Merri's Wine Journal Entries
DelMonaco Winery (written Jul 02, 2017)
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Really enjoyed this winery. Is a beautiful facility, and would make a great wedding venue, or for other special occasions. Even though we showed up near closing time, the staff were more than willing to provide the tasting, and were polite and helpful the entire time...and they ended up staying open a bit later because of our visit. Being from Kansas, I haven't ever had muscadine wine, but found most of these very enjoyable.
Cedar Lake Cellars (written Jul 02, 2017)
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Favorite Wine: '57 Chevy
First off, when we were driving to the winery, it seemed off the beaten path...but when we got there, it was amazing. There was great parking, plenty of space at the bar for tastings, but that wasn't even the most impressive part. There is a pond there, complete with swans, and LOTS of seating. There was seating under various pavilions, as well as inside, but also many tables to set out on the lawn. There was live music available, and food options as well. This could have easily been a day-long hangout as it was so relaxing and beautiful. As for their wines...they were ok. I did however, really enjoy their unique sparkling almond-flavored wine and the '57 Chevy.
Baltimore Bend Vineyard (written Jul 02, 2017)
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Favorite Wine: C2 (C squared)
This was a cute little winery, and our server (the mayor of Waverly???) was very friendly. Really enjoyed many of their wines. As I look through my list and notes, and had many that I could have easily purchased, but had to limit myself!! ;) I generally have been a sweet wine person, but am now more midway, the semi-sweets and semi-dry's, but here at Baltimore Blend, I really enjoyed the C2 (C squared), which is Norton and Chambourcin grapes. It is aged in stainless steel, which I prefer over the oaky flavors. Very nice wine! Others that I enjoyed were the Encore, Last Minute, Cirrus, 2015 Vignoles, and the Joli Vin.
Pheasant Hollow Winery & Monthly Dinner Mystery (written Jul 02, 2017)
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Favorite Wine: Gun Creek Red and Orange & Blue
This winery was very beautiful... Their wines were ok...they have a broad variety, so am sure most people would find one they like. Typically I have liked sweet wines, but am finding myself going more "semi-sweet" or "off-dry" now. I really liked the Gun Creek White, which is an off-dry and the "Orange & Blue" was very unique, as it is made from the orange muscat grape and some blueberry added in.
SchillingBridge Winery and MicroBrewery (written Nov 09, 2015)
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Schilling Bridge is probably my favorite winery, however, I also may be biased since I grew up near Pawnee City. Seriously, though, I think they have a great variety of wines, as well as other beverages (beer and Wine-A-Rita). As for choosing a favorite wine, it really depends on the day. Some days, my favorite is Women Gone Wine, but other days, it might be My Blue Diamond. If you like margaritas, the Wine-A-Rita is always a great choice. I visited again this past weekend, and tried their new Cayuga, and am very excited to open that bottle!! :)
St. James Winery (written Oct 05, 2015)
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Favorite Wine: Reisling and Moscato
I thought this was a very nice winery. The staff were very helpful. There were LOTS of varieties of wine! I liked the atmosphere...you could spend time shopping, but also wine tasting. I really enjoyed my visit and the staff were very helpful!
Windy Wine Company (written Oct 05, 2015)
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Favorite Wine: Silverbrock
Have been here a couple times...once for a tasting, the second time for a painting class. I just really love the laid-back, country ambiance. Staff are all pleasant and very helpful!
