emlepionka's Wine Journal Entries
Anthony Road Wine Company (written May 22, 2015)
Wine: 
Winery: 
Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Davonian White
Very open and airy space with outstanding lake views. Tasting room was very busy last weekend but pours were well paced.
Oak Spring Winery (written Apr 21, 2015)
Wine: 
Winery: 
Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Bought Niagra for family
Not a lot of Reds to taste at the West Sunbury shop, many had to be dumped as the tasting bottles had turned. Winery satellite location is on a rustic Nursery and terrific gift shop. Much to see!
Christian W. Klay Winery (written Oct 30, 2014)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Riesling
Very busy winery/event Barn in the beautiful Laurel Highlands of PA. They have some very nice wines, great selection. No charge tastings are great, but plastic medicine cups are a turn off.
Deep Creek Cellars (written Oct 30, 2014)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Red creek
Rural winery at the edge of MD/SE PA border. Owner was extremely knowledgeable and offered some very nice dry reds.
Satek Winery (written Oct 13, 2014)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Norett
Well established Winery north of Ft Wayne. Super busy on this Fall Saturday-they actually opened up the barrel/tank room to do more tastings.
Country Heritage Winery & Vineyards (written Oct 13, 2014)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Traminette
This was a beautiful venue and winery. Wines were tremendous and staff was very attentive. No charge for 6 pours. Looks like you could have one heck of an event in the large connected hall.
Majestic Oak Winery (written Oct 10, 2014)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
First visit on a crisp Fall evening. Corn stalks were rustling, sun was setting and there was a Yoga class going on near the vines-super cool! Nice variety of wines to taste, cozy Tasting Room and welcoming feel at this newer rural winery near Toledo, Ohio.
Stoney Ridge Winery (written Oct 10, 2014)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Vignoles
Totally enjoyed our first visit to this lovely rural vineyard in NW Ohio! Abby was a delight, and very knowledgeable about the property and family business. Worth the trip to this lush vineyard with 14 of 40 acres under vine!
Wildside Winery (written Jun 30, 2014)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Duet
Adorable winery tucked into Horse Country. Julie in the tasting room was very friendly and knowledgeable. We had the place to ourselves on this stormy Saturday afternoon. Pours are very generous, and served in mini wine glasses you can then share into larger glasses. Wild side has a large wine portfolio that we enjoyed. Grounds are large with several areas to relax in.
Equus Run Vineyards (written Jun 30, 2014)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Zinfandel
Lovely experience in the country. Best wines of the weekend out of 6 in the area. Melanie in the tasting room was very warm and knowledgable on the wines and area. Not your standard sweet run, but great European vines and wines. Terrific venue in a farm like setting but with so much more! We will be back!
Elk Creek Vineyards & Cafe (written Jun 30, 2014)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Sadly, this stunning property was closed on Sunday...must make the 20 mile trip off the Interstate another time...
First Vineyard (written Jun 28, 2014)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Riesling
1790's original property was the first commercial vineyard in the USA. Very nice old vine wines, much historical significance here. Dan will give you a great overview! Cozy and comfortable here!
Talon Winery & Vineyards (written Jun 28, 2014)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Traminette
Outstanding rural vineyard on 300 acres. 7 different grapes grown on premises. Staff was fantastic and there was music on the back porch this Friday evening. Very enjoyable!
School House Winery (written Jun 26, 2014)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Adorable old one room schoolhouse setting. Nice variety of wines Tina in the tasting room makes a mean pizza!
Forks of Cheat Winery (written Apr 09, 2014)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Foch and distilled spirits
Very pleasant and rural setting. The owner was kind and ready to share the family passion for the wine. Loved the short tailed "winery cats". Hope to come back on a weekend to relax!
Shadow Springs Vineyard (written Sep 16, 2013)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Meritage
This is an outstanding setting for wine tasting! Knowledgeable staff, large selection of varied wines. Vines are set " open lyre" to encourage growth and production. There was a large group in the tasting room, but we were made to feel welcome.
Carolina Vineyards and Boardwalk Winery (written Sep 15, 2013)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Friendly staff, lots of wines but none to suit us. Barefoot Landing setting was more like a strip mall setting and not a relaxing wine experience.
La Belle Amie Vineyard (written Sep 15, 2013)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Delightful afternoon spent at this lovely rural vineyard. Tasting room was thriving, staff was terrific! Nice outdoor setting with live music on this Wednesday visit. Chardonnays and Chambourcin was great!
Hanover Winery (written Jul 02, 2013)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Riesling
Lovely rural setting on a pond. Due to a large crowd, all tastings were done outside the evening we were there. Whites were ok, but a bit warm. Sorry to say all reds were slightly brown in color and either corked or cooked.
MillaNova Winery (written Jul 02, 2013)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Petit Sirah reserve
Amanda and Josh were very attentive Hosts on our first visit. This Winery is amazingly beautiful, spacious and produces some terrific wines! Hosts were very willing to share info and family history. Can't wait to come back!
Wight-Meyer Vineyard and Winery (written Jul 02, 2013)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: KY Norton
Kathy was a wonderful hostess. Very welcoming Winery nestled into the back of a neighborhood.
Johnson Estate Winery (written May 19, 2013)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Riesling
Excellent wines...tasting room was nice.
Penn Shore Vineyards (written May 19, 2013)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Noirett
Terrific staff and owners. Tastings were well paced and very informative. Nice gift shop and self guided tour.
Heritage Wine Cellars (written May 19, 2013)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Almonderia
Beautiful ,old barn and winery. No tasting fee and more than 40 varieties to try. Worth looking for down a winding Farm road.
Noble Winery (written May 19, 2013)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Cayuga
Fantastic Lake view from patio. Rolling vines are breathtaking!
St. Julian Wine Company (written Apr 13, 2013)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Founders choice reds
Bob was wonderfully patient on my late afternoon week day visit. Tasting was informative and relaxed.
Pentamere Winery (written Apr 13, 2013)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Merlot
Very nice late afternoon weekday visit. Ed took time to share his passion. Merlot was fabulous! Worth the 14 mile drive from Rt 23 at Dundee, MI
Wapiti Ridge Wine Cellars (written Oct 14, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Marquette
Enjoyed our first visit here on 10/13/12. Dave Albert is very willing to share his passion for great wine making. While only open less that a year, he has a strong following. He was gReat to chat with, and we enjoyed all his wines, ESP the Chambourcin!
Kinkead Ridge Estate Winery (written Jun 24, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Traminette
Very much enjoyed our visit here. Learned more in 45 minutes from Mr Barrett than most owners take several visits to do. Wines were fabulous, liking the Traminette and cab a lot. Winemaker was very generous with his praise of nearby wineries too. Glad he is represented in Central Ohio and can be easily purchases. Top rate!
Harmony Hill Vineyards (written Jun 24, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Rubato
Wow..we visited Harmony Hill as the 3rd winery of our Saturday afternoon in SW Ohio. What a lovely setting, Pat and Bill were engaging, fun and very welcoming. Music on the patio rounded out a nice and super informative visit. Rubato was our favorite, but Traminette hit the spot on a warm afternoon. We can't see why anyone would have a bad experience here! Can't wait to go back!
Meranda-Nixon Winery (written Jun 24, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Traminette
Terrific caring owners! Enjoyed the winery, history lesson for the area and personal attention. Wines were very good
Vinoklet Winery (written Jun 24, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Very pretty vineyard. Wines were nice, but got little discussion of them. Only customers there, but felt neglected.
Quarry Hill Winery (written May 27, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Rieslings and merlot
Very nice afternoon to this rural winery and orchard. Staff knowledgeable and friendly. Tasting rm, balcony and rolling vines are lovely. Nice quiet crowd. E,njoyed several wines.
Paper Moon Vineyards (written May 27, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Chardonnay
Oh this was a surprise! From the outside, a pole barn. From the back and side, great patio and grounds...but inside, super tasting rm and barrel room. Light lunch of paninis was super! Enjoyed all the wines. Staff very helpful and friendly. Will be back!
Klingshirn Winery (written May 27, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Chambourcin
Working, family run winery. Was sad to hear that 90% of the vines had frost damage this spring. Wines are wonderful and very reasonable. We enjoyed a food table as a Girl scout fundraiser. Made Memorial day weekend very pleasant!
John Christ Winery (written May 27, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Merlot
First visit was very nice. Mgr was very sharing about the wines. Inviting tasting room and grounds. Looks like they get crowded.
Perennial Vineyards (written May 27, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Had the winery all to ourselves in the early afternoon. Great service and conversation with staff. Old barn has a surprisingly intimate interior. Wines were just .25 per sample in real mini glasses. Chambourcin and Rieslings very nice. Will be back!
Gervasi Vineyard & Italian Bistro (written May 27, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Pinot and Rieslings
Grounds of this former tree farm are breathtaking. Bistro not open yet for the evening, but did sit in the piazza and sample a few. Seemed odd to sample out of little rx cups when the wine and winery were so classy.
Winery at Wolf Creek (written May 27, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Rieslings
Very nice first visit. Jocelyn was very friendly and told us much about the winery. Views and wines were great. Will bring a picnic next time.
Rock Stream Vineyards (written May 01, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Last winery of the day..had live music and great staff. Bravely tried fortifieds and Grappa...whoa this one takes courage as is highly potent. Really liked staff and atmosphere.
Red Tail Ridge (written May 01, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Stopped in for a look, no tasting. Like the association with Cornell. And design program.
Prejean Winery (written May 01, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Super personable staff. Liked the family feel and great selection. Tried both red and white style ports and enjoyed them. Will return for some deck time next year
Ventosa Vineyards (written May 01, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Food only
Think Tuscan villa...wine bar was crowded due to an event so did not get to taste. Did have outstanding wood fired pizzas in the cafe for lunch
Pompous Ass Winery (written May 01, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Had to stop for a pic of the sign. Did not taste, but felt like a party inside
McGregor Vineyard Winery (written May 01, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Muscat Octonel
Super owners who made us feel so welcome even though it was 15 minutes to close. Tasting fee is 5.00 but included 6 wines, glass to keep and small plate of crackers, chocolate and cheese. To our surprise, Ohio Amish cheese was served, not NY cheese. It was a long way from home, but one of our local favorites. Tried Octonel for the first time, and loved it. Will return!
Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars (written May 01, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Highly rated winery was not to disappoint. Upscale inside and out. While very busy, still got personal attention. Chardonnays were smooth, cab franc luscious .
Keuka Lake Vineyards (written May 01, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Very nice smaller winery. Loved the view.
Keuka Spring Vineyards (written May 01, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: 2010 Riesling
Outstanding space, view and personable staff. Really liked 2010 Rieslings and gift shop.
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards (written May 01, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance: 
Favorite Wine: Bought red cat for 89 yr old mother in law
Honky Tonkin winery. Lively crowd, mostly sweet wines. Was turned off that dogs were allowed inside the winery. Did get some wine education,
Glenora Wine Cellars (written May 01, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: None
Noisy and hurried. Tasting bar was messy. No real discussions about wines due an event going on. $2.00 tasting fee. Wines were warm
Fox Run Vineyards (written May 01, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Port
2.00 tasting fee well worth it. This upscale winery has a deli, barrel room and tasting rm/ gift shop. Too cool to sit on the deck, but a bottle to share would be perfect with lake view. Whites were clean and crisp. To my surprise, their port style nearly made me cry. Returned the next day to snag a bottle for under $20,
Dr. Konstantin Frank's Vinifera Wine Cellars (written May 01, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: All
Oh the father of NY wines..wonderfully staffed and willing to share rich history and philosophy of Dr. Frank. Views are amazing, and tasting was focused.
Bully Hill Vineyards (written May 01, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Special reserve Red
What a fun and unfussy place. Keo took the group thru some fabulous wines in a round robin tasting. Views are spectacular of Keuka Lake. Great kickoff to The Finger Lakes area.
Belhurst Winery (written May 01, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: 2010 Riesling
Lovely Seneca Lake location. Castle and winery grounds were breathtaking. Nice selection of wines, whites were very crisp. Tasting room and gift shop very inviting. Will return...
Soine Vineyards (written Mar 11, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Pre release Cayuga 2011
Had a great first visit on a early spring day. Great attention to detail, explanations and shared passions by owners Tim and Sandy. nice small estate vineyard just north of Columbus. Must go back to see the vines at work later this summer!
Round Peak Vineyards (written Sep 19, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Alas...did not arrive in time for a tasting, as they were just closing...Winery and vineyard views are spectacular though. Will put in on the list for next time.
Shelton Vineyards (written Sep 19, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Estate Chardonnay, Harvest red, Riesling
Visited this outstanding winery twice on same vacation. Grounds are meticulouly groomed, tasting room is large and accomodating. Staff very knowledeable. Really liked the intro to Mr. Charlie Shelton-owner. Gift selection in the tasting area is well stocked with clever gifts. Will put this on the OH to SC tour of I-77 every time we travel!
Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery (written Sep 19, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: 2009 Micela di Vigna blend and 2010 La Dolce Vita
Imagine our shock at rounding the bend and seeing this magnificent "Estate" sitting high on a hill. Vines in every direction, breathtaking grounds and wonderful Italian wines. Try the Malbec blends...amazing in NC!
Old North State Winery (written Sep 19, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Purple Haze, Riesling, 2008 Chardonnay
Winery sits on Main Street in "Mayberry" NC or Mt. Airy. Bdlg is a pre 1925 former Belks and general store with lots of great touches. Night of our tasting was a corporate affair, so was noisy. Tasting staff was helpful, knowledgeable too. Wines were very good
Daveste Vineyards (written Sep 19, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Reserve Chardonnay 2010, LaBrisa and Malbecs
Lovely rural setting, picnic area that we enjoyed. Tasting staff very informed and willing to guide thru their wines. Tasting room is delightful!
Davis Valley Winery and Vineyard (written Sep 19, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Chardonnay
Quite a long way up on a hill, but worth the trip! The sweeping vineyard views are amazing. Karen was very pleasant and helpful to these OH wine lovers.
Silver Moon Winery (written Sep 03, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Midnight
very nice tasting room on the edge of Amish Country in NE OH. Staff very helpful, patient. Wines run from very sweet to off dry. Driest wines were excellent.
Wyandotte Winery (written Aug 14, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Icehouse and StateHouse
Good folks at Wyandotte! Super tasting room, beatiful hand crafted wines and ambience that is hard to beat in NE columbus. Take part in many of their events!
Via Vecchia Winery (written Aug 14, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Truvio
Visited in March...met the Vintners months ago.New space in Brewery District is amazing. Michael and wife were very welcoming. GO MEET THEM!
Slate Run Vineyard (written Aug 14, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Favorite Wine: Premblanc
Had a very nice time on Saturday 8/13. Keith is very upbeat and willing to share info AND his wines. We had a table full of old and new friends by the time the afternoon was done!
