Note to blog readers: Reposted from The Times Reporter – Sunday, May 3, 2009
Author: Robyn Martins
The Tuscarawas Valley is known for many things – rolling hills, friendly towns, a rich history. Now, it’s becoming known for something else – its wineries.
Many people are surprised to learn so many quality wines are produced locally, not realizing Ohio has a history of successful winemaking.
Ohio was the country’s leading producer of wine throughout the 1800s, with the northern part of the state even garnering the label “the Lake Erie Grape Belt.” But Prohibition put an end to the industry’s success, and many vineyards fell into disrepair.
Decades after the repeal of Prohibition, the craft of winemaking and the planting of vineyards in Ohio are re-emerging, and now there are approximately 120 wineries throughout the state. Several of these wineries are just a short drive from downtown Dover or New Philadelphia, and they have developed a sense of camaraderie more so than competition.
Instead of carving out their own piece of the pie, suggests winery owner Chad Schindler, “we are all working together to make the pie bigger.”
One of the newest wineries is the Schoolhouse Winery at 455 Schneiders Crossing Rd. at Dover.
Owned by David and Jennifer Jagunic, the winery is located in a one-room schoolhouse built in 1886. The Jagunics bought the property, renovated the neglected building and are now eager to share their new business.
“We bought this and feel like we have saved it,” Jennifer said, “and we just want people to enjoy it with us.”
David made his first wine from cherries grown in their backyard. The result was a success, and now the couple offers eight different wines with names like Teacher’s Pet and Scholar Red. All wines are made using juices from vineyards in Ohio, Pennsylvania and beyond, and prices range from $10.99 to $11.99 per bottle. The winery is currently open for business but is planning a grand opening to be held in June.
Situated along Old Rt. 39 between Dover and Sugarcreek are three wineries, each offering a unique experience.
The first stop when heading west is Silver Moon Winery at 4915 Old Rt. 39. Owner Ken Eschbacher has developed this winery from a storefront boutique to a booming business making 50 varieties of wines, including sweet fruit varietals and drier wines using juices from growers around the world.
With the guidance of experienced vintners, customers at Silver Moon can make their own wine through a process that takes four to five weeks. Couples from as far away as Georgia have made wine for their wedding and have customized the labels to suit the occasion.
The winery also sells olive oil, specialty foods and gift baskets. Prices range from $9.95 to $22.50.
Breitenbach Winery, the second largest winery in Ohio, is just a mile or so west at 5934 Old Rt. 39. The Bixler family has been making wine there for 28 years and now offers 38 varietals from sweet fruit wines to dry wines to port and sherry. They have begun planting a vineyard on several acres, but currently Breitenbach wines are made from regional fruits and from grapes grown by other vineyards, many growing exclusively for the winery.
Breitenbach offers a gift shop with cheeses and meats and a café serving salads, sandwiches and wood-fired pizza. Live music and special events are presented on the patio during summer months, and cellar tours are conducted at select times.
Their sweet dandelion wine is available year round. Prices of all wines range from $5.98 to $13.88, with tawny port and higher priced ice wine .
The Swiss Heritage Winery sits across the road from Breitenbach and operates in conjunction with Broad Run Cheese House. The late John “Hans” Schindler who owned the cheese house began making wines, recognizing the two products were perfectly matched. His son Chad, now the resident wine maker, recalled helping his father early on.
“We worked together from the beginning,” he said, “and learned together.”
Schindler now makes approximately 15 varieties of wine using juices purchased from growers in Northern Ohio, and he offers samples alongside cheeses made at the shop. He specializes in sweet fruit wines but offers a few dry wines as well. Prices range from $8.95 to $11.95 per bottle.
The Winery at Perennial Vineyards is located at 11877 Poorman St. in Navarre. As the name suggests, the winery maintains its own vineyard on 14 acres and uses the harvest to produce 80 percent of its wines, which are predominantly dry. For some varieties, however, vintner and winery owner Damon Leeman uses grapes grown at his brother Ryan’s vineyard in California.
Leeman’s winery is at home in a restored dairy barn and also features gourmet pizza and select appetizers. All food and wine are discounted on Thursdays, and a variety of live music is performed Friday evenings. Prices range from $14 to $22 a bottle, and wine can also be purchased online at www.ohiowinecompany. com. Near the east end of Atwood Lake sits Al-Bi Winery at 29 North Smith St. in Dellroy. Owner Bill Burrow made wine in his home for 25 years before opening his winery.
“I decided to give it a shot,” he said. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” Now, more than five years later, Burrows offers approximately 30 varietals, specializing in full-flavored fruit wines such as strawberry, raspberry and black cherry. His best-selling wine is what he calls Dellroy’s Rosé, a blend of Concord grape and watermelon.
Most of the juices used at Al-Bi are from growers in Ashtabula County, and prices range from $9 to $13 per bottle.
All of the local wineries offer tasting samples, charging 25 cents per sample according to Ohio state law.
For hours of operation or for updates on special events, wineries can be reached at the following numbers and Web sites:
Al-Bi Winery—(330) 735-1061
Breitenbach Winery—(330) 343-3603, www.breitenbachwine.com
School House Winery— (330) 602-9463, www.schoolhousewine.com
Silver Moon Winery—(330) 602-6040, www.silvermoonwinery.com
Swiss Heritage Winery — (330) 343-3884, www.broadruncheese.com
Winery at Perennial Vineyards—(330) 832-3677, www.perennialvineyards.com
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