Thursday, December 31, 2009

Finger Lakes Report: Miles Wine Cellars

Miles Wine CellarsImage by mava via Flickr
FINGER LAKES REPORT -- Continuing the winery reports from our October tasting trip. The story of our visit to Miles Wine Cellars on Seneca Lake can now be told. Starting in October I've been relating our travels and tasting experiences from the Finger Lakes. With more than 20 wineries visited, it's taken a while.

But there's a reason I couldn't write about the visit to Miles until now. When we visited the Finger Lakes in 2008, my wife decided that we needed to visit because it had a wine called Ghost which had just won an award for its label design. She thought this would be a great gift.

Well, during that trip time got away from us and in order to make meet our friends in time for lunch, we never made it to Miles. This time we made the stop and bought the special Ghost wine. However, I couldn't write about it until now. Our neighbors read the blog and we wanted to keep the special gift we purchased a secret in order not to ruin the surprise.

Miles Wine Cellars is one of the most unique wineries in the Finger Lakes. Miles Wine Cellars is located in a Greek revival mansion overlooking Seneca Lake at a location that was once the site of a ferry crossing. The large pillars gracing the front of the building make any visit a grand entrance.

We started our tasting with the 2006 Chardonnay, which is very low oak with flavors of ripe apple. This is a pleasant sipper. Our next glass was of Ghost.


Ghost is a step up on the sweetness scale (1.7% residual sugar). It is fruity and light and is a Chardonnay/Cayuga blend. Ghost is a special tribute to the spirits said to inhabit the old mansion. On the front of the bottle is an image of a ghost-like silhouette of a woman. Through her skirts and the wine in the bottle, one can see a line drawing of the house, which appears on the back of the wine bottle. On the front porch of the building you can see small figures of a man and woman embracing.

Clairvoyants who have visited the house to taste wine have told owner Doug Miles that the building has spirits. For years the Miles family has experienced strange sounds, mists and forms. The bottle includes the invitation to "taste the spirits within."

The wine is flavorful and also makes a great gift.

Also sampled during our visit was the 2006 Cabernet Franc. This deep red wine is barrel aged in Hungarian oak and offers flavors of mocha and smoke. This was my favorite of the visit. A bottle goes for $19.95.


We closed our tasting at the ghostly mansion with a sample of Call Me a Cab. This is a Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir blend. This is a sweeter wine said to complement spicy foods and can be served chilled.

The grounds at Miles Wine Cellars are spectacular and are certainly worth the drive. The winery is at the site of an old ferry landing and offers a spectacular view of Seneca Lake. There is also a dock for those who wish to boat to the mansion.




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Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Michigan Resort Offers Elk Viewing, Gourmet Meal and Wine Tasting

Want to get away from it all? How's this sound: a sleigh ride through the woods, elk viewing, a gourmet meal cooked on a wood stove followed by a tasting of boutique wines? That's what's being offered by Michigan's Thunder Bay Resort and it is just what the doctor ordered. The resort is in Hillman, Michigan, about 20 miles from Alpena. We're not saying it's a remote location, but the resort includes the GPS coordinates just in case.


You can enjoy winter's white blanket, proud evergreens and a horse-drawn sleigh ride as you travel through the Northern Woods. From the sleighs, you can view bull elk with world-class antlers. Later you can warm up in front of a split stone fireplace inside the Elk Antler Log Cabin as your gourmet feast is prepared on antique wood cook stoves.

The meal will be accompanied by seven wines from Alpena winery Stoney Acres Winery. Stoney Acres Winery, a small boutique winery, was established in 1999 in Alpena, Michigan. The business began by providing equipment and ingredients for the home beer and wine maker while the signature wines were being carefully produced from fruit grown by local farms.

In January 2003 the wines were introduced to the public in the tasting room located within the winery. Beginning with the Silver City Red (Merlot) and Silver City White (Riesling) in the grape variety and the Apple, Blueberry, Strawberry and Raspberry in the fruit varieties the wines were well received.

The cost for the Elk Viewing-Gourmet packages begins at $234 per person for a double and a lower price is available for a quad. The package includes the elk viewing sleigh ride, gourmet dinner and wine tasting, two nights deluxe lodging, two full breakfasts in the Clubhouse Grill and winter activity passes including cross country skiing, snowmobiling and nearby ice fishing. (equipment rental extra).

For additional information, call Thunder Bay at (800) 729-9375.
Photo by Nathan Forget


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Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Ohio Winery Visit: South River Vineyard

TANNENBAUM TRAIL REPORT – The South River Vineyard, 6062 South River Road, Geneva, Ohio, marked the mid-way point in our 10-winery tour on the Tannenbaum Trail. Actually, the South River Vineyard wasn’t one of the official Tannenbaum Trail wineries but we went “off the grid” at the suggestion of some fellow tasters – and we’ve mighty glad we did. This was one of the nicest wineries we visited.

2009_1205tannenbaumtrail0012 Visiting the winery is almost a spiritual experience. That’s actually a joke, but very appropriate

because the winery is actually a 19th century church. The building was moved from its original location in Shalersville in Portage County in 2000. It served an active church from 1893 until the late 1970s when the congregation built a new building.

The church was disassembled with the aid of Amish carpenters2009_1205tannenbaumtrail0014 and moved to its current location and still boasts the original floors, some of the stained glass windows and the interior doors. As we entered, the afternoon sun was filtering through the stained glass.

During the reconstruction, a time capsule was salvaged from the building and returned to the remnants of the original congregation. It was a copper box, about the size of a shoe box, soldered shut.

When opened, the copper inside was unweathered and still glowed with the original finish. It contained two leather bound bibles, a list of the 25 members of the church at the time of construction, some local newspaper articles, business cards, and several Indian head pennies.

The price for the tastings were $1 for three samples and we began with the whites. I sampled a very pleasant Riesling which had aromas of orange and honey. Green Dragon tasted the Pinot Grigio.

2009_1205tannenbaumtrail0015 For the reds we began with Exodus. This is 100% Merlot and we were told that it was labeled such after the movie “Sideways” caused Merlot sales to slump. This had plum and jam flavor notes. Like other South River Vineyard wines, this came in a bottle with very attractive painted artwork.

Green Dragon really enjoyed her next taste, Trinity. This is a proprietary blend of Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Chambourcin in almost equal amounts. This opens smoothly with berries and light oak. We purchased a bottle of this.

My next glass was Karma and “instant karma” really got me. This is their signature blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. This packs a more powerful punch than the Trinity with complexities of a nice Cabernet Sauvignon. This has a nice backbone with good tannins and some chewy cherry flavors. This was my favorite.

We closed with the Pinot Noir, which has cherry and strawberry2009_1205tannenbaumtrail0043 flavors with a touch of oak. It is available in limited quantities and is a winner.

The prices at the winery are astounding low for the quality. Most bottles are $16 or $17. Ice wine is a bit pricier. You can purchase a case of a single wine (excluding ice wine) or a mixed case for only $154, which is $12 per bottle. This is a great value.

Later that evening we went out to dinner and I was delighted to  find Trinity on the wine list – and was pleased to find it pairs well with a gorgonzola burger.

The winery also has a wonderful pavilion. You can grab a glass of wine and stroll out to the pavilion which has an expansive view of the vineyards. This striking columned structure looks like a Greek temple sitting on a hillside. This certainly deserves a warm weather return visit.

Not only is this a great destination for wine lovers, but it’s also a great location for the photo buff.


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Monday, December 28, 2009

Vino 100 Wine Bar New Year's Eve Celebration

New York Times Square New year celebrations in...Image via Wikipedia
The Toledo area's newest wine bar will be ringing the new year on December 31. Vino 100 Wine Bar, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite D, Maumee, (419) 866-8466. will be open on New Year's Eve and will offer an exciting limited menu for your 2010 celebration.

No RSVP is required but seating capacity is limited, in order to guarantee a spot, it is best to call. The menu will consist of jumbo shrimp, oysters on the half shell, prime rib slices, salad, and of course bubbly.The wine bar has two flat screen TVs to the ball drop and festivities in Times Square. There will also be a limited number of party favors, so plan to get there early.

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Wine Tasting & Events: Week of Dec. 28, 2009

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Monday, December 28
Vino 100 Shop and Wine Bar, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite D, Maumee -- (419) 866-8466. Bubble Town. Practice Makes Perfect! Champagne and Sparkling wine flights all week! $20 Taste different bubbles from Ohio to France. Actually the one from Ohio is pretty good stuff! No RSVP. (Store hours 12 noon to 10:00 p.m.)


Tuesday, December 29
** Special Event** Perrysburg Area Arts Council benefit wine tasting, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Aficionado Wine & Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). The cost is $20 per person and $10 of each tasting fee is  donated to the Perrysburg Arts Council. Please tell your family and friends, and come out and support this great cause.

Vino 100 Shop and Wine Bar, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite D, Maumee -- (419) 866-8466. Bubble Town. Practice Makes Perfect! Champagne and Sparkling wine flights all week! $20 Taste different bubbles from Ohio to France. Actually the one from Ohio is pretty good stuff! No RSVP. (Store hours 12 noon to 10:00 p.m.)

Wednesday, December 30
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM, $15.

Vino 100 Shop and Wine Bar, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite D, Maumee -- (419) 866-8466. Bubble Town. Practice Makes Perfect! Champagne and Sparkling wine flights all week! $20 Taste different bubbles from Ohio to France. Actually the one from Ohio is pretty good stuff! No RSVP. (Store hours 12 noon to 10:00 p.m.)

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Terry Theise, "Grower Champagne." 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Pay by the flight or the sample.

Thursday, December 31 - New Year's Eve 
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. So Many bubbles. We'll be tasting a great selection of sparkling wine tonight, including: Cava, Prosecco, Asti, California sparklers and, or course, Champagne. Try it before you buy it. Cost $1 to $3 per sample.

Vino 100 Shop and Wine Bar, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite D, Maumee -- (419) 866-8466. Open for your New Year's Eve celebration with a special limited menu and bubbly. Reservations not required. To ensure a seat, show up early or call.

Friday, January 1 -- Happy New Year  


Saturday, January 2
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). Argentina Malbec. 1.Alamos, 2.La Linda, 3.Tierra Secreta and 4.High Note. $10 tasting.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. Terry Theise, "New Year's Oddballs." 12:00 to 5 p.m. Pay by the flight or the sample.



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Saturday, December 26, 2009

New Year's Eve Winery Events

Two Ohio wineries, the Old Firehouse Winery and the Winery at Versailles, want to help you ring in the new year on December 31.


The Old Firehouse Winery, 5499 Lake Road, Geneva-on-the-Lake, is offering the “Firehouse Un-New Years Eve.” Which they bill as "no over-priced admission, no band, no cover charge, and no mediocre buffet." It's just you, the wine, and the festive ambiance of Old Firehouse Winery. You are invited to come in early, and stay late. The winery will be open until 1:00 a.m. Phone 800-UNCORK-1 for more information.

You are invited to join The Winery at Versailles, 6572 State Route 47, Versailles, for their "A Night in Hollywood" New Years Eve Celebration from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on December 31. Come as your favorite actor or actress. A movie trivia challenge is planned followed by dinner and photos on the red carpet. The evening will finish with the awards ceremony. Light fare, toasting and great wine will be featured. Watch out for the stalking paparazzi. The tickets $20 per person. Reservations are a must. Call (937) 526-3232 for reservations and more information.
Photo by Wes Peck
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Thursday, December 24, 2009

2009 Vintage: Patience Pays Off for Michigan's Winemakers

Visitors to Michigan's 71 wineries can taste the first wines from the 2009 vintage next spring. What they may not realize is that the grapes for those wines had a tough season on the vine. It was cold. It was wet. There was extreme cold in February and unexpected frost in early October. Not ideal growing conditions for wine grapes.


Doug Welsch, with Fenn Valley Vineyards, says 2009 "will be remembered as one of the most difficult years to grow wine in the Northeast U.S. One significant bright spot was the four weeks of above-normal temperatures and sunny weather during late August and into September."

According to Tom Zabadal, grape specialist with Michigan State University Extension, Michigan's wine grape crop endured the lowest number of "growing degree days" (days where the temperature is above a minimum threshold) in 14 years. Growers throughout the state held off on harvest as long as possible to get additional heat, and many removed clusters to allow the remaining grapes to ripen more fully.

The good news, according to Welsch, is that "this was a stellar year for white wines. Early white varieties, including Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Riesling, have great fruit forward character and a pleasant acidity that makes the wine seem fresh and alive." Winemakers on Old Mission Peninsula also report that early whites have "lively acidity and show a refreshing fruit character."

Matt Moersch, with Round Barn Winery, agrees. "Our early season thinning has really paid off. Even with the rain and cool temperatures, we are still pulling in nice, clean fruit. Quality wins over quantity this time around. Look for the Chardonnay to be a standout in the 2009 vintage!"

But don't dismiss the reds just yet, says Joe Herman, with Karma Vista Vineyards. Although Herman says quantity is down, the reds show promise. "The juice from the reds is deep, almost inky; it's amazing with the weather we've had this season," he said.

Michigan's wine industry continues to grow. Seven new wineries opened in 2009, bringing the total using predominantly Michigan-grown fruit to 71. Many wines from the 2009 vintage will be available beginning in spring 2010, though some reds may not be released for a year or two. Some wineries will celebrate the vintage with new-release and other special tastings. To learn more about the vineyards and wineries of Michigan, visit http://www.michiganwines.com/ or contact the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council at 517-241-4468.

The Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council is an 11-member panel that supports the growth of the grape and wine industry in Michigan. It is housed in the Michigan Department of Agriculture, which is the official state agency charged with serving, promoting and protecting the food, agriculture and agricultural economic interests of the people of the state of Michigan.


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Wednesday, December 23, 2009

New Year's Eve Eve Party at Viking Vineyard

Don't want to leap hastily in the new year? You can ease your way in with a New Year's Eve Eve event scheduled Wednesday, December 30, from 6:00 to 10 p.m. at Viking Vineyards, 268 Old Forge Road,
Kent, Ohio.


The annual party allows you to celebrate the end of the old year and the coming of the new year twice. Or, you can just avoid the New Year's Eve madness (and traffic, and police check points, etc.) altogether. Enjoy a glass or two of wine with friends and family, munch some hors d'oeuvres, listen to some great fun music, and relax before you get ready for the real party the next day.

The menu includes Italian sausage, their "famous" meatballs, cheeses, veggies and dip, rolls and butter, dessert, plus more.The price for this munchfest is only $7.50 per person, plus tax, due at the time of reservations.

The food will be out from 6:00 to 8:00, then you can stay for the rockin' music of Tequilla Bob and the Flip Flops from 8:00 to 10:00. Fun, fun! Reservations and pre-payment are due no later than Dec. 27. The winery can only seat the first 76 people in the Lake View Room, so don't delay. Above that, attendees will be seated in the tasting room with the wide screen TV and live feed of the music (if you've been there for Tequila Bob, you know it works really well).

Call (330) 678-2080 or e-mail: viking@vikingvineyards.com.




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Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Perrysburg Arts Council Schedules Benefit Wine Tasting

The Perrysburg Area Arts Council has scheduled a benefit wine tasting to take place Tuesday, December 29, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Aficionado Wine & Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444).

The Perrysburg Area Arts Council is recognized as the official arts organization for both the City of Perrysburg and Perrysburg Township. It is funded by tax deductible donations from individuals and business sponsors, the City of Perrysburg and Perrysburg Township.


The Perrysburg Area Arts Council offers and facilitates arts events including Concerts on the Lawn, a summer series of concerts held at Commodore Square, the Fiber Arts Show, summer art camp, youth art scholarships and public art displays. PAAC also offers programs in the schools and occasionally sponsors guest artists.

 The cost is $20 per person and $10 of each tasting fee is  donated to the Perrysburg Arts Council. Please tell your family and friends, and come out and support this great cause.

Photo: Owner Steve Parks displays two of the sparkling wines scheduled for the Saturday evening tasting at Aficionado Wine & Cigars in Perrysburg. Aficionado will be the site for a special benefit wine tasting on December 29.


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Monday, December 21, 2009

Wine Tastings & Events: Week of Dec. 21, 2009

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Wednesday, December 23
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM, $15.

Vino 100 Shop and Wine Bar, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite D, Maumee -- (419) 866-8466. Christmas Cabernets. Join us in the wine shop as we taste through five fantastic cabernets so you can find the perfect bottle for your holiday celebration! All day event. (Store hours 12 noon to 10:00 p.m.)

Thursday, December 24 - Christmas Eve 

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Thr Procrastinator's Tasting. Hey, I'm talking to you! Wine makes a great gift for just about anyone. It's also fun to drink. Cost $1 to $3 per sample.


Vino 100 Shop and Wine Bar, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite D, Maumee -- (419) 866-8466. Special hours: The wine shop will be open from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. The wine bar will be open 12:00 pm until 6:00 pm.

Friday, December 25 Merry Christmas 


Saturday, December 26
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). Sparkling Wines and Champagne. 1. Argyle Brut, 2. Mumm Napa Cuvee M, 3. Roedere Brut Premier, 4. A. Margaine Premier Cru Demi-Sec. $10 tasting.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000—Noon to 5 PM. Customer Appreciation Tasting. Special pricing. Pay by the sample or for the whole flight.


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Sunday, December 20, 2009

Fenton Winery Plans NYE Gourmet Dinner

The Fenton Winery & Brewery, 1545 N. Leroy St.,  Fenton, Michigan, is presenting a New Year's Eve gourment dinner on Thursday, December 31, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The cost is $49 per person or $38 (non-alcoholic). Tax and gratuity not included. Payment is required at time of reservation. Call (810) 373-4194 or e-mail info@fentonwinery.com for reservations or information.


The menu will feature mini crab cakes with Dijon beurre bBlanc,  pan seared, wild caught lump crab meat with Panko breadcrumbs. Four Season’s Market Salad with assorted mixed greens, tomato, English cucumber, Amish egg, Traverse City cherries, double-smoked bacon, roasted pepitas, smoked Gouda, balsamic vinaigrette. Land & Sea: strip steak medallion and Lobster Thermidor with wine sauce, sweet potato cake, fresh green beans. Tuxedo Truffle Torte (dark and white chocolate mousse, layers of chocolate and yellow cake garnished with fresh raspberries.

Guests will have a choice of micro-brewed beer and/or wine for the course pairings. Gourmet food for the evening is provided by Four Seasons Fresh Market.

The Fenton Winery & Brewery was opened in January 2008. What originally started as a winery offering tastings and retail bottle sales, grew over the first year and a half to offer wine by the glass, a full menu of food, and Fenton's best variety of live music. The winery now offers more than hand-crafted wines, Sangrias, house made sodas, flavored coffees, and desserts from local markets. The Fenton Winery added its brewing operations in December 2009. The owners are Matt and Ginny Sherrow.

Photo by Heather Katsoulis

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Saturday, December 19, 2009

Ohio Winery Visit: Debonne Vineyards

TANNENBAUM TRAIL REPORT – Prior to this visit to the Geneva , I knew precious little about the wineries in the area. Two wineries that I did know were Debonne and Ferrante. Their wines are available widely in Ohio.

2009_1205tannenbaumtrail0010 Debonne was our fourth stop on the Trail. It was a sunny but cold day and we were looking forward to the visit, despite a comment by one winemaker earlier in the day that, “Oh yeah, they’re a big commercial winery.”

Debonne is the largest estate winery in Ohio. The family has been in business in the area since 1916.

Upon arriving, the winery and grounds give a very favorable impression. This is a substantial operation and a great place to spend a sunny afternoon or while away a cold day inside at the tasting bar.

There is a nice grass amphitheater outside where concerts are offered weekly in warmer weather. There is also a great patio. Inside there is a nice restaurant and spacious tasting bar.

debonne cf We started out with a Chardonnay. This was not a very inspired wine and had a flat taste to me. It is lightly oaked and had apple on the palate. The semi-dry Riesling had light spice and apricot flavor notes – a bit sweet for the Green Dragon and I who prefer dry Riesling.

The Cabernet Franc is a dry red with a touch of smokiness and aroma of pepper. It has rich flavors of black cherry and light oak. This also had a rewarding finish. This is a pleasing wine.

Green Dragon next sampled the Grand Dolina, on of the “Vineyard Select house wines of Chalet Debonne.” Although we didn’t realize it at the time, apparently the Chalet Debonne wines are a line of lower priced lambrusca and French hybrid type wines. Some of these wines, like Delaware and Catawba, are typical Lake Erie style wines, with a tendency for sweetness and a “foxy” taste. The Grand Dolina was unremarkable. These wines might be good for backyard sipping, but my advice would be to stick to the premium wines from Debonne.

The final taste for me was “a Cab.” This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chambourcin. This has flavors of blackberry and oak. Chambourcin is an interesting grape, but doesn’t have much of a bouquet and as a result, this wine didn’t have much nose.

Debonne is a major player in the Ohio wine scene with a wide portfolio of wines from low cost sippers to varietals that can proudly accompany your finest meal. The winery itself is a lively scene with music and special events regularly scheduled.

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Photo: Debonne employee seals the capsules on some custom labeled wine.

Friday, December 18, 2009

DeLoach Pinot Noir 2008 California Family Collection

DeLoach Vineyards was named by Wine & Spirits Magazine a “Top 100 Winery of the Year” in its winter issue. In the same issue, DeLoach’s 2007 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir was recognized as one of the “100 Best Buys of the Year.” Those are some serious honors.

BOI07_107_LABEL_TTBSince 1975 DeLoach Vineyards has been making terroir-driven wines in the Russian River Valley and in premium vineyard sites across Northern California. Its founders were not only part of the first group to plant Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley in 1973, but they also played an important role in creating the Russian River Valley AVA in 1983.

This tasty bottle was opened for my wife’s “girls night in.” Luckily a glass was saved for me. This is the lower end of the DeLoach family of Pinot Noirs. The single vineyard Pinots go for about $45 and the 2006 Sonoma Stage Vineyard Pinot goes for $85.

The 2008 California Pinot expresses many of the classic traits of this fine varietal. It has aromas of cherry and mushroom and delectable flavors of strawberry and smoke. It has a smooth, long finish.

It is a great value for about $15 and whets the appetite for the more expensive DeLoach Pinot Noirs.

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Thursday, December 17, 2009

Ohio Winery Visit: Maple Ridge Vineyard

TANNENBAUM TRAIL – Our visit to the Vines and Wines Wine Trail continued when we rolled into Maple Ridge Vineyard. I was curious about the winery since there was no picture on their Web2009_1205tannenbaumtrail0009 site. We didn’t know what to expect when we rolled up to what appeared to be a house with chickens roaming around. Appearances can be deceptive!

Maple Ridge is an organic wine-farm specializing in Bordeaux and Bourgogne style wines. The winery is located on a ridge at approximately 1,200 feet elevation where they grow Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Bordeaux red varieties of grapes.

Owner Jim Iubelt  developed a taste for fine European wines during more than 20 years of corporate travel. Jim worked with the viticulture department at Cornell to select just the right root stock for his vineyard. The vines were imported from Europe.

Allier Oak Barrels from Bourgogne France are used to make their finest wines. The wine barrels are cut from select Allier Forrest Oak, aged in Cognac for more than 30 months, toasted over an open fire, and constructed by some of the top craftsman in Bourgogne.

With this attention to detail, you can image the wine is something special. We tried the 2007 Riesling Spatelese and the Pinot Gris. The  Pinot Gris is in the white Burgundy style. These were both tasty, but the reds really stole the spotlight. We sampled the Pinot Noir, which was surprisingly complex.

The stellar wine of the tasting was the Meritage. The Meritage lists for $90 and can best be described as sublime. It is a Bordeaux-style blend with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with lesser amounts of Petit Sirah and Petite Verdot. It has dancing layers of fruit with just the right amount of oak finish. Like most wines offered by Maple Ridge, they are available on a very limited basis.

According to Jim, most wine is sold through winery memberships. Winery members receive monthly shipments of wine and can participate in eight to nine members only events at the winery each year. The food is great with chickens and lambs being grown organically on the grounds.

This is a boutique operation with a focus on very fine European style wines.  For a truly different winery experience and some sensational, quality wines try a visit to Maple Ridge.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Niagara-on-the-Lake Wineries Offer 21 Stocking Days of Christmas


Ontario wineries want you to make Niagara-on-the-Lake wine country your destination for holiday shopping and cellar stocking. The month of December features 21 special days of touring and tasting and an exclusive selection of wines available only at the wineries. This includes wines available in extremely limited supply and back vintages that will be available to purchase during this event only.

There are 21 exceptional VQA wines for you to sample and purchase for gifting, collecting or to celebrate the season. The shops and boutiques of Niagara-on-the-Lake also feature unique gifts for everyone on your list. Special offers for touring pass holders are being offered by retail partners during this event.

Full information is available at the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake Web site. The tasting and shopping passes are $25.00 per person plus applicable taxes. Passes can be used any day through December 1 - 21, 2009

Tickets are available here or call (905) 468-1950.


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Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Washington Wine: A Dash Of Taste


The wines of Washington were center stage last week at Cork’s as Dave Pirwitz of DJP Selections sampled a selection of fine Evergreen State wines.

Featured wines included:

Thurston Wolfe PGV – A 2008 blend of 57% Viognier and 43% Pinot Gris.  Crisp with flavors of orange and tropical fruit. Should thurston wolfe be nice with chicken and seafood dishes.

Alexandria Nicole 2008 Shepherd’s Mark -- We like the wines from this boutique winery. This wine is named after markers, still standing, left by sheepherders in Horse Heaven Hills along the  ridge line the  Destiny Ridge estate vineyard. This

is a  Rhone Blend of Rousanne, Marsanne and Viognier. A tasty white with layers of fig, lemon and baked apple. Complex flavor with a refreshingly finish.

Thurston Wolfe 2007 Doctor Wolfe’s Family Red – Something different for us, this is a unique blend of Primitivo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Lemberger.  Spicy, fruity and full-bodied.

Elegante Cellars 2007 Sangiovese – Another pick from a Walla Walla Valley boutique winery. Tasty but not the favorite.

Five Star Cellars 2006 Merlot – This was the winner of the evening. Lush mouth feel with black cherry,  pepper and spice. An extended round finish with subtle oaking.

damalabel_syrah07 Dama Syrah 2007 – Dama is a high-end winery by two women winemakers. Only 290 cases were made of this great smoky and spicy Syrah. This wine is an excellent buy.

Make The Dash Count Icicles 2006 Riesling Ice Wine - This is a nicely balanced ice wine with floral and cinnamon aromas. Intensely sweet with flavors of honey and ripe apricots. Sales of the wine benefit the Make the Dash Count Foundation which educates youth in the responsibilities of community leadership and charitable giving. 

While enjoying the great tasting, the topic turned to the the inspirational poem, The Dash. The Dash is an poem by Linda Ellis and refers to the dates on a gravestone. The key message is it’s not your birth date or date of death that matters, but what you do with your life (represented by the dash between the two dates).

It’s a heavy thought best pondered with a glass of nice wine…
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Monday, December 14, 2009

Wine Tastings & Events: Week of Dec. 14, 2009

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Wednesday, December 16
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM, $15.

Thursday, December 17
The Andersons, Wine Tasting. Maumee 5-7 PM. Nominal charge.

The Andersons, Wine Tasting. Talmadge Road 6-8 PM. Nominal fee.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM, $15.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Badass Wines. So you think wine is for book groups, knitting circles and Sunday school? WRONG. We dare you to drop in and tremble before a wine lineup that’s way tougher than you are. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

Friday, December 18
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). Christmas Cabs. 1. Canyon’s Edge Cabernet Sauvignon, 2. Pacific Estates Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 3. Stag’s Leap Cellars “Artemis” Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. Steltzner Cabernet Franc. $10 tasting.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Badass Wines. So you think wine is for book groups, knitting circles and Sunday school? WRONG. We dare you to drop in and tremble before a wine lineup that’s way tougher than you are. Cost $1 - $3 per glass.

Saturday, December 19
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). Christmas Cabs. 1. Canyon’s Edge Cabernet Sauvignon, 2. Pacific Estates Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 3. Stag’s Leap Cellars “Artemis” Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. Steltzner Cabernet Franc. $10 tasting.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000—Noon to 5 PM. Plumpjack/Cade Winery (and special holiday tasting). Pay by the sample or for the whole flight.


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Saturday, December 12, 2009

Prejean Dry Gewurztraminer 2006

The Prejean Winery is a favorite stop in the Finger Lakes. Their whites are crisp and tasty. During the Thanksgiving holiday we opened a bottle of their Dry Gewurztraminer.

label_300_gewurztraminerdry Gewurztraminer is a spicy, acidic white that pairs very well with turkey and Asian food. This bottle was creamy with a floral nose and fruit flavors. It is bone dry.

The wine is barrel fermented and made with 100 percent estate grown vines. This is a winner and a good choice for discerning lovers of white wine.
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Friday, December 11, 2009

Tannenbaum Trail Event Sold Out


We've been informed by the Ohio Wine Producers Association that tickets for the Tannenbaum Trail winery event have sold out. The Tannenbaum Trail is a self driving tour of 13 outstanding regional wineries. It began last weekend and continues December 11-12 and 18-19. Even if you haven't yet purchased tickets, you can still visit the wineries. So if you planned to do the trail (which stretches from the Geneva area to Conneaut) I'd suggest you still do so. Although you can't get the package price for tastings and some of the other goodies, tastings at each winery are very reasonable.

Debbie Hammond of OWPA points out that there are some great upcoming events on the Vines & Wines wine trail. On February 5-6 and 12-13 the wineries will be hosting the Chocolate is for Lovers Wine Trail. It is the same idea as the Tannenbaum Trail. Visit wineries, sample wines, enjoy appetizers and collect different chocolates. The cost is the same $45 per couple and $35 per single. The Wine 'N Bloom event is in May.

Be sure to view the stories elsewhere on our site for the wineries we visited during our Tannenbaum trip.

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Suggested Links: A Wide Web of Wine

Have you noticed our assortment 0f links on the site? I cruise the ricardo martin Web frequently to check other blogs, scout wineries and compare tasting notes. Here are some links I think you’ll enjoy:

On Cellar Tracker you’ll find some great resources including info of wine pairings, aging of wine, cool background on wine barrels and wine bottle sizes. This last item gives you insight on those large format bottles. For example, do you know how many bottles of wine a Salmanazar is equivalent to? The answer is 12. Come to think of it, that would make a great Christmas present!

Another interesting site is Ampelography, a blog by Adam Mahler.  Adam is a wine broker in Toledo and has some thought provoking insights on wine and wine marketing. One article that grabbed my attention recently was Adam’s post, “Another Charity Wine Tasting. Woo hoo.” There are also some great links. Check out the ones to his portfolio of wineries.

Here’s one just for fun: the Silly Tasting Note Generator. Amused by the pompous wine reviews by aficionados? Now you can generate your own. Here’s a sample: “Rich and thick but equally attractive Chenin Blanc. Drops melon, musty citron and perceptible salted beef. Drink now through 2010.”

Here’s a shout-out to Austin Beeman. Austin is the wine manager at Walt Churchill’s Market in Maumee. Austin is now doing wine videos on Austin Beeman Online. Austin has two videos up, the first being “What is Wine?” His second installment is a live tasting of a Rioja Blanco. He also has some nice music podcasts.

Three region specific links I recommend are: Finger Lakes Wine Country, Ohio Wine Association and Michigan Wines. All these wineries are within driving distance of Toledo. You can check out wineries, special events, lodging and other great features. The Finger Lakes site has a great itinerary feature which allows you to click on a hotel, winery or event and save it to your itinerary. Great for creating a travel plan.

Wine Log is a great site where you can record your tasting notes on wine you try and share it with an online community. You can also browse tasting notes from others. More than 30,000 wines and 4,000 wineries are in the database.

I’ve got more links listed in the left column (scroll down). Give them a click and enjoy. We’ll add more as we discover them. If you have a favorite link, click on “comments” below and let us know.
Photo by Ricardo Martins
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Thursday, December 10, 2009

Finger Lakes Winter Wine Weekends Scheduled


Hotels and inns in Finger Lakes (NY)  wine country are offering a special Winter Wine Weekends promotion beginning January 4, 2010, and continuing through March 21, 2010. Participating lodging properties will be offering "stay two nights, get the third night free." The promotion also includes a free bottle of a select Finger Lakes wine, and a free exclusive Palate Passport with free wine tastings and museum visits.

And this just in... The first 200 packages booked with receive a free Polar Passport ($10 value) from the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and the first 100 packages book will also receive a free Vino Visa Coupon Book ($15 value) from the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. These coupon books are great deals and make it almost too cheap not to go.

Check out the Winter Wine Weekends link to get the list of participating properties and further details.
Photo by Liz West

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Ohio Winery Visit: St. Joseph Vineyard


TANNENBAUM TRAIL REPORT -- Our second stop on the Tannenbaum Trail was St. Joseph Vineyard in Thompson. I knew very little about this winery -- except that it had very colorful labels on its wine. As we rambled up the driveway, we were pleased to see large bunches of grapes on the vine apparently waiting to be harvested for ice wine.

St. Joseph is a 35-acre vineyard with grapes growing in Lake and Geauga County. It is certainly a boutique operation with typically no more than 10,000 gallons of wine produced a year. It has, however, claimed its share of impressive awards, especially for its Pinot Noir.

The tasting room is a nicely decorated but small affair with a bar and a couple of tables. Glass doors lead outside to a wooden deck with a great view that should be superb in the summertime.

We started with a Riesling. This was semi-dry with flavor notes of melon. It was pleasant, but not the wine that St. Joseph is known for. We followed this with a Gewurztraminer, which we felt was nothing special.

The reds were up next and this is where the St. Joseph wines shine. We tried the Reserve Pinot Noir and it took the tasting to a new level. The grapes are hand picked late into the harvest to allow extra hang time. The gently crushed grapes go through a prolonged maceration in an open top fermenter which includes a cold soak. After pressing the wine is aged in French medium toasted oak barrels.

The Reserve Pinot is dark ruby red and was a moutful of black cherry and plum with complex layers of flavor including spice. It's easy to see why the St. Joseph Pinot Noir has won awards in California, New York and Michigan in competitions where they have gone against hundreds of entries, including those from Napa Valley, New Zealand and Washington.


For our final tasting we tried the St. Joseph Noir (12 + 1). I mistakenly thought this was another Pinot, but it actually is a proprietary blend of 12 red grapes plus one white (Viognier). This accounts for its unusual moniker. The blend includes Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Sirah, Merlot, Shiraz and Sangiovese. This was an easy sipping, enjoyable glass.

We didn't have a chance to sample the ice wine, but we'll put that on our list for our next visit.





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