Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Island Wines

Tourism has brought vacation homes, bars, and restaurants onto the Lake Erie Islands and has claimed much of the available land. The 2000 tragedy on Middle Bass closed Lonz Winery, which sat on the location of Golden Eagle Wine Cellars, once one of the largest producers of wine in the country. With renewed interest in wine taking hold in Ohio, only one wine-producing winery remains on the islands--Heineman’s on South Bass Island, which grows some grapes on South Bass but most from North Bass Island.  Isle of St. George, also known as North Bass Island, has become a sub-appellation and continues in full grape production on land leased from the State of Ohio, which is committed to supporting Ohio’s wine industry.  Firelands Winery, the largest winery in Ohio, grows many of its grapes on Isle of St. George.  The Erie Islands, or Wine Islands, have the longest growing season in northeastern United States, with their 190-day growing season.  The annual wine festival on Put-in-Bay straddles the last weekend in September/first weekend in October.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Women's Aerospace Museum Event


Ohio's Lake Erie Wineries is about the history of the vineyards and wine-making, but it's also a celebration of the wines of today.  I was privileged to be part of the annual fundraising event at the Women's Aerospace Museum at Burke Lakefront Airport where wine and history came together.  Debonne and Grand River wines were poured by Beth Debevc.  Here's me with my books.

Clam Bakes Go With Wine

Vermilion Valley Vineyards was established on Gore Orphanage Road in Henrietta in 2009.  The beautiful winery is surrounded by vineyards, makes exceptional wines, and includes stargazing with owner David Benzing.  Join the winery for a clambake on Friday September 30, catered by Pogie.  Enjoy clam broth, New England clam chowder, one dozen top neck clams, Prince Edward Island mussels, grilled lemon herb chicken, corn on the cob, baby redskin potatoes, dinner rolls, and a glass of wine while listening to music by The Minor Adjustments. Call 440-965-5202 or order at www.vermilionvalleyvineyards.com.