What could be more characteristic of Northeast Ohio than grapes and maple syrup? Blend them together with an expert hand and you’ve got a world-class taste experience. Produced by Auburn Twin Oaks winery in Chagrin Falls, Maple & Vine ($29.99/375ml) is a blend of Ohio Riesling, Traminette, Vidal and Vignoles highlighted by pure maple syrup…

Wines from Alsace stand apart from wines made in other French wine regions. On the country’s eastern border with Germany, the area has been disputed throughout much of its history and has spent some time being part of each country. Germanic influence is strong and extends to the grape varieties grown, most of which are grown nowhere else…

By Gary Twining

I love to watch movies in which the actors blind taste wine. They are handed a glass to evaluate and with a quick sip state, “Oh, a lovely Lecheneaut Nuits-St.-George “Les Prulier” 1971, showing maturity but stunningly complex.” I wish the process were that simple.

Blind tasting is identification of the provenance, varietal,…

Most wine drinkers welcome new taste experiences, and it’s exciting to find quality in a region that’s off the beaten path. Those who don’t venture beyond basic varietals and brands have less of a chance to stumble onto something new and exciting, but if you’re willing to experiment a little, there’s plenty to discover. Most importantly, there are…

For a sweet, low alcohol, unusual alternative to sparkling wine, give sparkling sake a try. It’s light and refreshing, making it a pleasant aperitif. It also pairs nicely with spicy foods or even not-too-sweet desserts. We were intrigued by the interesting hint of woodsy star anise, along with fruit and florals, in the aroma of Hana Awaka ($10/250ml).…

As the days get shorter and the weather turns colder, we tend to huddle with our glasses of big red wines to ward off the chill. But sometimes what we need is a reminder that somewhere in the world, the sun is shining and all is bright. Albariño from the Rías Baixas region of Spain fits that bill…

Ficklin Vineyards in Madera, Calif., has been making port from traditional Portuguese varietals since 1945. This year the winery received California State Fair’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and Peter Ficklin has been named Winemaker of the Year by the Madera Vintners Association. We tasted some of Peter’s fine ports, perfect for ushering in the holiday season.

Ficklin Vineyards…

This fall the member wineries of the Winegrowers of the Grand River Valley released their first cask wine, a project that began in 2010. Each of the five wineries – Debonne Vineyards, Ferrante Winery, Grand River Cellars, Laurello Vineyards and St. Joseph Vineyard – bottled a special oak cask-aged red wine made from vinifera grapes. Each year the…

Ohio is blessed with a climate conducive to making ice wine, the indulgently sweet and lush dessert wine made from grapes that have frozen on the vine. The holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy these luscious wines, alone or paired with dessert. We tasted a sampling of ice wines from around the state. Here are some…

Ohio’s wine industry is thriving. With more than 170 wineries, chances are, no matter where you live or travel in Ohio, you’re close to one. Most are relatively new, but Ohio has six wineries that are at least three generations strong.

If you haven’t visited a heritage winery for a while, visit one this summer. You may…

While a sustainably grown vineyard might look serene and peaceful, there is a great deal of activity going on at undetectable levels. Microbes are breaking down organic matter to feed the plants. Pests and diseases are fighting with beneficial organisms that protect the vines. All of these actions result in better fruit production and, in turn, finer wines.…

There’s a gem of a wine region within a day’s drive of Ohio, and if you haven’t been there, start making your plans now. Michigan’s Old Mission Peninsula, a stone’s throw north of Traverse City, is making some of the most exciting wines in the Eastern United States.

This stunning peninsula juts 18 miles into Lake Michigan’s…

Does Verdelho even stand a chance in a world where hordes of Chardonnay drinkers are loath to try something new, much less something they can’t pronounce?

Pedro Lopes Vieira is banking on it. North American sales manager for Esporão, a winery in Portugal’s Alentejo region, Pedro was in Ohio recently to promote his wines made primarily from…