GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE - Geneva-on-the-Lake held the Lake Erie Wine Festival this weekend, inviting wineries from across the state to offer samplings of their best flavors and concoctions of wine.
The wine festival was hosted by The Landing, and organizers were pleased to see the crowd take over the Strip on both Saturday and Sunday.
“The wine fest definitely puts a spotlight on Ohio wines,” Brook Collin Hall, event organizer, said.
Dennis Foltz of It’s Your Winery came all the way from Akron to be a part of the festival.
“We’re having a really great time here and the crowd is pretty amazing,” Foltz said. “We have had many people come up for seconds.”
It’s Your Winery had a fan favorite with their bottles of Hanky Panky.
“People really seem to enjoy Hanky Panky wine,” Foltz said. “I agree with them. It’s a great rich flavor.”
The two-day festival drew in a crowd of more than 2,000 people as they enjoyed wine, food and music.
“The wineries are really starting to see the value of these events,” Hall said. “Events like these offer something for everyone and they really help promote Ohio wine.”
Some of the local wineries featured at the festival were Emerine Estates of Jefferson, Buccia Vineyard of Conneaut and Deer’s Leap Winery of Geneva.
Those who attended the festival also had a chance to meet with local crafter and artists as booths were set up to display their items.
Dorothy Laine came from Geauga County and said she was happy she made the trip.
“This was a really fun time,” Laine said. “I’m glad we made the trip out.”
Laine said she tastes many different wines and was impressed with the local flavors.
“Many people think of France or California when they think of good wines, but these are grown and produced right here in our own backyards,” Laine said. “It’s all very impressive.”
Laine came with a group of 10 of her close friends and she said they have been swapping glasses all day.
“We’re trying to decide which ones are our favorites and it’s really hard to decide,” Laine said.
Some of the wineries even gave food and wine demonstrations to those walking by their booths.
The festival also had the help of sponsors and had many thanks for Shepp Electric, North Coast Voice Magazine, Yancey’s Fancy, Clear Channel Radio of Youngstown, Media One Radio of Ashtabula and Clear Channel Radio of Cleveland.
“This was the perfect weekend. The weather was great, the wine was plentiful and everyone had a great time,” Hall said.
Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, may be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
