Whenever I drive the 190-mile length of Northern Ohio’s shoreline from Toledo to Conneaut, the sight of Lake Erie continues to captivate me. Not only does it afford relaxing spring, summer and autumn outings for boaters, anglers and swimmers alike, it can also take some of the credit for Ohio’s fabulous wines.
“Wines?” you ask in shocked disbelief. “In Northern Ohio?” You betcha!
In a nutshell, the lake creates a temperate climate in which summer breezes keep the region’s grape crops cool. In the winter months, it holds off cold weather that the grapes despise in the so-called “wine-and-vine trail” of the area. The result? Some of the best Reislings, Gewurtztraminers and Pinot Gris wines in the world. So grab a pen and a notepad to take note of some of the region’s 18 winemakers and their tasty offerings.
Debonne Vineyards
7743 Doty Rd. in Madison, 440-466-4385
www.debonne.com
Debonne has been run by the Debevc family since 1916. Its roster of wines includes 25 whites, reds and roses. My favorite is the 2010 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine, made with grapes that are hand-picked and immediately frozen to produce a sweet juice. At $29.99 a bottle, it’s a perfect dessert wine.
Heineman’s Winery
978 Catawba St. in Put-in-Bay, 419-285-3412
www.heinemanswinery.com
Founded by German immigrant Gustav Heineman, the winery has quenched the thirsts of tourists on Lake Erie’s party island of South Bass since 1888. Today, it produces 22 wines, like the Island Chablis. Made with white grapes, it can surprise wine connoisseurs with bursts of lemon and lime flavors. For me, its attractive blue-cobalt bottle makes the $10.14-a-bottle price tag even more attractive.
Firelands Winery
917 Bardshare Rd in Sandusky, 419-625-5474
www.firelandswinery.com
After your trip to the island, hop a ferry for the mainland to Firelands, a winery that trumpets itself as the “gem of the East.” And rightfully so. The winery dates to 1880 and now boasts 17 white, red, pink and sparkling wines on its menu, including its 2008 Gewurtztrameiner, which won the prestigious double-gold “Best of Class” award at the Pacific Rim International competition.
Harpersfield Vineyards
6387 Route 307 in Geneva, 440-466-4739
www.harpersfield.com
Nothing compares like a relaxing day at the 18-acre Harpersfield, where, since 1979, its estate-grown grapes have produced everything from Chardonnays to Cabernet Francs. On weekends, blues bands jam in the outdoor cabana while the audience finds “truth in the glass.”
Cheers!