How about some wine? The Firelands and its surrounding area have quite a number of wineries. Not that it is surprising as the area is conducive to the growth of the type of grapes used by the wine industry. There is something about the lake effect on the weather that makes the season right for wine grapes. While the area may not be ready to compete with the Ashtabula area wine making in this area is on the upsurge. Off the top of my head I can think of 9 wineries in our area. Let me know if I miss any. There is Firelands Winery on Bardshar Rd. just outside of Castalia, Mon Ami on Catawba Island, Heineman's Winery on Put in Bay, Kelly’s Island Wine Company on Kelly’s Island, Quarry Hill Winery and orchard on Milan Rd. just north of Berlin Heights, Hermes Winery on SR 4 south of Sandusky, Matus Winery on Gore Orphanage Rd. in Wakeman, Paper Moon Vineyards in Vermillion on SR60 just north of Route 2, and the New D&D Smith Winery in Norwalk just off of SR61 south across from the armory.
Now I am sure that I have missed some or many as some wineries seem to enjoy being hidden but I believe this rounds out a nice sampling of what the area has to offer. Now I am not a big wine connoisseur, I’m more of a taste and spit kind of guy, but these wineries have more going for them than just the fruit of the vine. Most offer entertainment and it’s been my experience that the entertainment is usually not as loud as one might find in the local watering hole. Over this fall and winter I’ve enjoyed many single guitar acoustic acts at the area wineries and every one of the wineries has been pleased to serve my soda when asked for. This has been pleasant but I believe the real fun starts when the weather breaks. There is nothing quite like sitting outside at a local winery and hearing local talent sing under the stars. I know that Matus and Paper Moon will light a small bonfire on cold nights. There is something about a cracking outdoor fire with acoustic music that just makes a summer night come alive. You would not believe the wealth of talent that is out there for these establishments to choose from. There are single player acts, duos, trios, and groups. They are all usually very entertaining and yes I have my favorites but that will be another blog in the future.
Don’t wait for the weather to break. Even if you aren’t into wine, my wife isn’t, you can have a great time visiting the wineries. During the day many of them have tours and they are always glad to provide you with tastings. Most of them have websites that can be found by a simple web-search and their websites will usually provide maps and directions along with updated hours of operation and entertainment schedules.
Let me know the wineries I missed and which ones you like. I may go in more in depth to some of the more historic in the future. Cheers, enjoy!