Friday, November 30, 2012

Lone Oak Vineyard Estate Schedules Wine and Chocolate Event December 2

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Wine and chocolate: What could be better? Lone Oak Vineyard Estate, Lone Oak Vineyard Estate, 8400 Ann Arbor Rd., Grass Lake, Michigan, has scheduled a day of delicious wine and chocolate pairings on Sunday, December 2. You'll learn how chocolate is made and enjoy demonstrations by Mindo Chocolate Makers of Dexter, Michigan.

The session will feature a pairing fine estate grown wines with hand made chocolates from Mindo Chocolate

Makers. You'll sample several different Mindo chocolates with selected wines.

Mindo Chocolate Makers ferment, dry and roast the cocoa beans themselves at their place in Mindo, Ecuador. They ship the cocoa beans to Michigan and hand make the chocolate at their place in Dexter. They control the quality of their chocolate by following the process carefully from the moment the bean comes out of the pod.

Mindo makes their 77% and 67% chocolate with only three ingredients: their own cocoa liquor, their own cocoa butter and organic evaporated cane juice. No additives. It's pure, simple and delicious.

In addition to their solid chocolate bars, Mindo also offers other flavors by adding ingredients like espresso coffee beans, cherries, Celtic sea salt, candied orange peel, and hazelnuts, to name a few. They also make incredible cocoa powder, truffles and hot chocolate sticks.


The event is at 1:00 PM. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Call (517)522-8167 to reserve your time slot and seat. The cost is $10 per person.

All of the Mindo chocolates and Lone Oak wines will be available for purchase.

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Thursday, November 29, 2012

Domaine Labbe 2011 Vin De Savoie “Abymes”

This wine was an adventure that began as a whim. As I browsed the wine specials, I was intrigued to learn that Abymes is in eastern France in the foothills of the Alps.
The chilly mountain temperatures keep the wine cool during fermentation to preserve the beautiful aromatics of the Jacquère grape. This Savoie wine from Domaine Labbe is 100% Jacquère – something so exotic sounding I just had to try it.
One of the rules of thumb in wine pairing is to enjoy the wine with the food from the same region. So this wine pairs especially well with Gruyere cheese and Swiss fondues and Raclette. It will pair wonderfully with seafood too.
The Abymes is dry and fragrant with floral notes. It is crisp and bright, but never biting. It has a nip of sweetness on the finish to wrap up a satisfying sipping experience.
This is a nice match with food, but also a darn good wine for enjoying all by itself whenever you are ready for an Alpine adventure. The cost is a mere $12. At this price you can pick up several bottles for your next party or to stow away for everyday drinking.
Rating: 3 of 5 Value: 4 of 5
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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Toledo Area Wine Tastings & Events: November 28–December 1, 2012

The international variety Pinot noir growing i...
The international variety Pinot noir growing in Moldova (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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Wednesday, November 28
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM. 1. Markko Reserve Johannisberg Riesling, 2. Orin Swift “E,” 3. Orin Swift “F,” 4. Redstone Meadery Honey wine with Pinot Noir. Flight $10 or nominal fee per sample.
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. Six great wines from High Flyer Winery with our special guest Telisa Delligatta of Tramonte Wines. $15.


Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Where the Wild Things Are (on our plates!) This is an idea that has been developing in my head for over a year, and now we can unleash it! We will be serving five courses of wild game fare (the official menu has not been released, but look for elk, wild boar, and such) paired with massively structured wines from both the Old and New Worlds. There is available seating now, and reservations are required. Proceeds from this event will go to the Dave Thomas Foundation. There will also be a silent auction and cigar giveaway. Seating begins at 6:30 PM and the first course will be served at 7:00 PM. This is going to be an amazing event that you absolutely DO NOT want to miss. Reservations can be made by calling (419) 878-9463, or by visiting us during normal hours. Tickets are $85 pp.

Thursday, November 29

Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Maumee Anderson’s Staff Picks. Your choice of four. Prices vary by selection. 1. Renee’s Pick – 2007 Reynolds Family Winery – Cabernet Sauvignon -Napa Valley, California, 2. Andy’s Pick – 2004 Villa Cafaggio – San Martino – Sangiovese -Toscana, Italy, 3. Kris’ Pick – 2008 Dierberg – Pinot Noir – Santa Maria Valley, California, 4. Dan’s Pick – 2008 Numanthia – Red Blend – Toro, Spain, 5. Bob’s Pick – 2010 Foxglove – Chardonnay – California, 6. Kathy’s Pick – 2010 Twenty Rows – Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley, California, 7. Ian’s Pick – 2009 Titus – Zinfandel – Napa Valley, California, 8. Don’s Pick – 2009 Schild Estate – Shiraz – Barossa, Australia, 9. Cynthia’s Pick – Estancia – Meritage – Paso Robles, California.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Lively wines for lively times. Great, affordable wines for a party. 1. Seaglass Sauvignon Blanc, 2. Anne Amie Pinot Gris, 3. Chateau Grand Travers Ship of Fools White Wine, 4. Paso a Paso Tempranillo, 5. Seghesio Zinfandel, 6. Cameron Hughes Chalk Hill Cabernet, 7. Meeker Merlot, 8. Estancia Meritage. Nominal fee per sample.


Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.


Middle Ground Market at The Oliver House, 27 Broadway, Toledo. 5:30 – 7:30 PM. A wine for everyone. Wines priced from $6 to $60 a bottle. $15.

TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.

Friday, November 30
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Russian River Valley Wines: 1. Sonoma-Cutrer RR Chardonnay, 2. White Oak RR Chardonnay, 3. Fritz RR Pinot Noir, 4. Siduri RR Pinot Noir. $15 tasting.
Middle Ground Market at The Oliver House, 27 Broadway, Toledo. 5:30 – 7:30 PM. A wine for everyone. Wines priced from $6 to $60 a bottle. $15.

Saturday, December 1
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Russian River Valley Wines: 1. Sonoma-Cutrer RR Chardonnay, 2. White Oak RR Chardonnay, 3. Fritz RR Pinot Noir, 4. Siduri RR Pinot Noir. $15 tasting.
The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 1-3 PM. Going Out In Style, Part One. For the next four weeks we’re going to treat you, our loyal wine shop customers, to some really good stuff for our weekly tastings. Our final wine tasting at the Andersons Woodville Road store will be Saturday, December 22. Please join us, while the bottles last, and thanks for everything! 1. Vieux Telegraphe 2001 Chateauneuf du Papes, 2. Pahlmeyer 2004 “Jayson” Red, 3. Quintessa 1999 Napa Red, 4. Romariz 1963 Colheita Porto. Flight $8 or nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM. 2nd Annual Walt Churchill’s Market Holiday Food & Wine Event. Wines and foods for your holiday parties. Nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM. 2nd Annual Walt Churchill’s Market Holiday Food & Wine Event. Wines and foods for your holiday parties. Nominal fee per sample.

AREA WINE BARS
  • The Bistro at Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
  • Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Wines of the Year 2012: Austin’s List

Photo by John Morgan
Every year Wine Spectator Magazine produces its “Wines of the Year List.” Unfortunately, most of those wines are either unavailable or long sold out by the time the list is revealed.

Austin Beeman, wine manager for Walt Churchill’s Market Briarfield location, has taken matters into his own hands. He has compiled his own list of top wines.  “While I do not taste the 10,000 plus wines that Wine Spectator tastes, I do taste well over a thousand wines per year,” he said. “Therefore, I propose a ‘Wines of the Year List’ that you can actually find and buy.”

He used the same criteria as Wine Spectator – but is limited to wines available in his store (and you can find some in other area stores as well). His criteria is:
  1. Quality.
  2. Value for Money.
  3. Availability – measured by bottles/cases available.
  4. ‘X-factor’ – “generated by a rising-star, a benchmark wine or milestone for a wine region.”

Austin’s List

  1. St. Innocent 2010 Pinot Noir ‘Temperance Hill.’ $34.99
  2. Heidi Schrock 2011 Rosé Biscaya. $19.99
  3. Saint-Cosme 2011 Cotes-du-Rhone. $15.99
  4. Elk Cove 2011 Pinot Blanc. $19.99
  5. Garnacha de Fuego 2011 Old Vines. $ 8.99
  6. Elena Walch 2011 Lagrein. $31.99
  7. Chakana 2010 Malbec. $22.99
  8. Château Roustaing 2009 Bordeaux. $17.99
  9. World’s End 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Napa Valley.’ $42.99
  10. Domaine de la Colline St-Jean 2010 Vacqueyras. $23.99
  11. Bonny Doon 2008 Vino Rosso. $10.99
  12. Domaine Eden 2010 Pinot Noir. $34.99
  13. Heidi Schrock 2008 Ruster Ausbrach ‘Wings of Dawn.’ $75.99 / 375ml
  14. H. Billiot NV Brut Rosé Champagne. $68.99
  15. J.L. Chave 2008 Hermitage Rouge. $249.99
  16. Little James Basket Press 2011 White Blend. $12.99
  17. Chateau Clerc Milon 2004 Paulliac. $52.99
  18. Paitin 2007 Barbaresco ‘Serra.’ $27.99
  19. Dierberg 2009 Chardonnay. $29.99
  20. Fattoria di Lucignano 2009 Chianti Colli Fiorentini. $14.99
Thanks, Austin, for sharing this list. We hope to stop by and sample some of these winning wines soon!
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Monday, November 26, 2012

Tartan Hill, Piper’s Oceana White, Michigan


We picked up this non-vintage Riesling blend during a visit to the Tartan Hill Winery in New Era, Michigan. The winery was just a short distance from the Electric Forest music festival we were attending.
The label is beat up because we had iced this wine down for sipping during a cook out, but we turned to beer or something else and this wine never got opened. But the perfect occasion did eventually arise.
We had family in for Thanksgiving and decided we would play a game. Farkel, which is a “craps” type game with six dice, was the game of choice.  As we launched into the “tournament of champions” with a lot of hooting an hollering, we popped open this bottle.
The Piper’s Oceana White is a non-vintage wine that is primarily Riesling with some other unspecified white grapes. It is semi-sweet  with a light body. The sweetness is not overpowering and it was a good pick because we had a couple of wine drinkers who prefer sweeter wines and a couple of wine novices who aren’t yet into dry wines.
This is a soft wine with flavors of apple and citrus. It’s not complex, but was a very popular sipper throughout the evening.
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Friday, November 23, 2012

Stella’s Extravaganza Highlights Holiday Wine


Stella’s restaurant in downtown Perrysburg hosts a great monthly wine tasting. Earlier this month they held their Holiday Wine Extravaganza with some delicious food and great choices for holiday entertaining.
The tasting featured six wines from Heidelberg Distributing, two white and four red, for a price of $20. This had to be the best deal in town because the chef outdid himself with a delicious buffet that featured calamari, salmon, chicken with a sun-dried tomato sauce as well as beef tips and salad. It certainly would have been worth it at three times the cost.
Green Dragon was still out of town volunteering with the Red Cross in New Jersey. I felt a pang of guilt as Glorious T, the Cabinator and I filled our plates and glasses while Green Dragon was sleeping in a shelter. The moment quickly passed as I headed for the first wines.
The leadoff wines were two Chardonnays. The Merryvale Chard from Carneros is unoaked sells for about $30. This was a serviceable wine, but not special. I was much more enthusiastic about the Clos du Bois Calcaire Chardonnay from Sonoma. This is a well-balanced Chard with just the right touch of oak. For me, this is a great deal at $20.
The transition to the reds came in the form of a Carneros Pinot Noir from Robert Mondavi. I was surprised by the high drinkability of this wine. This is an easy sipper and sure to be popular with most dinner guests.
The final three reds were really what we were hankering for. Leading off was the 2009 Mount Veeder Cab from Napa. This is a solid Napa Cab with cherry plum and chocolate with a price of $30.
I had two favorites for the evening. One was clearly the best wine, the other was the best wine value (translation: the price was reasonable enough that my wife wouldn’t clobber me).
The Clos du Bois Marlstone is from Alexander Valley, a great little corner of Sonoma in California. We first discovered this wine at the Island Wine Festival on Put-in-Bay. It delivers incredible taste at a nice price of only $30 – about half of what it should go for. It is opulent with a smooth body and flavors of blackberry and cocoa. It is a Bordeaux blend that is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, but has Merlot and a supporting cast of other delicious grapes. I bought a bottle of this.
Mount Veeder Reserve, a red Napa blend, wore the crown for the evening. The 2007 vintage features 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec, 5% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. Quite simply, this is what good wine is all about. It draws you in with an enticing aroma and as you sip, you experience layer after layer of flavor. Plum, dark cherry and vanilla all are evident in this full-bodied wine. The finish is long indeed. This baby goes for $60, but even so is a great value.
These are some great choices for your holiday entertaining.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Foxen 7200 2009 Vogelzang Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Happy Valley of Santa Barbera


We picked up this 2009 Vogelzan Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from Foxen 7200 during our visit last January. While our wives relaxed outside in the sun, Cleve and I were in the “shed” tasting some special wines including this one. I appreciated the uniqueness of the wine even more when I opened up this bottle at home.

The Vogelzan Vineyard is in the warmest part of Santa Barbara County in the Santa Ynez Valley which I believe imparts a unique quality. The wine is nice and crisp without the twang of a Marlborough Sauv Blanc. This is due to the barrel fermentation.

The Foxen 7200 is golden with glints of green in the glass. It opens with a nice crispness, but the apple and citrus flavors are shot through with savory notes. The medium body is heavier than you may be expecting. Sage and oak flavor notes make this wine distinctive.

A good wine to match with shellfish, chicken or fish, it costs about $23. I was digging it more on a hot day in Santa Barbara, but it’s still a fine wine in chilly Ohio.

Rating: 3 of 5  Value: 2.5 of 5
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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Toledo Area Wine Tastings & Events: November 21-24, 2012

Autumn vineyard in Harpersfield Ohio
Autumn vineyard in Harpersfield Ohio (Photo credit: kuddlyteddybear2004)
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Wednesday, November 21
The Andersons, Sylvania,
No tasting.
Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. Ohio Michigan Beer and Wine Challenge. We'll have three bottles of great Ohio wine but since Michigan doesn't really have a lot of wines
available here in Ohio, we're going to put Ohio against the great wine state of California. $15.

Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. 6:00 – 9:00 PM. The Thanksgiving Twist. We've all been there; the "official" and obligatory 'Thanksgiving Wine Tasting'. Every wine shop has one, and every wine shop's lineup is the same, every...boring...year. NOT HERE. Join us as we party down the day before T-Day with an enticing lineup of nontraditional wines that will pair perfectly with your turkey, tofu, and anything you wanna stuff inside! We'll also have special holiday martinis and other festive drinks at the South bar. I think I heard something about a "Thanksgiving Manhattan" as I was walking by earlier... Nominal fee per sample.

Thursday, November 22

Happy Thanksgiving.

Friday, November 23
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Red Blends (Italy vs. California): 1. Boccadigabbia, 2. Coppola "Claret," 3. If You See Kay, 4. Exitus. $10 tasting.
Middle Ground Market at The Oliver House, 27 Broadway, Toledo. 5:30 – 7:30 PM. Beaujolais Nouveau Wines. $15.

Saturday, November 24
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Red Blends (Italy vs. California): 1. Boccadigabbia, 2. Coppola "Claret," 3. If You See Kay, 4. Exitus. $10 tasting.
The Andersons, Woodville Mall. No tasting.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 - 5:00 PM. Customer Appreciation Day. If you are able to buck the peer pressure of the Ohio State/Michigan game, we’ve got a wonderful wine tasting for you. Dramatic special discounts on hundreds of wines are available for 5 hours only. If you’ve been to our customer appreciation day in the past, you know how awesome this will be. If this is your first time, get ready to be blown away.
Nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine Tasting. 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

AREA WINE BARS
  • The Bistro at Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
  • Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Zinful Wild Game Dinner To Feature Wine and Beer; Benefits Dave Thomas Foundation For Adoption

Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville, continues its series of wine dinners with what is certain to be an outrageously good wild game dinner. The restaurant is teaming up with area Wendy’s to present a benefit for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption on Wednesday, November 28.
The event will be a pairing of artisanal cuisine featuring wild game and a selection of fine wine, beer and cigars---carefully chosen from Zinful’s extensive wine collection and humidor. All proceeds from ticket sales and live and silent auctions will be donated to the foundation.
This year November is National Adoption Month and this event is an opportunity for Zinful, a locally owned business, to show its appreciation for the Toledo area community by contributing to an organization that has a worthy cause. The Dave Thomas Foundation works to align children from foster care with safe, loving and permanent families. Through its efforts, the foundation has matched over 5,000 children with families and facilitated the adoption of over 3,000.
Attendees will experience a five course gourmet meal prepared by executive Chef Javan Robison, featuring exotic items such as elk and wild boar. “Javan does a phenomenal job preparing these exotic ingredients.” said Zinful owner, Joyce Franzblau, adding, “We picked out each wine and beer to compliment the bold and one-of-a kind flavors of each of Javan’s creations.”
Accompanying the dinner and tasting, those attending will have the opportunity to bid on cigar and wine gift sets, as well as other items that have been donated by area businesses. This benefit will be an excellent kick-off for the holiday season and an opportunity to support the community.
The event will be held November 28 at 6:30 P.M. Tickets are $85 per person, to be purchased in advance by calling (419) 878-9463 or email joyce@zinfulwine.com . Additional information can be located on http://www.zinfulwine.com or at Zinful’s Facebook page.
Photo by Angelo Amboldi
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Monday, November 19, 2012

Lacour-Peyrade 2010 Bergerac Rouge


Bergerac is a wine region in the southwest of France. It receives far less renown than Bordeaux, which lies just to its west. Only 15% of Bergerac wine makes it out of the country, and that mostly to England, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.
This bottle was grabbed on a whim at Walt Churchill’s Market for $10. I was looking for a casual sipper for election night and wanted something interesting.
The Lacour-Peyrade is a Bordeaux-style blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc with perhaps a dash of Malbec. It is crimson to light purple in the glass. The aroma is fully loaded and earned an awesome label for its brambly and dark fruit bouquet.
It is a rustic wine with a medium to light body. There are flavor notes of earth, tobacco and blackberries. However, the wine is a simple one and it ends with a whimper and not a bang. The finish is flat and short.
This Bergerac Rouge was like the election. It promised a long entertaining evening, but it never really developed and ended rather quickly. It’s worth $10, but don’t plan your evening around it.
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Rating: 2 of 5  Value: 3 of 5
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Saturday, November 17, 2012

Holidays in the Uplands Event Kicks Off on Nouveau Weekend In Southern Indiana

SOUTHERN INDIANA—The Indiana Uplands Wine Trail (IUWT), comprised of nine wineries—Best Vineyards, Brown County, Oliver, Butler, Carousel, French Lick, Winzerwald, Turtle Run and Huber Orchards and Vineyard, will be celebrating the start of their Holidays in the Uplands ticketed event on Nouveau Weekend, November 15th through the 18th.
Holidays in the Uplands” allows ticket holders visiting the nine wineries on the Indiana Uplands Wine Trail from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31 to receive a gold ornament with each winery's logo as well as a grapevine wreath to display their treasures for a special holiday memento of their travels. Tickets cost $35 per person and are available on-line at http://holidaysintheuplands2012.eventbrite.com or at any Uplands winery. A limited number of tickets will be available for the limited edition ornament collection.
In France, the third Thursday of November marks the day when the first young Beaujolais wines vinted from the current year’s grapes are released with much fanfare to celebrate the harvest. Many of the Uplands’ wineries will likewise be be celebrating the tradition by introducing a new wine or a new vintage for tasting that weekend including the following:
· Winzerwald will offer a new Lieblich, a semi-sweet blend of Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Vidal Blanc –the perfect match for holiday ham, turkey or goose!

· Butler Winery will be releasing their new semi-sweet Traminette.

· Carousel will release its popular Winter Jewel, a mix of Raspberry and Cranberry wines. If the Ruby Gem Stone had a flavor, this would be it!

· French Lick Winery will debut a new dry red wine, Noiret. This medium bodied, fruity wine has bright cherry and strawberry flavors and a distinctive black pepper finish.

· Turtle Run will have a new 2012 Chambourcin.

· Best Vineyards will release a Chambourcin wine called Nouveau 2012 vinted in the traditional French Nouveau style. A semi-sweet wine with very fruity aromas of berries and cherry.

· Huber’s Orchard and Vineyard will once again have its Pop's Reserve Nouveau for the 12th annual event at Huber's Winery on Thursday. Pop’s Reserve is a deep rooted tradition passed onto the 6th Generation Huber’s by great, great grandfather Pop’s.
Join all nine wineries as they ring in the holiday season with great new wines and vintages on Nouveau Weekend and offer ticket holders a special grapevine wreath with holiday logo ornaments to be collected through December 31st.
In addition to tasting great new holiday releases and collecting your holiday ornaments, make sure to also pick up a Passport to the Wine Trail at the first winery and after visiting all nine, the last winery will present you with one slate cheese serving tray per passport just in time for those holiday celebrations. Each participant that completes the passport will also be entered into a grand prize drawing which will be held at the 2013 Vintage Indiana Wine Festival in Indianapolis in June.
New wines, holiday ornaments, and free cheese serving trays…now is the time to visit Indiana’s first wine trail and“raise your glass & lift your spirits”! Visit www.IndianaUplands.com for links to individual wineries.
Photo by Jenny Downing
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Friday, November 16, 2012

Michigan Grape Acreage Doubled Over Last Decade

Cranberry Dessert wine at Round Barn Winery, D...

Cranberry Dessert wine at Round Barn Winery, Distillery & Brewery in Baroda, Michigan (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

LANSING -- Michigan's wine grape acreage doubled over the past decade, according to a report recently released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service.

While acreage of Concord and Niagara grape varieties -- used primarily for juice, jams and jelly -- have remained steady at approximately 12,000 acres over the past 10 years, acreage of wine grapes increased from 1,300 to 2,650 acres.

"This data confirms the steady growth of the wine industry," said Gordon Wenk, Deputy Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, who also chairs the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council. "Michigan's wineries are committed to the concept of regional identity by utilizing a high percentage of Michigan-grown fruit in their wines."

The USDA report is based on the 2011 Michigan Fruit Survey, which collected data from grape growers throughout the state. The complete results of the survey are available online and can be accessed from www.michiganwines.com/fastfacts.

Top five wine grape varieties (in acres): Riesling, from 204 acres in 2002 to 595 in 2011; Pinot Noir, from 93 to 235; Chardonnay, from 187 to 215; Pinot Gris, from 53 to 210; and Cabernet Franc, from 54 to 155.

Riesling is the most widely planted wine grape, with acreage nearly tripling in the past decade. Michigan producers are creating world-class Rieslings and earned more than 20 top awards in 2012 for Riesling wines in a variety of styles, from bone dry to sweet ice wine. The International Riesling Foundation lists Michigan among notable global producers.

But Riesling isn't the only star of the survey. Cabernet Franc acreage also tripled in the past decade. Pinot Gris increased nearly 300 percent. And Pinot Noir has replaced Chardonnay as the state's second most planted variety, with acreage increasing 150 percent in the last 10 years. More than 40 varieties of wine grapes with at least two acres of production were reported. Traditional European varieties (vinifera) account for two-thirds of Michigan's wine grape acreage. The balance is mainly comprised of hybrid varieties (crosses between European and native North American varieties).

Traditionally, the wine grape industry in Michigan was concentrated in four primary counties: Berrien, Van Buren, Grand Traverse and Leelanau. Due to winery expansion around the state, the survey shows vineyard land exceeding 10 acres in each of the following counties: Allegan, Antrim, Benzie, Cass, Charlevoix, Jackson, Lenawee, Oceana, Sanilac and Washtenaw.

Michigan ranked fourth in total grape production in the United States in 2011, behind California, Washington and New York, and ranked fifth in wine grape production. Michigan hovers between fifth and eighth place for wine grape production from year to year, depending on weather events that can severely influence regional production volumes in any given year.

According to the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council, there are 101 commercial wineries producing more than 1.3 million gallons of Michigan wine annually. That number has increased from 32 wineries in 2002 producing 400,000 gallons. For more information about the Michigan wine grape industry, visit the council's website, www.michiganwines.com.

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Thursday, November 15, 2012

Michigan By The Bottle, Six Michigan Wineries Partner for Metro Detroit Tasting Room

View of Grand Traverse Bay from Old Mission Pe...

View of Grand Traverse Bay from Old Mission Peninsula, Traverse City, MI. Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Publisher’s Note: Shannon and Cortney Casey are the founders of MichiganByTheBottle.com, a great blog that promotes the wonderful wines of Michigan. MBTB is the largest Michigan wine online community and it features articles, podcasts, events and more. We’re excited that they are launching a tasting room. Read on!

The founders of Michigan By The Bottle, a website/online community promoting the Michigan wine industry, are teaming up with six wineries from throughout the state to establish a joint wine tasting room in Shelby Township.

Located on Hayes, north of Hall, the Michigan By The Bottle Tasting Room will offer tasting flights paired with small bites for a nominal fee, plus wine sales by the bottle and case. The facility also will host events like winemaker meet-and-greets, art exhibits and interactive art sessions, book signings, catered wine tasting dinners and more.

This will be the first tasting room in Michigan under this concept, with multiple previously unaffiliated wineries teaming up under a single roof. The format has been used successfully by wineries on the West Coast. Build-out on the space began in early November, with anticipated opening in December.

The six partner wineries are excellent examples of Michigan viticulture and viniculture: family-owned operations with rich histories and unique backstories who are growing their own grapes and/or sourcing them locally from in-state growers. They are:

• Chateau Aeronautique (Jackson)

• Chateau de Leelanau (Suttons Bay)

• Domaine Berrien Cellars (Berrien Springs)

• Gill's Pier Vineyard & Winery (Northport)

• Peninsula Cellars (Traverse City)

• Sandhill Crane Vineyards (Jackson)

For more information call Cortney at (586) 567-3033 or cort@michiganbythebottle.com.

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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Toledo Area Wine Tastings & Events: November 14-17, 2012

A glass of Beaujolais nouveau
A glass of Beaujolais nouveau (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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Wednesday, November 14
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM. Son-Of-Z-Best. Our annual “high-end” tasting, featuring wonderful wines, great food, and live jazz. 1. Twomey Pinot Noir 2010, produced by Silver Oak Winery, 91 pts WE, 90 pts W&S; 2. Moccagatta Barbaresco “Bric Balin” 2007, 94 pts WS, 92 pts ST, 93 pts RP; 3. Amon-Ra Barossa Shiraz 2006, 99 pts RP; 4. Beaulieu Vineyards “Georges de LaTour” Reserve Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, 93 pts WS, 93 pts RP; 5. B. Nektar “Miel de Garde” Barrel Aged Orange Blossom, 99 pts RB; 6. Taylor Fladgate 2003 Vintage Porto, 98pts RP, 97 pts WE, 96 pts W&S. Nominal fee per sample.



Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Spanish Fly! Spain is easily the world's top value spot when it comes to wine. In fact, they have more land devoted to vineyards than any other nation, but they're only third place in total production. What does this mean for you? Value...delicious value! Join us as we welcome Adam Mahler, president of Ampelography and the bottom line in wine, and his lineup of Spanish beauties. All 100% guaranteed to get you eh...uhmm...excited! Nominal fee per sample.

Thursday, November 15

Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. 1. Rombauer – Chardonnay – Carneros, 2. Orin Swift Shatter – Grenache – Maury, France, 3. David Girard – Grenache – Placerville, California, 4. Saddleback – Zinfandel – Napa Valley. Flight $9 or nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Wines for the Feast. More great wines to pair with traditional holiday foods. 1. Dr. L Riesling, 2. Monmousseau Vouvray, 3. Vina Godeval, 4. Schloss Gobelsberger Gruner Veltliner, 5. Georges Duboeuf Morgon Beaujolais, 6. Grand Veneur Cote du Rhone, 7. Calera Central Coast Pinot Noir, 8. Marlstone, Alexander Valley. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM. Great wine for Thanksgiving. $15.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

Middle Ground Market at The Oliver House, 27 Broadway, Toledo. 5:30 – 7:30 PM. Beaujolais Nouveau Wines. $15.

TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.

Friday, November 16
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Turkey Day Wines (includes deep fried turkey). 1. Navarro Chardonnay, 2. Selbach-Oster Kabinett Riesling, 3. Napa Cellars Pinot Noir, 4. Selby Sonoma Merlot. $20 tasting.
Middle Ground Market at The Oliver House, 27 Broadway, Toledo. 5:30 – 7:30 PM. Beaujolais Nouveau Wines. $15.

Saturday, November 17
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Turkey Day Wines (includes deep fried turkey). 1. Navarro Chardonnay, 2. Selbach-Oster Kabinett Riesling, 3. Napa Cellars Pinot Noir, 4. Selby Sonoma Merlot. $20 tasting.
The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 1-3 PM. Le Beaujolais Nouveau Est Arrivé: The new Beaujolais has arrived. Bottled only 6-8 weeks after harvest, these wines are light, soft and fruity. Best served with a light chill, they are a pleasant quaff, a great aperitif as your Thanksgiving dinner guests arrive, or perfect with those leftover turkey sandwiches. 1. George Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau, 2. Joseph Drouhin Beaujolais Nouveau, 3. Rochette Beaujolais Nouveau, 4. Carra Beaujolais Nouveau. Flight $2 or nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 - 5:00 PM. All about Scheurebe – Riesling’s “Other” Sister. It is perhaps the most flamboyantly hedonistic white wine in the world. Explosively aromatic and seductive. We’ll taste the gamut of Scheurebe (From bone-dry Trocken to unctuously sweet Auslese.)Nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine Tasting. 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

AREA WINE BARS
  • The Bistro at Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
  • Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Le Nouveau Est Arrivé: Satek Winery to Release Nouveau Wine November 15

You don’t have to know French to appreciate the celebration behind the release of Nouveau, as this wine style is the essence of celebration itself.
Satek Winery, (260) 495-9463, 6208 N. Van Guilder Road, Fremont, Indiana, will be bringing a little bit of the French celebration to Northeastern Indiana with the sophomore release of its nouveau-style wine creation on Thursday, November 15th—the same day as the official release date of Beaujolais Nouveau wines in France. Huge festivities throughout France herald the release of the nouveau wine, thus perpetuating the correlation between this wine style and lighthearted celebrations.
The term nouveau refers to wines which are released in the same year in which the grapes are harvested. Satek Winery’s version—Kreibaum Bay Nouveau—was made from recently-harvested Marechal Foch grapes from its very own Lake James vineyard. In keeping with tradition, the whole clusters of grapes were fermented by a process of carbonic maceration, and then quickly pressed, which resulted in a fruity dry red with a light body and paler color. Nouveau wines have a broad appeal because the bitter tannins, normally found in red wines, aren’t there, leaving an easy-to-drink, fruity wine. They are at their peak drinkability within the first month, and are best served slightly cool.
Head winemaker Shane Christ is excited about the Nouveau wine release because “the quality of the fruit this year was high due to an exceptional growing season; the high natural sugar in the grapes gave us a broad spectrum of flavors in the wine, with hints of bubblegum and banana.” He continues, “this is the perfect time to pick up a few bottles of Nouveau and throw a party.”
Satek first Kreibaum Bay Nouveau wine, released in 2011, sold out in 3 ½ days. Twice as much was made this year, but priced at just $11.15 a bottle, it is expected to again sell out quickly.
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Monday, November 12, 2012

Terrazas 2005 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza


Argentinean winemaker Terrazas is well-known for producing Malbec high in quality and value. I actually grabbed this bottle by mistake, but enjoyed this reserve Cab nonetheless.
I was in Corks and looking for a Cab from Chile. All the wines from South America are grouped together and in my seemingly endless evaluation process, I drifted across the Andes Mountains out of Chile and into Argentina.
The wine comes from Mendoza, the most successful and well-known region in the country. This is an estate grown wine with grapes coming from the lofty altitude of 3,200 feet.
Cabinator, Glorious T and I began tasting with a plush, fruit forward Cab from Chile. When we tasted the Terrazas, it was a bit of a surprise. This is a 2005 vintage, but the tannins were remarkably firm and edgy.
The Reserva Cab is a more intense wine than the laid back Cab from Chile. The Reserva had a more earthy quality with a twang of spiciness on the finish. With swirling and sipping, the dark fruit in the glass became more evident. This was no bowl of cherries, but rather deeper notes of tobacco and forest.
This wine has nice complexity. I’d recommend this as a partner to a hearty meal as opposed to a casual sipper. Cost was $19.
Rating: 2.5 of 5  Value 2.5
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Saturday, November 10, 2012

2012 Vintage: A Near Perfect Growing Season for Walla Walla Valley Winemakers


Publisher’s Note: One of the shining stars in the US wine scene is Washington’s Walla Walla Valley. We’ve had a chance to tour their wineries (see our winery reports page) and were impressed with the great quality and value. Looks like another great vintage is on the way.
WALLA WALLA, WA- The consensus among Walla Walla Valley winemakers is that this will be a vintage to remember. According to Duane Wollmuth, executive director, Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance, “nearly every winemaker I have talked to has said the temperatures and extended lack of rainfall have created near perfect conditions for producing wine grapes. We had three months without rain and plenty of warm temperatures. These late spring and summertime conditions, along with a normal cool down in September and October has produced small berry size, well ripened fruit, and excellent acidity.”
Not only did the year’s growing conditions produce exceptional grape quality, but quantities were up as well. A survey of Walla Walla Vintners found that wineries processed as much as two to three times more than they had in 2011. In fact, early estimates put the Washington State grape harvest up 30% from 2011’s smaller crop.
This comes at an excellent time for Washington wineries as they face rapidly increasing global demand for their wines. According to Wollmuth, “this will create a rare opportunity for our wineries to meet more of the ever increasing demand for the high quality wines our valley has become known for. Of course, we all know that the 2012 vintage wines are still dependent upon what our winemakers in the valley do with these great grapes. I am confident, however, that given their track record for producing great wines, our winemakers will make the most of the high quality grapes grown throughout Washington this year.”
The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance is a non-profit wine industry membership organization. More information about the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance can be found at www.wallawallawine.com.
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Friday, November 9, 2012

Rodney Strong 2007 Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley


What started as a quest to find a standout Napa Cab ended up with a rocking single vineyard Cabernet from Sonoma’s Alexander Valley.

The Green Dragon had been out of town for several days. She is volunteering with the Red Cross in New Jersey. Knowing I might be hungering for a decent meal, Glorious T and the Caberetor suggested we swing by our favorite tapas restaurant, Poco Piatti in Levis Commons.

When we arrived at the restaurant, the Cabernetor was still in the back seat fiddling with the lights, his iPhone and the Napa Cabernet issue of Wine Spectator. Monday is when Poco Piatti has their half off wine by the bottle special and the Cabernetor wanted to dial in just the right deal.

Glorious T was hungry, but our studying of the wine list continued to drag on. Cabernator and I kept going back and forth between options (they had a nice Beringer Knight’s Valley Cab as well as a Mondavi from Oakville). We finally settled on the Rodney Strong Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma’s Alexander Valley.

The wine list doesn’t show the vintage (a real drawback), so there were smiles all around as our server brought out a 2007. We savored our first glass as we dug into Thai shrimp, hummus and sautéed mushrooms. The best dish was a trio of shish-kabobs featuring swordfish, chicken and beef.

Rodney Strong created the first single vineyard Cabernets from Sonoma back in 1974. Rockaway continues that tradition by using grapes from its namesake vineyard, which has hilly terrain and gravelly, clay soil.

At first sip the tannins were firm and dry. As the wine opened up, concentrated red and black fruit boldly came through. Some dry toast and vanilla are sprinkled in the mix, too. The Rockaway is round and elegant without losing its structured feel. A long finish glides in for a satisfying end.

This is an outstanding wine, which retails for about $75. Thanks to the half-price promotion we got a tasty bargain indeed.
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Thursday, November 8, 2012

Kidney Foundation Hosts 21st Annual Wine Affair on November 9

The 21st Annual Wine Affair will take place Friday, November 9, at Parkway Place in Maumee beginning at 6:30 PM. The chair of the event is Tonya Robinson. Honorary Chairman is Jeannie Hylant. Wine Chair is Austin Beeman of Walt Churchill’s Market. The theme for this year’s event is “The Wine Affair Comes of Age.

The Wine Affair includes a silent auction, a live auction conducted by auctioneer Beth Rose and a sampling of fine wines from area wine distributors. Gourmet edibles will be provided to enhance the evening.

The event benefits the Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio. Tickets are $90 per person. To register online go to www.kfnwo.org or call (419) 329-2196. The event is black tie optional.

Photo by R.L. Hyde
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Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Toledo Area Wine Tastings and Events: November 7-10, 2012

A glass of Malbec wine from Argentina
A glass of Malbec wine from Argentina (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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Wednesday, November 7
The Andersons, Sylvania, 6– 8 PM. Wines for The Feast: 1. Belle Glos “Meiomi” Pinot Noir, 2. Renwood Old Vine Zinfandel, 3. Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling, 4. DelaForce 10 Year Old Tawny. Flight $8 or nominal fee per sample.

Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. 6:00 – 9:00 PM. South American Showdown. Argentina and Chile have been making some of the finest wines in the world, and there simply is no stopping them. Quality, quantity, and exports are all up from previous years, and it isn't just Malbec and Carmenere! Come sample some serious Southern stuff. Nominal fee per sample.

Thursday, November 8

Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. 1. Bouchaine – Pinot Noir – Carneros, California, 2. Kiona – Cabernet Sauvignon – Washington, 3. Mas de Gourgonnier – Provence, France, 4. Leitz – Dragonstone – Riesling – Rheingau, Germany. Flight $7 or nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Big Bruising Reds. We scour the world for dynamic, powerful reds. 1. Altos de la Hoya, 2. Thorn & Clark Terra Barossa Shiraz, 3. Tait Ball Buster, 4. Almirez, 5. Dominico Clerico Arte, 6. Gorman “The Bully” Cabernet, 7. Gilbert Cellars Petite Verdot, 8. Mazzi della Valpolicella Amarone. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-8 PM.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
Middle Ground Market at The Oliver House, 27 Broadway, Toledo. 5:30 – 7:30 PM. Beautiful Wines for Thanksgiving, with Rachel Nasatir of Grand Cru Wines. $15.

TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.

Friday, November 9
* Special Event * Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio 21st Annual Wine Affair, 6:30 PM, Parkway Place, Maumee. $90 per person. Featuring exclusive wines, auction items and gourmet edibles. Black tie optional. For information call (419) 329-2196
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Argentine Malbecs: 1. Tapiz Malbec, 2. Dona Paula Estate Malbec, 3. Tierra Secreta Malbec, 4. Catena Malbec. $10 tasting.
Middle Ground Market at The Oliver House, 27 Broadway, Toledo. 5:30 – 7:30 PM. Beautiful Wines for Thanksgiving. $15.
Saturday, November 10
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Argentine Malbecs: 1. Tapiz Malbec, 2. Dona Paula Estate Malbec, 3. Tierra Secreta Malbec, 4. Catena Malbec. $10 tasting.

The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 1-3 PM. Wines For The Feast: 1. Hugel Gentil, 2. Cline Cashmere, 3. Darting Riesling Kabinett, 4. Machmer Gewurztraminer Spatlese. Flight $2.50 or nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 - 5:00 PM. Special guest Cissie Schnoering of Pere Jacques is here with her eclectic mix of old and new world wines. Nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine Tasting. 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

AREA WINE BARS
  • The Bistro at Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
  • Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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