This year’s festival features five wineries in the Grand River Valley – Debonne Vineyards, Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant, Laurello Vineyards, and St. Joseph Vineyards. All of the locations are within just a few minutes of each other and each of them offers their own signature blends of wines.
The magic of ice wine is created when grapes are left on the vine to ripen until they freeze - capturing the sweet essence of the fruit. Ice wines are great celebratory drinks. A bit too sweet for typical dinner drinks, like champagne ice wines can be sipped with dessert – or enjoyed alone.
St. Joseph Vineyards, a small family business, has two quaint locations for wine tasting in Madison, Ohio. This particular winery features a menu of a dozen wines ranging from a crisp, tropical sauvignon blanc to a dark red merlot. One of the most delicious wines in the region, and a must-taste for any visitor, is St. Joseph’s red ice wine – a rare treat as most ice wines are white.
Just down the road, a large ranch-style cabin sits in a sprawling vineyard near the woods. The restaurant is made most inviting by the roar of a fire to warm away the early spring chill. Grand River Cellars offers another of Ohio’s exceptional wine specialties in the form of a bubbling ice wine that is simply delightful. Also on the wine list, Austin’s Red is a dry blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah with aromas of cherry tobacco, plum and spice. Austin’s White is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Vidal Blanc with a subtle taste of yellow apple and a buttery finish. With more than a dozen other wines, there is plenty to taste at this stop.
The Ferrante Winery and Ristorante in Geneva, Ohio is housed in a large complex reminiscent of an Italian palazzo. An outdoor terrace features live music on the weekends. The expansive dining area offers a full menu of Italian cuisine. Tours of the state-of-the art winery operation are also available. Nearly two dozen wines are available for sampling, including two delectable ice wines.
It’s not too late to enjoy the Ice Wine Festival. The last day of the event is Saturday, March 19 from 1 pm to 5 pm. For the cost of $5 at each winery, patrons receive a wine sample and appetizer. Souvenir ice wine glasses are an extra take-home gift at a couple of destinations.
While the tour is limited to five select locations, there are more than two dozen wineries in the vicinity – all worth a second look.
For more information on Ohio’s great ice wines, visit www.saintjosephvineyard.com, www.grandrivercellars.com, or www.ferrantewinery.com.
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