Memorial Day Weekend in Greater Cincinnati means opening weekend of the summer wine season for several local vineyards and wineries.  That also means a ton of fun festivities, so it’s a great time to take advantage of the long weekend and hit the Ohio River Valley Wine Trail.  Here’s a look at what’s going on at some of the local vineyards:

Harmony Hill Vineyards
A small boutique winery in Bethel, just about a 40 minute drive outside of Cincinnati, Harmony Hill is known for two things: great wine and great weekend entertainment.  This weekend will be no exception.  All of the 2009 wines will be available included the Concerto and dessert wines.  A new roof has been added to the Hill Center Stage and great entertainers are lined up all weekend including Doc Dan & the Stray Dog Band, The Suburbanites, and John Ford.  Hours are 5-9 PM on Friday, 2-9 PM on Saturday and 2-9 PM on Monday.

Kinkead Ridge Vineyard and Winery
Located in Ripley, Ohio, Kinkead Ridge specializes in premium wines produced in limited quantities.  A tough 2009 harvest means this weekend might be your only shot to pick up the 2009 releases from Kinkead Ridge.  The winery will be open on Saturday and Monday from 10 AM to 6 PM for the release of the Kinkead Ridge Viognier/Roussanne and River Village Cellars White Wine.  Unfortunately Kinkead Ridge will be closed this summer due to the limited availability of wine.

Meranda-Nixon Winery
Also in Ripley, Ohio, Meranda-Nixon pretty much stays open all year, so although not officially their opening it’s still a place you should check out.  The Meranda-Nixon tasting room will be open on Friday from 1-7 PM, and Saturday from 11-9:30 PM.  Saturdays are steak and salmon night in the tasting room…just $50 per couple for dinner and a bottle of wine.

La Vigna Estate Winery
Located in Georgetown, Ohio, La Vigna will be open this Memorial Day weekend for the release of their 2009 Proprietary White Wine and our 2008 Proprietary Red Wine. To celebrate opening weekend, Jazz trombonist Sarah Morrow will be performing on Saturday.

Vinoklet Winery
Home of seven award winning wines, Vinoklet Winery and Restaurant is located on 30 acres of picturesque rolling hills and lakes in Colerain Township.  Vinoklet will be featuring their “Grill to Perfection” dinner this Friday and Saturday evening…tasting of 6 wines, a bottle of wine, a choice of entree (the patron grills), a buffet with soup through assorted desserts, coffee and iced tea for $74 per couple. Reservations are recommended by calling 513-385-9309.

Tags:   Cincinnati Wineries · Memorial Day Weekend · Wine Events