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A Winelovers Guide to Lake Erie Wine Country Wineries Part 2

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A big thank you to all my followers and readers for making my latest article “A Winelovers Guide to Lake Erie Wine Country” a resounding success. It garnered the most daily views of any post on the day it was published. I am following it up with a second installment that highlights five more exceptional wineries in Lake Erie Wine Country. 

As one of the newest wineries in Lake Erie Wine Country, Cellar54 is continuing to evolve and define its identity. Their table wines are made from grapes grown on the shores of Lake Erie and range from sweet to semi-sweet. 9368 W. Law Rd North East.  http://cellar54wines.com 814-572-9280

Lakeview Wine Cellars is a small boutique winery producing a limited number of premium wines made from locally sourced grapes. Check out their wine bottle-shaped pond while you sip wine on their covered patio.  http://lakeviewwinecellars.com 8440 Singer Rd North East  814-725-4440

For over fifty-four years Presque Wine Cellars has been producing award-winning wines from big bold reds to their famous ice wines. Visit their tasting room, The Isle House at 9440 West Main Rd North East. It offers a full menu of wine, wine slushies, spirits, and local craft beer. http://piwine.com 814-725-1314

Yori Wine Cellars is a family-built winery that started as a hobby in their hundred-year-old cellar and grew into a winery that makes over 25 varieties of wine and vineyards growing 15 grape varieties. Their tasting room is located adjacent to their Micheal’s Italian Restaurant. http://yoriwinecellars.com 18 South Lake Street North East 814-725-8466

Driftwood Wine Cellars is a family-owned and operated winery near North East with a storefront/tasting room at 20 E. Main St North East provides guests a relaxed gathering place for family and friends. 814-347-5292 http://driftwoodwinecellars.com

The wineries I have highlighted in these posts are just ten of the twenty-one-member wineries in  Lake Erie Wine Country. There is always something happening because wine trail members participate in the many themed events that Lake Erie Wine Country hosts throughout the year and hold their own activities. Visit the L.E.W.C. website event page to see the roster of events https://www.lakeeriewinecountry.org/events/winery-events

With a little research and planning you can enjoy endless adventures in Lake Erie Wine Country.  Photo Credit: http://lakeeriewinecountry.com

A Winelovers Guide to Lake Erie Wine Country

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Along the southern shore of Lake Erie where it borders Pennsylvania you will find the vibrant and always evolving wineries of Lake Erie Wine Country. The Lake Erie AVA is the largest grape-growing region east of the Rockies and a treasure trove of activities but for this post, I’ll highlight six wineries that will provide visitors an itinerary upon which they can build as they become more familiar with the area. 

I’ll start with the winery I consider to have the most name recognition of the region’s producers. Mazza Vineyards and South Shore Wine Company are two destination wineries for first-time visitors or seasonal travelers. Both are a good starting point to explore the wines that these legacy wine companies offer. Mazza Vineyards 11815 E. Lake Rd (Rt5) North East 814-725-8695  South Shore Wine Company 1120 Freeport Rd (Rt89) North East 814-725-1585 http://enjoymazza.com

Our next stop is 6 Mile Cellars and as its name suggests it is located on 6 Mile Creek in Harborcreek. This is the closest winery to downtown Erie making it a convenient stop for visitors. This boutique winery’s tasting room is in a one hundred-year-old horse barn that has been repurposed into an inviting space to enjoy their diverse selection of wines. 5727 Firman Rd Erie 814-580-8375 http://6milecellars.com

Route 20 provides easy access to the popular Courtyard Winery in North East. No tasting at Courtyard’s beautiful tasting room is complete without trying their Chambourcin.  10021 West Main Rd North East 814-725-0236  http://courtyardwinery.com

Continuing on Route 20 we arrive at Arundel Cellars & Brewing Company 11727 East Main Rd North East. This winery is a landmark in the area and is well-known to travelers on Route 20. 814-725-1079 http://arundelcellars.com

If you want to try something different but still taste distinctive wines, consider Burch Farms Country Market & Winery. You can shop at their country market for farm fresh produce, and assorted baked goods from their bakery, and taste their wines. Located at 9210 Sidehill Rd North East

http://burchfarmscountrymarketandwinery.com 

Erie, Pennsylvania offers something for everyone and is an easy drive for many in Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio. If you haven’t given this region much thought as a day trip or getaway option please take a minute to see if it’s right for you. 

Photo credit: http://lakeeriewinecountry.org

A Winelovers Guide to Western Pennsylvania Wineries Part 3

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This is Part 3 and the final installment in my series featuring Western Pennsylvania wineries. All the wineries from previous posts will be included for reference or if you are new to my blog. I invite everyone to subscribe for free to this blog using the subscription box at the top of this page. You will receive an email when I publish a new article. Thanks. 

Pennsylvania is home to more than four hundred wineries and over fourteen thousand acres of vineyards. Some of the very best are located on the western side of the state. The wineries are as unique as the wines they make. The following suggestions are just a starting point. The real fun comes in exploring all this region has to see and do.

Driving twenty-three miles south of Pittsburgh will bring you to Silver Mark Cellars. It is an urban-style winery in the charming town of Canonsburg. They offer an award-winning wine list complemented with food, beer, and liquor. All of their wines are handcrafted in-house from start to finish. http://silvermarkcellars.com 724-416-7447

Nestled in the picturesque rolling hills of Westmoreland County near Acme we find Stone Villa Wine Cellars. Guests can relax on the manicured lawn surrounding a tranquil lake while listening to live music. Stone Villa Wine Cellars offers a portfolio of wines ranging from classic to unique blends that are sure to satisfy everyone’s tastes. As always, the tasting bar is free. http://stonevilla.com 724-423-5604

Situated on the remaining three acres of the old “Martz Family Farm” in Delmont stands a barn originally built in the 1860s that now serves as the home of Red Barn Winery. Red Barn Winery makes sweet and dry wines from grapes sourced from several regions. It also offers Pennsylvania beers and spirits, food, entertainment, and special events. http://redbarnwinerypa.com 724-461-4331

Thistlewaite Vineyards only use the French hybrid grapes they grow in their five-acre vineyard to produce their wines. They age their wine in Pennsylvania White Oak barrels or stainless steel tanks. When you are in Jefferson stop by the tasting room for a complimentary wine tasting. http://thistlegrape.com 724-883-3372

Edgewood Winery and Event Center in Spring Church is a one-stop shop for all your entertainment needs. They sell their wines by bottle or glass, have a food menu sure to please everyone, an event calendar full of live music, and plenty of options for your special event. http://edgewoodwinery.com 724-478-4373

I hope you enjoyed reading these articles as much as I enjoyed researching and writing them. Please use these suggestions to start your journey to discover the constantly evolving community of wineries in Western Pennsylvania. Cheers!

Photo Credit: L to R Silver Mark Cellars, Red Barn Winery, Thistlewaite Vineyards

We’re off to see “The Castle”. The Vinoski Winery is located in the magnificent Rostraver mansion Jay and Sherry Lustig built. Jay was the long-time manager of The Rolling Stones, financial advisor to Prince Rupert Loewenstein, and later became a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Walt and Roxanne Vinoski bought the sprawling property in 2017 and turned it into the breathtaking home of the Vinoski Winery. They offer two wine tasting options: $10 for 5 sweet wines or a Premium tasting for $20 that includes their dry California wines. Check their website for the event calendar which is always full of concerts and events. http://vinoskiwinery.com 724-872-3333

Let’s not forget about our friends north of Pittsburgh. The next stop is the picturesque Tuscan-inspired winery and restaurant of Narcisi Winery. A short ten-mile drive north of the city will bring you to Narcisi Winery in Gibsonia. Set on an enchanting property, this Italian-themed winery and restaurant will satisfy anyone’s longing to spend a “Bella Giornata” (Beautiful Day) in Tuscany.  http://narcisiwinery.com  724-444-4744

Any time of year is a good time to take a leisurely drive to Glades Pike Winery near Somerset on Pa State Rte 31. It will take you past several notable attractions for the outdoor enthusiast.  The Seven Springs and Hidden Valley ski resorts plus Laurel Hill and Kooser state parks are easily accessible from Glades Pike Winery. Glade Pike Winery makes a diverse selection of wines that will intrigue any wine aficionado. Malbec, Baco Noir, and Tempranillo are some of the unusual wines offered that are not readily found at other local wineries. http://gladespikewinery.com 814-445-3753 

The Original Pittsburgh Winery is an urban winery and as such it can make its wines year-round because they source their grapes from vineyards in California and Chile. Swing by the winery on Liberty Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Strip District to taste their wines, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy live music in an intimate setting. http://pittsburghwinery.com  412-566-1000

Guests at Ripepi Winery & Vineyard in Monongahela can enjoy a tranquil ten-acre vineyard from the Tuscan-inspired winery as you savor a glass of their estate-made wine.  Owner/winemaker Rich Ripepi founded his landmark winery in 1987. Today it is a family legacy he shares with his winemaker/sommelier daughter Janelle Ripepi D’Eramo and winemaker son Dr. Daniel Ripepi. They host a fun “Happy Hour” event every second Friday of the month. http://ripepiwine.com 724-292-8351

Traveling to Mount Pleasant you will find Greendance The Winery at Sand Hill. Greendance Winery is part of the Sand Hill Berries, a small family-owned business that specializes in different types of berries, especially raspberries. You might recognize them from their raspberry specialty desserts booth at festivals. The winery and its grounds are set in the idyllic Laurel Highlands countryside. Stop by anytime to enjoy the rural ambiance but if you visit on a summer weekend you will be treated to live music as you unwind with a bottle of their wine. http://greendancewinery.com 724-547-6500

Up we go into the Allegheny Mountains to Chalk Hill where we arrive at Christian K. Klay Winery. A visit to Christian K. Klay Winery and its adjacent Ridge Runner Distillery is sure to include wine, spirits, and beautiful vistas. http://christianklaywinery.com 724-439-3424

Bella Terra Vineyards in Hunker is easily accessible and has ample parking plus plenty of inside and outside areas making it a favorite meeting place for friends and family. Check their website for the many special events on the calendar. http://bellaterravineyards.com 724-635-3658

If you are looking for a twist on your usual night out then the City Winery is the place for you. Unlike the other wineries mentioned, City Winery is on Smallman St in Pittsburgh’s “Strip District”. It is a winery, restaurant, and event center that promotes live music, comedy shows, and wine events. http://citywinery.com/pittsburgh 412-246-1000

Wooden Door Winery is located in a painstakingly renovated 1896 church in Vandergrift. Explore their diverse lineup of wines while sampling a menu of appetizers and lighter fare in the spacious tasting room or the al fresco seating during the warmer weather. http://woodendoorwinery.com 724-889-7244

Review: Zaccardi Q Cabernet Franc Valle De Uco-Mendoza 2021

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Zuccardi Q Cabernet Franc Valle De Uco – Mendoza 2021 

Zuccardi is my go-to Argentina winery for dependable high-quality wines at a fair price. They are a multi-generational producer located in the Mendoza Region. This was the first time I tried a Zuccardi Q Cabernet Franc but it won’t be the last. I plan on having a few bottles on hand for when I want a solid food-friendly weeknight wine. 

Everything about this wine is in balance, from its understated acidity, smooth tannins, and restrained red fruit flavors that are carried on a medium dry body and then showcased in a dark purple/red colored wine in your glass. 

Grapes for this Cab Franc were harvested from two unique vineyards in the Andes Uco Valley. The Paraje Altamira vineyard is 3600 feet above sea level (F.A.S.L.), and the San Pablo vineyard is 4500 F.A.S.L. I purchased my bottle at a Pennsylvania Fine Wine & Good Spirits store as a “Chairman’s Selection” offering for the bargain price of $12.99, but it can be readily found in the $20 range. 

I recently reviewed two Cab Francs from Chateau Niagara in New York. Although this Zaccardi Q wasn’t as big or as complex as the Chateau Niagara Cabernet Franc Reserve Review: Chateau Niagara Cabernet Franc Reserve 2022 or Cabernet Franc Appassimento Review: Chateau Niagara Cabernet Franc Appassimento 2023 it certainly deserves a place on your dinner table.

A Winelovers Guide to Western Pennsvlvania Wineries Part 1

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If you have ever found yourself staring out the window and daydreaming about relaxing at a little bistro table sipping a glass of wine while overlooking a serene vineyard, you are not alone. Wine lovers in Western Pennsylvania need not lament the false notion that they must pack their bags and travel hundreds or thousands of miles to live that dream. 

Pennsylvania is home to more than four hundred wineries and over fourteen thousand acres of vineyards. Some of the very best are located on the western side of the state. The wineries are as unique as the wines they make. The following suggestions are just a starting point. The real fun comes in exploring all this region has to see and do. 

Guests at Ripepi Winery & Vineyard in Monongahela can enjoy the tranquil ten-acre vineyard from a Tuscan-inspired winery as they savor a glass of their estate-made wine.  Owner/winemaker Rich Ripepi founded his landmark winery in 1987. Today, it is a family legacy he shares with his winemaker/sommelier daughter Janelle Ripepi D’Eramo, and winemaker son Dr. Daniel Ripepi. They host a fun “Happy Hour” event every second Friday of the month. http://ripepiwine.com 724-292-8351

Traveling to Mount Pleasant you will find Greendance The Winery at Sand Hill. Greendance Winery is part of Sand Hill Berries, a small family-owned farm that specializes in berries, especially raspberries. You might recognize them from their raspberry specialty desserts booth at festivals. The winery and its grounds are set in the idyllic Laurel Highlands countryside. Stop by anytime to enjoy the rural ambiance but if you visit on a summer weekend you will be treated to live music as you unwind with a bottle of their wine. http://greendancewinery.com 724-547-6500

Up we go into the Allegheny Mountains to Chalk Hill where we arrive at Christian K. Klay Winery. A visit to Christian K. Klay Winery and its adjacent Ridge Runner Distillery will surely include wine, spirits, and beautiful vistas. http://christianklaywinery.com 724-439-3424

Bella Terra Vineyards in Hunker is easily accessible and has ample parking plus plenty of inside and outside areas making it a favorite meeting place for friends and family. Check their website for the many special events on the calendar. http://bellaterravineyards.com 724-635-3658

If you are looking for a twist on your usual night out then the City Winery is the place for you. Unlike the other wineries mentioned, City Winery is on Smallman St in Pittsburgh’s “Strip District”. It is a winery, restaurant, and event center that promotes live music, comedy shows, and wine events. http://citywinery.com/pittsburgh 412-246-1000

These are only a few suggestions to pique your interest. I will add new wineries for you to try in future posts. I urge you to do a little research on the Internet, and I’m sure you will be surprised by the number of interesting options you will discover in your area. Have fun, and always drink responsibly. Cheers!

Photo Credit: (Left To Right) Ripepi Winery & Vineyard, Bella Terra Vineyards, Greendance Winery

Review: Chateau Niagara Cabernet Franc Reserve 2022

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Jim Baker, owner, winemaker, and vigneron of Chateau Niagara Winery Newfane, New York http://chateauniagarawinery.com has a special touch when making high-quality Cabernet Franc. His Chateau Niagara Cabernet Franc Reserve 2020 is no exception. He uses Cabernet Franc grapes grown in his vineyard and a nearby vineyard to produce his award-winning Cab Franc year after year. Jim told me “These are some of the best wines I have made.”

Chateau Niagara Cabernet Franc Reserve 2022 is a plump and juicy full-bodied dry wine that dazzles with a medium ruby red color in your glass. Bright acidity, tart red cherry, and raspberry flavors are front and center with subtle pepper background notes. Smooth tannins carry through a long finish. This Cab Franc drinks well now and should age nicely. 

Review: Chateau Niagara Cabernet Franc Appassimento 2023

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The following two posts will be my reviews of Chateau Niagara Cabernet Franc Appassimento 2023 and Chateau Niagara Cabernet Franc Reserve 2022. Jim Baker owner, winemaker, and vigneron of Chateau Niagara Winery Newfane, New York http://chateauniagarawinery.com told me “These are some of the best wines I have made.”

Chateau Niagara Cabernet Franc Appassimento 2023

A wine made in the Appassimento style is created by using partially dehydrated grapes. It is a technique used by Italian winemakers to give Amarone di Valpolicella its signature depth and complexity. Jim applied this process to his Cabernet Franc grapes to produce his outstanding Chateau Niagara Cabernet Franc Appassimento 2023. 

Beginning with a bewitching dark ruby red color in your glass this Cab Franc quickly opens with aromas of blueberries leading into flavors of cherry, dark berries, and plum. Supple tannins and balanced acidity carry through a long lingering finish. Consider purchasing several bottles with the intent of drinking some now and leaving some to age in your cellar. 

“Old World” or “New World” Why Not Both?

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Wine is often divided into ones made in the “Old World” versus ones made in the “New World” but what does that mean? They are segregated along geographic lines. Old World wines are categorized as being made in Europe and the Middle East. New World wines are made anywhere else e.g. Australia, the Americas, Southern Africa, Asia, etc. The Old World relies mainly on traditional wine grape varieties (Vitis vinifera), time-honored wine-making methods, and labeling that emphasizes the location where the wine was made and, prioritizes a wine’s terroir. Old World wine regions tend to have cooler climates that yield wines with restrained tannins and are not as fruitful with less sugar. The lower sugar levels contribute to their lower alcohol content (ABV). 

New World wines also use traditional grape varieties but are heavily invested in non-traditional grape varieties and readily embrace modern wine-making techniques, ideas, and technology. Its wine bottles are labeled identifying the grape variety used to make the wine. The climates of New World wine regions tend to be warmer and that variable favors the production of wine with fuller fruit flavors, rounder tannins, and higher alcohol content. Lastly, New World wines display more oak which is achieved by using newer barrels that extract greater fruit flavors and tannins. 

It doesn’t matter whether a wine is an “Old World” or “New World” offering, the only thing that matters is that you enjoy drinking it. Snap a pic of the label just in case you can’t remember what to buy the next time you are wine shopping.

Tuscany Dreams

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When you hear Tuscany thoughts immediately come to mind of rolling hills covered in geometrically precise rows of grape vines in vineyards bathed by the golden sunshine of an idyllic Tuscan afternoon. Travelogues and magazine articles of the mid-20th century created a mystic that cast Tuscany as the epicenter of the trendy Italian food and wine culture. Whether that was an accurate assessment either then or now is debatable but for many perception remains reality. 

In Tuscany (Toscana) one grape has always reigned supreme and that grape is Sangiovese. It is from this grape that three of this region’s most recognizable wines are made. Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti, and Chianti Classico are all made from the Sangiovese grape. While they are all made from the same grape variety they are all very different wines. It is safe to say that we have all dined in an Italian restaurant with a red and white checkboard tablecloth with a bottle of Chianti in a straw basket as a centerpiece. Those are not good examples of the quality of wine Sangiovese can produce. When the market for Chianti tanked in the 1970’s Italy changed its wine laws which is what sparked the dramatic resurgence of Chianti and Tuscany on the world stage. The wines got better, winemaking methods improved, and high-priced Super Tuscans gained global notoriety. Cabernet Sauvignon can now be considered Tuscany’s second most important grape because along with Sangiovese it is a prominent grape in the majority of Super Tuscan blends. 

Brunello di Montalcino is Tuscany’s most respected and celebrated wine. The area from which it is produced encompasses a mere 5,200 acres and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The Chianti zone covers an expansive area of Central Tuscany. This zone contains the districts or D.O.C.G. of Chianti and Chianti Classico. They each have their own D.O.C.G. and by law, you can only make wine of that classification in its designated district, they are not interchangeable. You can identify a Chianti Classico wine by the iconic black rooster symbol on its bottle’s labeling.

Tuscany is no different than any other wine region. You can find good wine, bad wine, average wine, and superior wine there. You can also choose a price point from economical to expensive. The search for your perfect wine begins with some research and understanding what you want and where to find it. 

Buona caccia e buona fortuna!

Alluring Alsace

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The Alsace wine region of France is situated along the French border east of Paris. The region’s wine production is almost entirely devoted to white wine, positioning it uniquely among wine-producing regions worldwide. The white wines in Alsace are rarely made in other parts of France. Alsace is French but has been part of Germany several times. The Vosges mountains and picturesque quaint villages make it more reminiscent of images from German folk tales than the wine provinces of southern France. It is easy to see why Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat dominate its winemaking identity. Pinot Noir is the only red grape of note there but is grown in limited quantities. Alsace differs in how it labels its wine from the rest of France by using the grape variety instead of the location where the grapes were grown.  

Don’t be misled into thinking the white wines of Alsace are sweet and mild. On the contrary, they have bold character and are almost always dry. The winemakers of this region believe in showcasing the attributes of the grape and not crafting a wine to conform to a predetermined taste profile. Because this conviction is so ingrained in their wine culture, blending is seldom, if ever, an option. 

Sparkling wine is also made in Alsace. It is all designated Crémant ď  Alsace and is made the same way as

Champagne. You might be wondering if they make Crémant ď Alsace in Alsace and use Chardonnay grapes why isn’t Chardonnay one of their signature white wines? The reason is that by law Chardonnay can only be used in Crémant ď Alsace and can not be used to make still wine. Crémant ď Alsace is a high-quality alternative to Champagne at a very affordable price. 

Alsatian Riesling is angular in structure and very dry with good minerality. German Rieslings are well balanced with bright acidity, low alcohol, and prominent fruit flavors. 

Alsace is said to rival Paris in the number of great restaurants, whether pretentious or grand. 

It is easy to have an excellent wine experience in Alsace because the quality of wine is exceedingly well-made and the pricing spread guarantees you will find bottles you will love at a price you can appreciate.