Sat 9/10 @ noon-5PM
The Grand River Valley in the northeastern tip of Ohio where Lake and Ashtabula counties meet is known for its plethora of wineries, most open to the public with tasting rooms, live music and special events.
Five of those wineries are joining forces for the 5th annual Cask Tasting, Cask 2016. The drive-yourself tour will offer an afternoon of wine tastings paired with an appropriate appetizer at wineries within a 10-minute drive: Debonné Vineyards, Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant, Laurello Vineyards and St. Joseph Vineyards.
What’s different about this wine tour is that involves of the limited release of the Cask 2016 red wine, which is a little hard to explain so let’s let their press release do it:
“The Cask project was a joint effort of the five different wineries to each purchase a 500-gallon cask barrel, using oak from different countries. Each location then put only regional red wines from their winery into the barrel, resulting in wines that are smooth, dry, and full of flavors. The first vintage in the barrel was in 2010 and a second vintage was added in 2011 and the 3rd in 2012. This years’ blend was bottled in 2016, thus the name Cask 1016-the year the project started ‘10’ and the year the wine was bottled ’16.’ Each year, 100 gallons will be bottled from these amazing barrels, making room for the next years harvest.”
They add that since September is grape harvest season, there will likely be picking and pressing going on, infusing the whole region with the scent of grapes. Maps will be available at each winery so start anywhere and do them in any order you choose.
Each winery will offer their cask wine and another regional wine, along with the paired food. It’s $6 per person at each winery, so trying all five will only cost you $30.