Today, with over 150 wineries state wide, Ohio is one of the top 10 wine producers in the nation. And the Queen City is the economic jewel in Ohio's wine tourism crown. Many wines from the region are the preferred choice of connoisseurs around the world and have won many prestigious awards in national competition. (For a complete list of Ohio Wineries visit the website of the Ohio Grape Industries Committee (OGIC) http://tasteohiowines.com)
Wine tours are the driving fuel injected force filling the local economy of Cincinnati with the type of "green" that provides jobs and income for the local municipality.
Vinoklet Winery and Vineyard located at 11069 Colerain Ave. is home to eight award winning vintages including 2012's Best White Wine. The beautiful setting of 30 acres sits in a picturesque Monet setting of rolling hills and ponds and is the only working winery with a vineyard in Hamilton County with all grapes grown and cultivated in Cincinnati. Now that is home grown! The winery restaurant serves elegantly prepared meals with your favorite wine from their cellars, and during your visit you can walk the grounds to take in the breath taking scenery, play a game of Bocce Ball (It's and Italian thing!) and at night enjoy a roaring bonfire to relax and unwind after a busy day touring Cincy.
According to Rob Miller of Vinoklet "You can book your wedding or corporate event in the picturesque setting of the winery and in September join us for three full days for our annual Arts and Wine Festival. We get over 10,000 visitors a day who enjoy the ambiance, the art by local artists and of course, some mighty fine wine from Vinkolet." Visit their website for more information on events and activities including the do it yourself "grill to perfection" meal at www.vinokletwines.com
Another winery, Henke Winery at 3077 Harrison Ave. has wine tasting and tours and also features an art gallery for a full circle Cincy cultural experience when you visit the Grapevine Gallery on site. Works by local artisans are on display to further the wine experience along with live music regularly scheduled by some to finest local musicians in town. Visit their website at http://www.henkewine.com
Nothing enhances a wine tour more than a soaring silent and safe flight in a hot air balloon. There is no other experience like it. You soar high with a birds eye view of magnificent scenery laid out below you.
At Gentle Breeze Hot Air Balloons in nearby Lebanon, you can charter flight over the countryside and the city of Cincy itself. The enchanting champagne flight for two is a high flying romantic interlude on a flight in the sky. After your flight, you'll be given a champagne package with souvenir glasses and of course a bottle of bubbly to uncork the romance. The pilot will then present you with a personalized flight certificate along with a champagne toast. You can also travel to and from the launch site in the lap of luxury in a state of that art limousine provided by Motortoys Limo. For more information visit the Gentlebreeze website at www.gentlebreeze.com or phone them at (513) 932-9007.
The wine experience is not only enhanced with hot air balloons, but is perfectly paired for a charming moonlight or candlelight dinner riverboat cruise with the Cincinnati Skyline as a romantic backdrop as you float quietly along the river with the light of a full moon sparkling off the waters and a sky full of stars shining like tiny jewels.
Queen City Riverboats offers a smorgasbord of cruises for groups or romantic couples, from lunch to dinner with full menus. Dinner cruises offer up a choice of food fare from pasta to steak, and with all the trimmings, not to mention taste tempting cheesecake for dessert. There are also Moonlight Cruises that last for 2 1/2 hours starting at 11 P.M. To book a cruise or find out more information contact Queen City Riverboats at www.queencityriverboats.com or call them at 292-8687.
Lodging options to round out your vino tour include charming bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels. Day spas are plentiful in the city to pamper yourself royally and there are enough wine shops and chocolate shops to cater to your sweet tooth and taste for wine. Remember too..wine may be the drink of lovers, but chocolate can be an exciting aphrodisiac to help romance and love blossom and grow.
So when you think wine and romance, forget France. Think Cincinnati. You don't need a passport in Cincy to enjoy the fruit of the vine and the best in award winning wines. Uncork the wine tour and pour a glass of Ohio class, add to it fine cuisine, romance high in the sky, spoiling spas, and a riverboat ride of candlelight and love...and you have the perfect combination....Cincinnati and Wine! Cheers!