Grand River Cellars was established as the Grand River Wine Co. in 1976, owned and operated by Bill and Carol Worthy. For over twenty years the winery built and established a reputation for producing classic varietals. A change of ownership occurred in 1998, creating Claire's Grand River Winery, and a short seven years later the winery was transferred to the current ownership. Tony Debevc, owner of Debonné Vineyards, took over production with wine maker Ed Trebets, greatly increasing the quality which had lapsed since the Worthy's sold the business. Cindy Lindberg, psychologist from Mayfield Schools, oversees the winery's operations.
It should be noted that regardless of the connection with Debonné Vineyards, Grand River offers a diverse and unique wine menu to visitors. Additionally, the winery offers a full lunch and dinner menu, as well as live music every weekend. Wines include a selection of reds and whites that range from cool climate dry styles to fruity and recognizable native varieties. Following is a brief selection of some of the wines we sampled.
2006 Grand River Valley Pinot Grigio: full bodied white with citrus and pear characteristics; grapefruit, lemon, and apple on the nose, paired up with the artichoke asiago appetizer this is a great food wine.
2007 Grand River Valley Riesling: light, and fruity - this is certainly a Riesling made in a drier style with crisp green apple on the nose and palate; refreshing acidity makes it a wonderful bottle to sip on a hot summer day.
Other white wines: GRV Chardonnay ('07), Austin's White (blend)
Austin's Red: medium bodied blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah; Soft tanning and full fruit characteristics make this wine very approachable; cherry, raspberry, and subtle oak are perfectly paired with a hearty meal or your favorite chocolate dessert.
American Merlot: toasted oak, tobacco, and plum on the nose; a dry, medium plus bodied wine with black fruit on the palate round this wine out with a nice finish.
Other red wines: Stonewood Red (blend)
Stonewood Blush: a fruity blend of Riesling, Seyval Blanc, and DeChaunac; semi-sweet wine with citrus, raspberry, and strawberry.
Other sweet wines: Stonewood White Fox (Niagara), Stonewood Wine Hound Red (Concord), 2006 GRV Vidal Blanc Ice Wine
In addition to wines for all tastes, Grand River Cellars is deeply involved in serving the community at large. Lindberg, who is a member of the Madison/Perry chamber of commerce, also organizes and participates in local fund raisers, charities, and advocacy organizations. There are even two wines dedicated to raising money towards finding a cure for Autism - Austin's Red and Austin's White. Proceeds are given to the North East Ohio Autism Group. Lindberg is serious about community involvement, and supporting the local business, and hopes that customers can "come out and enjoy themselves, and forget about their daily worries."
The winery will be soon introducing a red Zinfandel, and also the newest release of last year's very popular American Merlot Reserve. These will definitely be of interest to wine drinkers who enjoy full bodied, rich reds.
Grand River Cellars is located at 5750 South Madison Road (SR 528), Madison, Ohio 44057. You can contact the winery by phone at (440) 298-9839 or via their website, grandrivercellars.com. Winery and restaurant hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 12-8pm, Friday and Saturday 12-11pm, and Sunday 1-8pm. Over the summer the winery plans to expand their hours on Monday and Tuesday for wine and appetizers.
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Author's note: as full disclosure, please note that I am employed by Grand River Cellars, However my review is based on my personal tasting notes, and this connection bears no influence on the writing of this article.
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