Five area wineries are collaborating on the annual Turkey Trot: A Holiday Wine Tasting & Food Pairing Event, taking place from noon to 5 p.m. each day through Nov. 25 in close-by wine country.
Each winery will put its own creative touch on Thanksgiving food favorites prepared as appetizers and paired with two tastes of wine. Participants will discover wines they may choose to pour at their own Thanksgiving feast or bring to one they’re attending.
“We’re celebrating those classic dishes everyone looks forward to while showing guests how beautifully Ohio wines pair with them,” said Loretta Todd, director of marketing and business development at Debonne Vineyards.
Participating winery members of the sponsoring Wine Growers of the Grand River Valley also include Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant, Laurello Vineyards and Cask 307 Winery.
In addition to heavy appetizers and the two wine tastes, the $10 cost at each winery will also include a recipe for the appetizer served there and a wine glass charm to take home. A $42 pass for all five locations saves tasters $8.
Wineries are a 10-minute drive or less from one another. Along the way, you’ll discover Grand River Valley attractions worth stopping for, including scenic covered bridges, interesting shops and accommodations ideal for creating a weekend away. Note that Ohio Route 307 is called Warner Road in Lake County but changes its name to North River Road once it crosses into Ashtabula County.
Here are a few of the wines ideal for serving at Thanksgiving meals. They may be sampled, along with seasonally flavored appetizers, on the Turkey Trot Wine and Food Trail, taking place among five Grand River Valley wineries through Nov. 25 in nearby wine country. (Courtesy of Wine Growers of the Grand River Valley)
Here’s what you’ll find:
— Debonne Vineyards, 7840 Doty Road, Madison Township, serving Turkey and Gravy
— Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, 5585 Route 307 or North River Road, Geneva Township, serving Momma Joe’s Stuffing
— Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant, 5750 Route 528 (S. Madison Road), Madison Township, serving Loaded Mashed Potatoes
— Laurello Vineyards, 4573 Route 307 (North River Road), Geneva Township, serving Sweet Potato Mash with Bacon and Date Chutney
— Cask 307, 7259 Warner Road (Route 307), Madison Township, serving Pumpkin No Bake Cookies.
Get more information or buy Turkey Trot passes at 440-466-3485 or visit wggrv.com.