18
The Communicator - February 2005
Did you know that Ohio is one of the top 10 wine-producing states in the country?
With more than 500,000 gallons produced here each year, Clintonville Community
Market has begun taping into the local grape, from two notable vineyards in northern
Ohio.
Located in Lake County in the Grand River Valley, DeBonné Vineyards is Ohio's largest estate bottled
winery, boasting over 110 acres of grapevines and producing about 70,000 gallons of wine each year.
The family-owned and operated facility has been producing quality grapes since 1916 and is hosting its
fourth generation of growers.
Third generation grower Tony Debvec says his family has a long history of agribusiness that started with
his grandfather, Anton Debvec, growing quality grapes so many years ago. In 1971, Tony and his father
created Chalet DeBonné Vineyards, establishing world-class standards in the Grand River Valley and
developing one of the most successful wineries in the Mid West. Tony says that grape growing (viticulture)
and winemaking (enology) are the two areas he considers to be the foundation of his business. In the last
decade, DeBonné has consistently gained recognition in competitions across the country.
Clintonville Community Market now stocks this great local wine from DeBonné Vineyards, including a
2002 vintage Cabernet Franc for $12.99 per bottle. I had the pleasure of tasting this aromatic bottle
with ravioli and a red sauce, and found its flavor to be soft and wild. Our market also carries a 2003
vintage Riesling Reserve and a 2002 vintage Pinot Gris, both selling for $8.99 a bottle. Tony encourages
you to try his award-winning Riesling and Pinot Gris varieties. For more information about DeBonné
Vineyards, including dining and entertainment, visit them on the web at www.debonne.com.
Also new to our market is a 2003 vintage Chardonnay from Harpersfield Vineyard, located about 40
miles east of Cleveland along the south shore of Lake Erie. Their vineyard is about 18 acres in size,
and consists of Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir
varieties, along with smaller plantings of Kerner and Auxerrois. Visit Harpersfield on the web at
www.harpersfield.com. Stay tuned for more about local wines at the market.
If you can't beat them, arrange to have
them beaten.
- George Carlin