Family-owned winery, leader in Northeast Ohio

In northeast Ohio's wine world, there are a couple names that are known to most visitors even before visiting - though to a first time visitor, Debevc might not be one of those names. However, Debonné Vineyards (owned and run by the Debevc family) is definitely a leader within our small but growing niche in the country. This family oriented winery provides structure and value to the local community with their long established vineyards and expansive wine list, community events, and innovation within the industry.

With vineyards dating back to pre-Prohibition days in 1916, Debonné got it's official start in March of 1972. Tony Debevc, Sr. and son Anthony began the business after realizing the potential for French-American hybrids in the Grand River Valley growing region. Expanding plantings from the original Concord, Niagara, and Catawba to include Seyval Blanc, Baco Noir, Chancellor and DeChaunac was just the beginning. Today the winery owns 127 acres of grapes also including Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Chambourcin and Vidal Blanc. Being a cool climate region, the Grand River Valley is a perfect host for these varieties.

With all of these different grapes to choose from, it's no surprise that the selection of wines and styles at Debonné is one of the largest in the region. With up to twenty four current choices the list continues to grow and evolve each year outside of the flagship wines.

Following are some notes in brief of a selection of wines.

Pinot Gris: full bodied, dry white; citrus zest and grapefruit aromas; creamy on the palate with floral and citrus flavors. Good to pair with food including fish, pork, and green vegetables.
Chardonnay (Reserve): golden color; butterscotch with light citrus on the nose, oak from barrel fermentation; subtle acidity and similar flavors make this wine rich and savory.
Grand Bélo: Bright and clear; fresh fruit including pear and yellow apple; soft acidity but ample citrus and apple flavors. Blend of Seyval and Vidal Blanc, very approachable and refreshing.
Other white wines: Chardonnay, Riesling, Vidal Blanc, Jazz White (blend)

Cab/Cab: blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah - deeper red color; dark fruit and vegetal aromas; dry and full bodied with nice tannins and flavors of oak, plum, and green pepper.
Classic Red: Medium bodied, dry red made from a blend of French-hybrids; cherry, plum, and dried fruit characteristics with soft tannins.
Grand Dolína: Bright red in color; aromas and flavors of cherry, strawberry, and cranberry; off-dry with light tannin and acidity.
Other red wines: Pinot Noir/Syrah, Merlot, Chambourcin, Harmony (blend), a Cab (blend)

Riesling Reserve: Clear and golden in color; aromas of stone fruit and floral; 3 percent residual sugar gives this wine some sweetness and compliments the peach, apricot, and minerality.
Ice Wine: a rich dessert wine with notes of honey, floral, and citrus; nice acidity balances the sweetness so it isn't overwhelming.
Other semi-sweet to sweet wines: Delaware, River Blush, River Rouge, River Blanc, Pink Catawba, Classic Rosé, Razzberry Riesling

With so many options you could spend an afternoon simply tasting through the wines available. However, Debonné also offers a variety of menu items year round.

Additionally the winery is host to numerous events. Annually the hot air balloon rally, classic car show, and ice wine festival draw crowds from Ohio and beyond. Debonné also works with other local wineries to host progressive dinners.

Fostering a sense of innovation and creativity the winery also offers a full micro-brewery, CellarRats Brewery. Also a host of unique blends of wine will be offered in the coming vintages. Still a family venture Tony Debevc is current President, his father having retired and mother acting as Treasurer. Mr. Debevc's wife, Beth, is Secretary and runs retail sales. Their son, another Tony, is part of the trio that founded Cellar Rats Brewery with wine maker Ed Trebets and assistant wine maker/brewer Brian Burns.

Debonné Vineyars is located at 7743 Doty Road, Madison, Ohio 44057. You can contact the winery by phone at (440) 466-3485or via their website, www.debonne.com. Winery hours are Monday and Tuesday from 12-6pm, Wednesday and Friday from 12-11pm, Thursday and Saturday 12-8pm, and Sunday 1-6pm. You can get a bite to eat throughout the year, and in the summer The Grill is open for expanded dining options.