Ohio Wine Trail - Good Scenery, Wine not so much

This Labor Day weekend, we are visiting our friend in Columbus, OH. Instead of taking the usual, straight yet boring route (I-71), we decided to take the more scenic route thru eight Ohio wineries (see picture). Living in Ohio for the past thirteen years and having visited many other Lake Erie wineries, we did not expect great wines; just the rural scenery and an opportunity to socialize with some new folks. And, that is what we got. Here is the list of wineries, we visited along with our notes and ratings.

B. School House Winery - Small, boutique winery in a 123 year old school nestled in the rolling hills and corn fields of the Ohio's Amish country; More of a local watering hole; Below Average wine (None Estate Grown)

C. Silver Moon Winery - Small winery, part of the Ohio Amish Country Wine trail; Very dry service; Below Average wine (None Estate Grown)

D. Rainbow Hills Vineyards - Vineyards and Winery tucked in the beautiful Applachian foothills; Vintner, a 73 year old man who has been at wine making in this region for over 22 years, was a pleasure to talk to; a small bed & breakfast on the property; many decks each with a great view of the hillside for the pleasure of the visitors; Average wines - lot of mineral content (on the nose as well as the palette) in the estate grown wines as is usual in this part of Ohio

E. Yellow Butterfly Winery - A brand new winery (opened just 12 weeks ago) started by the former mayor of Cleveland, Michael White; Scenery comprised of beautiful rolling hills; restaurant open for dinner on weekends; Belo Average wines (None Estate Grown)

F. Raven's Glen Winery & Restaurant - Large winery (compared to the others on this trip) on the banks of Tuscarawas river; Easiest access of all the wineries visited on this trip; Large selection of wines - estate grown and otherwise; Average wines - some of the non-estate grown wines were quite good (Winemaker's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon); Nice restaurant with a view of the river (we had lunch here)

G. Shawnee Springs Wimery - Small boutique winery nestled in the hills; Below Average wines

H. Heritage Vineyards - Small family-owned boutique winery with a selection of wines - estate grown and otherwise; Below Average wines - lot of mineral on the nose as well as the palette

I. The Winery at Otter Creek - Small winery with a nice tasting room and a deck with a beautiful view of vineyards and a pond; Quite popular it seems (crowd of picnickers); Below Average wines