

Owner Bill Davis moved to Ohio to be closer to family and had originally envisioned operating a horse farm, an enterprise that didn’t pan out. Instead, he almost impulsively planted 400 grapevines in

2012 for his wife “as a gesture of love. Something for her to look at and watch grow — natural art if you will,” he says. Davis quickly had far more grapes than his family could use. And so, the Davises pivoted, opening their countryside winery. Today, they produce 18 different wines, including an estate-grown Niagara wine. Fruity wine slushies are also available.

Because of their remote location, Davis says he didn’t originally expect many visitors but is now astonished at the crowds. The reason for that is obvious: “There’s only one word to describe this place and its setting — magical,” he says. “We just love providing such a beautiful place for people to relax and enjoy our wines.” And with his extended family — wife, daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren all pitching in to help — Twisted Vine is truly a family enterprise.

OHIO PROUD

From locally grown fruits and vegetables to artisanal cheeses and handcrafted jams, there is an abundance of locally made products waiting to be discovered in every corner of our state. Embrace the essence of the state’s food and agricultural heritage and support local producers as you embark on a delectable journey through the heart of Ohio.

Reynoldsburg, OH

ohioproud.org | @ohioproud

DEI FRATELLI BRAND TOMATOES

Set yourself up for a Summer refresh with Dei Fratelli Tomatoes! With tomatoes grown right in Northwest Ohio, our tomatoes are picked by local growers & preserved within hours to keep your pantry stocked with fresh tomato flavors all year long. Freshen up your summer with Dei Fratelli Tomatoes & try our Cucumber Refresher recipe today!

Northwood, OH

DeiFratelli.com/Cucumber-Refresher | @dei_fratelli

OHIO OHIO

BLISS IN A BOTTLE

Eat the chocolate, drink the wine with the world’s original luxury chocolate and beverage brand. Located in Easton, Bliss in a Bottle sources Callebaut Belgian chocolates and a wide array of flavors locally in Ohio and around the globe. Each bottle is specifically paired so the chocolate and beverage are meant to be enjoyed together!

Columbus, OH

blissinabottle.com | @blissinabottle

BRICK & THISTLE FARMS

Brick & Thistle Farms in Fulton County is a multifaceted agritourism venue. From Mr. Green Dean’s fresh veggies to a summer kitchen Airbnb and Lou’s Coop secondhand store to lovely wedding and event venues in the restored historic barns, Brick & Thistle Farms defines beautiful Ohio Pride through authenticity and sustainable practices.

Archbold, OH

Follow us: @brickandthistlefarms

PROUD PROUD

CHOCOLATES BY ERIN

At Chocolates by Erin, all of our sweets are handmade in our shop. You will find over 20 Chocolate Designer Barks any day of the week! Make sure to ask about our Double Chocolate Cherry Bombs! You can place a special order year round for our chocolate dipped fruit. We dip over 400 lbs. of fresh fruit every February 14 — strawberries, grapes and pineapple!!

Massillon, OH chocolatesbyerin.com

SMOKIN’ BETTIE’S BBQ SAUCE

Growing up near Houston, we fell in love with Texas barbecue. But we can’t find it in northeast Ohio, so we started Smokin’ Bettie’s to make Texas-style barbecue sauces with that great mesquite smoke flavor. We’ve branched out with a few more products that’ll keep you warm on a cold winter’s night. So, bring a little taste of Texas into your kitchen!

Highland Heights, OH smokinbettiesbbq.com

WESTWOOD HONEY FARM

Westwood Honey Farm is a family-owned beekeeping operation located in northeast Ohio. Our “farm” is actually a distributed set of apiaries throughout northeast Ohio. Our honey is available in several retail establishments, as well as online at westwoodhoneyfarm.com.

Strongsville, OH westwoodhoneyfarm.com

LAKE ERIE DISTILLERY

Lake Erie Distillery is your go-to small craft distillery, where passion and innovation blend to create the finest whiskey, bourbon, vodka, and rum. Our spirits, crafted with locally sourced ingredients, promise unmatched quality at a fair price. Experience the dedication in every bottle at Lake Erie Distillery.

Willoughby, OH lakeeriedistillery.com

Laurentia Winery

by the umber n s

BY ALEXIA KEMERLING

Just as grapevines root deep and stretch far, Ohio’s wine and grape industry extends its impact far beyond a glass of Cabernet or one beautiful vineyard. The numbers speak for themselves — the economic impact of Ohio’s wine and grape industry is remarkable.

Ohio has 88 counties and is home to 323 wineries.

Won’t you be my neighbor? 323 wineries might seem crowded for just 88 counties, but having multiple wineries in a county actually increases the number of visits each winery will get. Wine shuttle, anyone?

Though Ohio is not a large state geographically, our rich soil and dedicated winemakers put us at No. 7 in the nation in wine economic output.

12 to 15 lbs.

That’s how many grapes go in one gallon of wine. In one year, Ohio winemakers produced nearly 1.2 million gallons of wine. That’s a lot of grapes.

Grapes aren’t just for making wine (though they’re great for that), as 21 Ohio businesses produce grape juice, jam, and jelly.

For drinks with friends, romantic nights out, listening to live music, and nibbling on cheeseboards, for the love of all things grape — Ohio wineries had more than

visits in 2022. That’s more than double the number of people in Ohio’s most populous city, Columbus. 2 ,327 ,150

Behind each visit and every sip, 40,399 jobs supported the grape industry from vineyard to dining room, jam-making to vinification, harvester to server. These jobs brought in $1.9 billion in wages and $6.6 billion in economic activity.

Shade Winery

Dutch Creek Winery

PER F ECT Pair

BY NICHOLAS DEKKER s

BEEF

Heartier meats like beef, which are often marbled with more fat than other types of proteins, pair nicely with richer red wines like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, or Syrah. The tannins in those wines help soften the more robust meat, while the meat itself mellows out the wine to emphasize its fruit flavors.

POULTRY

As a lighter meat, poultry such as chicken, turkey, or duck lends itself to lighter bodied and brighter wines like Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. Their crisp fruit flavors and balanced acidity complement meat that often works as a blank slate, whether you’re cooking your chicken with lemon and garlic or roasting a turkey with rosemary and thyme.

WE ALL KNOW THAT WINE AND FOOD ARE ONE OF THE BEST PAIRINGS, BUT WITH SO MANY OPTIONS, SOMETIMES WE ALL NEED A LITTLE GUIDANCE. HERE’S A QUICK GUIDE TO COMBINATIONS THAT BRING OUT THE BEST IN YOUR MEAL AND THE WINES YOU’RE ENJOYING. JUST REMEMBER — THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS TO EVERY RULE! ➻

PORK

Like poultry, pork is a versatile meat that lends itself to a variety of preparations and wine pairings. A Chardonel, for instance, brings its tones of stone fruit, vanilla, and florals to pork roasted with fruit. Or a Gewürztraminer offers its signature tropical fruit and spice to an herbcrusted pork tenderloin.

FISH

Properly roasted fish, from Ohio perch to walleye, can be rich in flavor but delicate or flaky in texture, so it’s best paired with wines that balance fruit, spice, and acidity. Think of a Vidal Blanc with your perch dinner or a Riesling with your grilled walleye.

SEAFOOD

Whether it’s grilled, boiled, or roasted, shellfish offers delicate buttery flavors that are open to dozens of pairings. Start with wines that are lighter in flavor but still boldly structured, like Chardonel or Pinot Grigio. If the seafood is given a spicier treatment, like seafood jambalaya or paella, go for a bolder wine like Chambourcin or Cabernet Franc.

LAMB

A grilled rack of lamb or ground lamb served in kabobs offers surprisingly dynamic wine pairings. Depending on how it’s prepared, lamb can be bigger and gamier like beef or lighter and juicier like pork. Try sipping a glass of crisp Riesling, a sweet and hearty Vidal Blanc, or a buttery Chardonnay.

ABOVE: Pair Ferrante Winery & Ristorante’s Cask Red with their chocolate torte. BELOW: Order a white wine with the shrimp scampi at Raven’s Glenn Winery & Restaurant.

PASTA

Who doesn’t love a glass of wine to go with a big bowl of pasta? The potential pairings are endless, given the variety of shapes and sauces for the dish. Match your big, tomato-based red sauce with equally bold red wines like Syrah or Cabernet Franc. Or pair your creamy white sauces with Chardonel or Pinot Gris.

Timeless Charm with

a

Vibrant Spirit

DESSERT

From dense vanilla cakes to caramel crème brulee, or cheesecakes with fruit sauce to flaky tarts, you’ll often want to pair afterdinner delicacies with equally sweet wines. Go for a hearty, fruitforward Riesling, a flute of bubbly sparkling wine, or a rich Ohio ice wine.

CHOCOLATE

What goes better together than wine and chocolate? The wines you pair with chocolate can range from deep and sugary to bold and dry. If you’re slicing up a chocolate cake, popping truffles, or nibbling on gooey brownies, go sweet with ice wines or a big rosé, or sip a glass of port or sherry.

Medina County located in Northeast Ohio is packed with postcard-perfect communities where everyone feels like they are home. Each town is filled with one-of-a-kind attractions, timeless shopping experiences, and adventures for both the indoor and outdoor enthusiasts. Top this off with the world’s melting pot of flavors, from our variety of tantalizing dining options to our array of spirits, you will find yourself transported every meal!

What is stopping you from booking your next trip to Medina County?

Wine & Music with Clark Smith

CLARK SMITH, A WINEMAKER IN CALIFORNIA

SINCE 1972, has forged a career exploring and teaching about the powerful pairing of wine and music. He travels widely, making a stop in Ohio in 2024, to lead workshops and seminars on the subject, and even co-authored A Practical Guide to Pairing Wine & Music.

So how did he arrive at this expertise? Smith traces the origins back to his time at University of California Davis, where his studies in wine were more technical and less holistic. “They like to pick wine apart into its pieces and analyze how much strawberry or aroma we have here,” he says. “I don’t think that tells you anything about wine quality. You can put strawberry in a glass, but you can’t put harmony in a glass.”

He later attended an event with winemaker Don Blackburn, who demonstrated pairing wine and music. “He poured three wines for us: a Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, and a Cabernet,” Smith says. “Then he played three pieces of music: Mozart’s “Divertimento,” Franz Liszt, and the overture to “Carmina Burana.” He asked us to match them up, and we all agreed. He said, ‘Maybe it’s not just perception, maybe it’s just logic.’ If you taste the Cab with the “Divertimento,” it tastes horrible. Similarly, if you play “Carmina Burana” and drink this Beaujolais that’s very tannic, it’s very harsh. This is where the idea of emotional resonance came from.”

Clark shares his all-time favorite pairing: “I get a great big bottle of Cabernet Franc with Bruce Springsteen’s “Jungleland” playing at high volume with a fireplace or candles burning.”

O hio Wineries

Fine Wine, Festivals, Wine Trails, and Fun

Join us for the Vintage Ohio Wine Festival, Kirtland, the first Friday and Saturday in August

Winter Wine Affair, Youngstown, each March, Vintage Ohio South, Springield, each May, Ohio’s Island Wine Festival, Put-in-Bay each June, and V.I.N.O. Wine & Food Festival, Bowling Green, each October

Take a Day Trip and discover the wineries in your own backyard or join us for wine & food pairing dinners

Thoughout the year, watch for wine trail events: Chocolate Trails, Tannenbaum Trail, Deck the Wreath Trail, and the Wine n’ Bloom Trail

To be the first to learn about these and other events, sign up for our e-letter or visit OhioWines.org/events

Smith curates Spotify playlists on pairingwineandmusic.com for more than two dozen wine varieties.

His Dry Rosé playlist ranges from John Denver’s “Sunshine On My Shoulders” and Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” to Michael Jackson’s “The Lady in My Life” and Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.” If you’re sipping a Merlot, Smith’s selections walk you through a variety of songs, from Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” and Taylor Swift’s “All You Had To Do Was Stay.”

Perfect Pairings

in Northeast Ohio

CharBenay’s Wine on the River

A sophisticated wine bar in Downtown Warren, nestled by the scenic Mahoning River, offering a curated wine selection, enticing menu, and winemaking and pairing events.

Country Porch Winery

Nestled in Trumbull County’s heart, the area’s oldest winery offers a scenic country setting where owners Deb and Sheila provide over 15 varietals for tastings.

Greene Eagle Winery

Relax at Greene Eagle Winery, an American Revolutionary Cape Cod in a scenic countryside. Enjoy handcrafted wine and house-made beer by a cozy fire.

Hartford Hill Winery

This beautiful winery, built using wood from area barns, offers a rustic atmosphere with indoor and outdoor spaces, a fireplace area, and a light menu.

Trumbull

Woodland Cellars

Woodland Cellars is an urban winery that offers a unique selection of wines and meads, including being one of the first “meaderies” in Ohio.

Plan your trip at TrulyTrumbull.com to find even more attractions, points of interest, festivals, and events.

Hartford Hill Winery

CharBenay’s Wine on the River

Country Porch Winery

Greene Eagle Winery Woodland Cellars

in

SPECTACULAR VIEWS, GREAT FRIENDS, AND SUMPTUOUS WINES — what could be better? How about wineries with a little something extra? Here are a few places to get you started. Find even more with a search on findohiowines.com, where you can get all the details on locations, varietals, and amenities to find your perfect sip stop.

BY ANN FAZZINI

Take

views of the growing vines as you sip outside at Le Petit Chevalier Vineyards & Farm Winery.

Located just off the shores of Lake Erie, the Gideon Owen Wine Company in Port Clinton sits on a lush, tree-lined property that’s perfect for enjoying some sips with a view. In the colder months or on rainy days, unique outdoor glasshouses are available to rent for a cozy, intimate dining experience in the great outdoors without getting cold or wet.

Going to Blossom Music Center to catch a concert? Sarah’s Vineyard in Cuyahoga Falls is across the street, making it just right for a pre-show warm-up. The outdoor patio and covered pavilion get you outdoors and out of the elements for some fresh air and crisp flights.

Serene rolling farmlands are in the spotlight at Le Petit Chevalier Vineyards & Farm Winery in Creola, along with 15 wines made on-site. Indulge in a charcuterie board and a wine slushie, and then take in the spectacular view from the outdoor seating areas.

Enjoy the stunning views at Le Petit Chevalier Vineyards & Farm Winery.

SIP with US!

Whether you’re looking to unwind with a new favorite glass of wine, or pick up a bottle (or two!) to enjoy at dinner, you can find it in Findlay. Sip from locally made wine at Gillig Winery, or shop the diverse selections at Findlay Wine Merchant and Gathering Wine - there is something for every palate. Pair your visit with a trip to the Findlay Art League, a show at

Sit outside or enjoy sunny days inside the comfortable Gideon Owen Wine Company.

S P E N D

T H E N I G H T

Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa brings the oldworld style of Tuscany to Canton, where you can stay in luxury boutique accommodations with a spa and an intimate wine cave. Bring a bunch of friends to stay in the refurbished farmhouse that’s been on-site since the early 1800s.

A scenic estate vineyard, Buccia Vineyard in Conneaut features four recently renovated modern rooms built onto the original rustic winery building. Book a room for a weekend getaway just minutes from Lake Erie. As an added bonus, the cost of every stay includes a wine flight.

Located in the outdoor lover’s paradise of Mosquito Creek Lake, Cortland’s Greene Eagle Winery & Brew Pub serves up hearty eats and sweet sips with a nice view of the forest. Book a night in the cozy, rustic Eagle’s Nest cabin or bring a tent and camp.

With an expansive view of nearly 5 lush acres of grapevines, the picnic pavilion is the best place to relax and relish a glass at the KnoxView Farm Winery in Fredericktown. Choose from several varieties ranging from sweet to tart.

Housed in a former gristmill and located in the Appalachian foothills of Gallia County, Merry Family Winery in Bidwell offers up a variety of house-made wines and craft beers — plus beautiful views — that are best enjoyed from a cozy rocking chair on the front porch.

The picturesque rows of grapes at Laleure Vineyards in Parkman started as an experiment for owners Rich and Betsy Hill, who wanted to see how the fruit would grow on their farm. Now more than 25 years later, guests can enjoy sampling 10 varieties while taking in the countryside view.

Take

vineyards at Merry Family Winery.

Every

Scan to view our menu!

COZY U P F I R ESIDE

Take the name of YOLO Winery to heart — you only live once! The Kimbolton retreat always has a full event calendar and a cheerful clientele ready to sample wines like their unique variety “I Dare You,” a semi-sweet with a jalapeño kick. Enjoy a glass while warming up inside by the fireplace or around the outdoor fire pit.

Making memories is top of the menu at White Timbers Winery in Wadsworth. The small batch wines, all named after songs from the ’60s and ’70s and available for purchase only at the winery, are best enjoyed by an outdoor fire pit with an unbeatable view of the vineyard — the perfect place to catch the sunset.

Sample some of the more than 20 wine varieties paired with burgers, flatbreads, and shareable tapas plates in a romantic, country barn-style dining hall at The Winerie in Sandusky. The stone fireplace makes it a can’t-miss date night spot.

Warm up by the fireplace at The Winerie.

B R I N G Y O U R D O G

A flight is a must to get a wellrounded sampling of the awardwinning wines at Grand River Cellars in Madison. Pair your choices with a wide range of flavorful menu items — everything from small bites to full entrées — plus, your dog can join you on the pup-friendly patio.

Tucked away in the scenic woodlands of Appalachia, Hocking Hills Winery in Logan provides the perfect refresh after a day of hiking or boating. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on the patio for some chill time, too.

Sitting on 8 scenic country acres, Mirabelle Farm & Vineyard near Ashville serves up homegrown, handpicked wine varieties and wine slushies, just right for a relaxing visit with your four-legged best friend.

Bring your dog along when you sit outside on the patio at Grand River Cellars.

LISTE

Located in historic Canal Fulton on the bank of the Tuscarawas River, Dragonfly Winery radiates casual vibes thanks in part to a regular lineup of local musicians playing everything from rock to folk. Order a pizza or appetizers off their full menu.

PLACE TO FIND YOUR PACE

yesteryear at historic at the popular of the area’s just day one. Whether its history and fun and festivities, arts and activities, or just and relaxation that’s on your getaway sure to find it in Fulton County.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Meet the resident alpacas at Yellow Butterfly Winery. Relax on the lawn at Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard & Winery.

N T O L I V E

MUSIC

With its signature yellow barn and dramatic countryside location — complete with grazing alpacas — Yellow Butterfly Winery in Newcomerstown offers nearly two dozen varieties of wine and a regular lineup of musicians from around the state in a perfectly serene setting.

cheer

Find Your "FUL" in

Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard & Winery in Eaton takes its name from the renovated 1890s one-room schoolhouse it calls home. Sample from their large wine selection, made on-site, then enjoy live entertainment and relax on the patio and spacious lawn.

THE PLACE TO FIND YOUR PACE

Relive yesteryear at historic Sauder Village. Find family fun at the popular Fulton County Fairgrounds

Explore one of the area’s wonderful wineries

Fulton County’s Wine & Brew trail offers a cheerful unhurried experience of sampling and sipping. Whether its history and heritage, fun and festivities, arts and entertainment, or simply rest and relaxation that’s on your getaway list, you’re sure to find it in Fulton County.

THE PLACE TO FIND YOUR PACE

Relive yesteryear at historic Sauder Village. Find family fun at the popular Fulton County Fairgrounds

And that’s just day one. Whether its history and heritage, fun and festivities, arts and activities, or just simply rest and relaxation that’s on your getaway list, you’re sure to find it in Fulton County.

visitfultoncounty.com

Explore one of the area’s wonderful wineries And that’s just day one. Whether its history and heritage, fun and festivities, arts and activities, or just simply rest and relaxation that’s on your getaway list, you’re sure to find it in Fulton County.

visitfultoncounty.com

Knotty Vines Farm & Winery, Wauseon, OH

Benfield Wines Swanton, OH

Red Rambler Coffees & Ramblin’ Red’s Brewing Wauseon, OH

American Winery Wauseon, OH

Start your tour of Lake County, OH, with a splash on the shores of Lake Erie. Then savor the taste of a splash of wine at over 30 wineries in Ohio’s Wine Country. Start with a

MORE THAN 1,300

WINERIES IN THE GRAND RIVER VALLEY & SURROUNDING AREA

18

ACRES OF VINEYARDS OR BELOW IS THE IDEAL TEMPERATURE FOR HARVESTING & PRESSING GRAPES FOR ICE WINE OF OHIO'S GRAPES ARE GROWN IN THE GRAND RIVER VALLEY

REQUIRED LOCAL GRAPE CONTENT TO INCLUDE THE GRAND RIVER VALLEY AVA ON ITS LABEL

Branch

➻

On a scale of one to sommelier, how would you rate your wine expertise?

Definite beginner!

Are you dining while you sip?

We’re not sure

Yes No

What’s on your plate?

Seafood, light and flavorful

TRAMINETTE Perhaps new to your glass, this bright wine has a floral aroma and a slight spice complementing the salt of seafood. Paper Moon Vineyards in Vermilion is built on the motto “escape from the same” — the perfect nudge to give their Traminette blend a try. The bottling from Old Mason Winery & Vineyard (LEFT) in West Milton captures the floral scent, but also adds honey and pear notes.

CHARDONEL Don’t confuse this grape with Chardonnay (though if you love Chardonnay, chances are you’ll like Chardonel), as this varietal has its own unique taste. Easy to sip alone or pair with food, Chardonel is a great starting order. Headley Inn Winery & Vineyard (RIGHT) in Zanesville bottles a Chardonel that is light and not too sweet, but still with strong fruit notes. At Raven’s Glenn Winery & Restaurant in West Lafayette, the White October wine lets Chardonel grapes shine, evoking a light fruit taste.

Sommelier status!

Do you prefer dry or sweet?

BBQ, ribs, all the grilled goodness

I’m not sure

Somewhere in between.

FRONTENAC This spirited red is sweet and sassy, or rather, balances its sugar and acids well. Lincoln Way Vineyards (RIGHT) in Wooster ferments this varietal to create their 6:16 Red. However, if you’re searching for sweet, this wine is perfect for pairing with a rich, warm dessert. The 6:16 Red presents grape and plum flavors with hints of clove that will warm your taste buds.

CHAMBOURCIN This French-American hybrid grape produces a dark red juice and a flavor with as much depth as the hue, holding up to bold flavors from the grill. At Bethany Ridge Winery in Guysville, you’ll find an award-winning Chambourcin, dry and spicy with hints of black cherry and cranberry. Also used in blends, Chambourcin makes a subtle, but impactful appearance in the Black Shadow wine at Weymouth Winery (RIGHT) in Hinckley.

Out

BY ALEXIA KEMERLING

While most people know the difference between their reds and whites, there are thousands of types of grapes and endless blends, flavors, tasting notes, and aromas. Ohio’s winemakers cultivate a stunning diversity of varietals and produce flavors that can nudge you gently out of your comfort zone, where you may even find a new favorite. Not sure where to start exploring? Just take our quiz below.

Is it sweater weather?

Somewhere in between

Yes

Red or white?

CABERNET FRANC This dry red is perfect to drink for a warm summer evening. The bottle you’ll find at Debonné Vineyards in Madison, located in the Grand River Valley wine region, boasts juicy dark fruit flavors and mild tannins. Or try the offering from Klingshirn Winery (ABOVE) in Avon Lake, notable for its hints of blackberry and strawberry.

Red No

GEW Ü RZTRAMINER If you’re still learning your preferences, this dynamic white is on the dry side, but with sweet notes it makes for an easy palate pleaser. While the floral notes are to be expected with this varietal, the spicy citrus aroma will surprise and delight your tastebuds when you try it at Ferrante Winery (BELOW) in Geneva. At Buccia Vineyard in Conneaut, pair your glass with live music and sip while gazing out at the vineyards.

MARQUETTE Known for its complex dark fruit flavors and medium-body taste, this varietal is an excellent choice for those who lean toward dry reds. Heron Creek Wine (RIGHT) in Wellington offers their Marquette in clear cans, bottles, or spritzers. The Marquette produced by Hanover Winery in Hamilton is aged in oak, adding another layer to this fruity dry red. Or try the bottle from Three Oaks Vineyard in Granville, barrel-aged in French oak.

PINOT GRIS This French varietal is another close match to the familiar Italian grape Pinot Grigio. Pinot Gris tends to have a richer body and higher alcohol content. The Winery at Wolf Creek (RIGHT) in Norton produces a Pinot Gris that offers citrus fruit aromas and is on the more dry and light side.

White

Always in Season? IT’S A SHORE THING

Shores & Islands Ohio is more than just a place, it’s a feeling. Make our Cheers Trail part of your next adventure. Download our free Cheers Trail pass. Visit, check-in, and enjoy delicious locally-made craft brews, beverages and wines. Earn points for prizes year-round! Find your Lake Erie Love at SHORESandISLANDS.com

Download the new Ohio Wines VIP app to keep track of your travels as you sip your way through the state. New in June 2024, the mobile passport app revamped Ohio Wine’s previous VIP program, which allowed almost 23,000 members to earn points toward prizes and merchandise by collecting tickets at participating wineries and entering their codes online.

Now it’s easier than ever to rack up points as you taste your way through over 200 participating wineries. Use your phone to stamp your passport when you arrive at each winery, and see the points add up in real time on your account. Browse available swag and see how many points you need to bring it home. Earn badges based on how many wineries you visit, find upcoming events to check out, and complete trails featuring curated winery stops.

Still trying to choose your winery destination? Not only does the app feature a navigation tool, making it easy to locate wineries within reach, but it also includes information about what amenities you can find at each winery.

Future updates are already in the works — perks like discounts from your favorite wineries on food and merchandise. Make sure to download the VIP app to embark on your very own Ohio wine adventure.

Dan and Judy Garver purchased the Old Baltic Mill in 2013 and proceeded to renovate and convert it into a quaint boutique winery in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country.

The Baltic Mill Winery now offers delectable handcrafted wine and hard cider in a breathtaking historical setting.

Stop in—we look forward to serving you! www.BalticMillWinery.com

Spend the afternoon with friends at Lincoln Way Vineyards in Wooster.

Sip, savor & snap.

OPPOSITE PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Troutman Vineyards in Wooster @troutmanvineyards, Laurello Vineyards in Geneva @cm_photography42, Majestic Oak Winery in Grand Rapids @sparkykitten ABOVE: Gervasi Vineyard in Canton @storiesbysamantha LEFT, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Manchester Hill Winery and Vineyard in Circleville @ohiojourneys, Swiss Heritage Winery in Dover @_ashleys.adventures_, Raven’s Glenn Winery & Restaurant in West Lafayette @kampingwithkayla, Barrel Run Crossing Winery in Rootstown @farflungtravels, Hocking Hills Winery in Logan @hockinghillswinery, Grand River Cellars in Madison @dawn_bubonic_photography

Share your Ohio wine adventures.

Our countryside vineyard and wine cellar are located in the Mad River Valley in Champaign county. Enjoy our estate wines, from dry to sweet, with a sandwich or other accompaniments while seated in our 4-acre vineyard or in front of a warm fireplace. Thurs 5pm to 9pm and Fri/Sat noon to 9 pm.

Salute'

Vino di Piccin

Salute'

55155 National Rd. Lansing, OH 43934 (740) 738-0261 vinodipiccin.com

Vino di Piccin

55155 National Rd. Lansing, OH 43934 (740) 738-0261

vinodipiccin.com

Tasting House Hours

Vino di Piccin

Vino di Piccin

For the love of Family and Wine

Thur. - Fri. 3-9 pm Saturday 1-9 pm

Tasting House Hours

Thur. - Fri. 3-9 pm

Saturday 1-9 pm

Scan the QR code to purchase our wines, facility rentals & more!

Scan the QR code to purchase our wines, facility rentals & more!

For the love of Family and Wine

Vino di Piccin believes in utilizing the best available grapes in our wine making process. We believe that the quality of the wine that we drink today, starts years prior in our partner’s vineyards.

Vino di Piccin believes in utilizing the best available grapes in our wine making process. We believe that the quality of the wine that we drink today, starts years prior in our partner’s vineyards.

At Vino di Piccin we have applied the knowledge and understanding of the wine making process bestowed to us from the generations of family and friends and have made it our own. A process that is founded on quality, consistency, and the love of family and wine.

At Vino di Piccin we have applied the knowledge and understanding of the wine making process bestowed to us from the generations of family and friends and have made it our own. A process that is founded on quality, consistency, and the love of family and wine.

Guggisberg Swiss Inn