Wine from France or Napa Valley need not apply for this shindig.
It’s wines from within the Buckeye State that are celebrated at the North Market Food & Ohio Wine Festival, set for July 12-14.
The outdoor festival runs along Spruce Street adjacent to the North Market. Guests can choose from more than 70 wines from 17 wineries to taste, and buy a glass, bottle or crate of those that strike their fancy.
Many of the wineries will be serving up the most popular offerings from their menus. Maize Valley Winery – located in Hartville, in northeastern Ohio – will be bringing Redneck Red, a sweet red; Sinfully White, a dry white; and Big Red Pecker, a blend of merlot, cabernet and petit syrah.
“We’re always really happy to go (to the festival) because Columbus seems to embrace Ohio wines,” says Michelle Bakan, winery manager.
Visitors should also be on the lookout for some unusual wines, such as the Country Rhubarb brought to the table by Stoney Ridge Winery, located in Bryan in northwest Ohio.
“We’re one of the few wineries in the state that makes (rhubarb wine) because it’s incredibly hard to make,” says winery owner Phil Stotz. “It’s 100 percent rhubarb.”
Local wineries in the line-up include Soine Vineyards of Powell and Brothers Drake Meadery and Wyandotte Winery of Columbus.
The North Market’s usual vendors will be getting into the spirit as well, with many adding small plate options to their normal menus. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams usually creates a wine-based option and Curds & Whey often makes a cheese plate.
A preview party July 12 opens the festival with music, food and, of course, wine. Tickets are $20.
“It has a good energy on Friday night to kick off the festival,” says Mary Martineau, director of marketing for the market. “We try to get local celebrities to guest pour for the wineries for the party, which makes it fun.”
Allison Dalrymple is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
