There are dozens of wineries between Cleveland and the Pennsylvania
border. Here are just a few. (Note: Always call before visiting
wineries.)
Debonne Vineyards (7743 Doty Rd., Madison, 440.466.3485,
debonne.com) is one of the largest
and most commercially successful wineries in the state. The 110-acre
vineyard produces riesling, chardonnay, cabernet franc, ice wine and
scores of other varieties. The spacious, modern facility offers tours
and tastings year-round and an outdoor grill serves up burgers and hot
dogs up until closing time.
At Ferrante Winery and Ristorante (5585 Rt. 307, Geneva,
440.466.8466, ferrantewinery.com), visitors can
enjoy wine-friendly Italian fare in a lodge-like dining room boasting
views of the vineyard. A more casual patio featuring wine-barrel tables
and live entertainment is party central on fine summer nights. Make
sure to sample the award-winning rieslings.
Laurello Vineyards (4573 Rt. 307, Geneva, 440.415.0661,
laurellovineyards.com)
offers a comfortable perch to taste chardonnay blends, non-vintage
cabernets and easy-drinking blush varieties. A light menu offers cheese
plates, warm artichoke dip, grilled sandwiches and homemade pizzas
cooked in a wood-burning oven.
Visitors to South River Vineyard (6062 S. River Rd, Geneva,
440.466.6676, southrivervineyard.com) can sample
wines in a 120-year-old church relocated to the site in pieces. Winery
fans preach the gospel of Trinity, a house blend of cabernet franc,
chambourcin and pinot noir.
No serious wine lover should overlook St. Joseph Vineyard (6060 Rt. 528, Thompson, 440.298.3709, saintjosephvineyard.com), source
of some of the region’s finest pinot noir. Join winemakers Art and
Doreen Pietrzyk in the tasting room to sample and discuss estate-grown
shiraz, chardonnay and riesling.
To save some running around, plan to attend Vintage Ohio (visitvintageohio.com), an
annual celebration of Ohio wine August 7-8 at Lake Metroparks Farmpark
(8800 Chardon Rd., Kirtland). The festival will feature more than 20
Ohio wineries, plus food, music, cooking demos and entertainment.
Tickets are $22 for drinking adults ($25 at the gate), $10 designated
drivers, $3 kids under 18.
This article appears in Jul 22-28, 2009.
