Fri 8/5-Sat 8/6 @ noon-9PM
Imagine 18 wineries at Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Lake County, all serving wine that you probably haven’t tasted before because few end up in retail locations. That’s what you’ll find at Vintage Ohio (and a Little Brew, too), which takes place August 5 and August 6 @ noon-9pm. Visitors can also enjoy food, cooking demonstrations, two stages of live music, artisans, and shopping.
By sampling the wines at Vintage Ohio, you can find out what wineries you may want to go visit and which wines you like. Vintage Ohio, staged by the Ohio Wine Producers Association, showcases wines made in Ohio and estate wines made from homegrown grapes. The OWPA will strive to provide a variety of wines to sample, from sweet Niagara to robust Cabernet Franc, and a feel for the character of the winery.
Behind the small percentage of wines to be showcased at Vintage Ohio this weekend is a community of over 300 wineries in the state. Yes, 300! The wine industry in Ohio is constantly evolving as idealists get some land together, put in some vineyards, go to seminars, have their soil tested, and meet with others in the industry. They make fruit wines, sparkling wines, dessert wines, native Niagara, French hybrid Chambourcin, and European-style Chardonnay wines. New labels, new ways of interacting with customers, new ideas on what makes a good wine enliven the scene.
If you’re an Ohio wines fan, you may be asking what estate wines is Gervasi Vineyard in Canton producing now? What’s changed at Buccia Vineyards and at D&D Smith Winery tasting rooms and how have their wines evolved? Do I want to drive out to The Vineyards at Pine Lake in Columbiana or to The Winerie in Sandusky? What’s American Winery in Wauseon like?
While you’re at the festival, you can also check out craft beers made by Platform Beer Co. and Mentor Brewing Co. or beers made at two of the wineries: American Winery and Pine Lake Brewing. At the culinary tent, cooking demonstrations will include pork rind-encrusted fried walleye with slaw and a bacon, apple, white cheddar, and praline pecan salad. Restaurants on-site and serving foods that range from maple barbecued pork to wood-fired pizzas and will include Sue’s Pierogies, Mel’s Mobile Diner and Jilly Jeans Comfort Cuisine. On the stages, music will play all day and into the evening and wind up with Jah Messengers Reggae Band on Friday and Forecast on Saturday. The website provides all the information you need.
The best way to experience Ohio wines is at the wineries. Some wineries are new and smaller with humble tasting rooms while others are grand, with dining rooms staffed by skilled chefs. Wineries host wine and food pairings, yoga or painting classes, and game nights. In many cases, wineries are a place where the community comes together, where everyone knows your name. Don’t just drink wines available at the grocery store, take a drive and spend some time at the wineries. Vintage Ohio can be an introduction to Ohio wines or a confirmation that it’s time to get back to the wineries.
Advance Adult Sampler tickets are $37 in advance and $40 at the gate. If you are not interested in drinking the wine, join the fun for $14 in advance or at the gate. Celebrate local wine, beer, food, chefs, and music at Lake Metroparks Farmpark this weekend.
Claudia J. Taller is the author of Ohio’s Lake Erie Wineries and Ohio’s Canal Country Wineries and has written extensively about Ohio’s wineries. Look for upcoming articles about her journeys on the wine trails of Ohio.