Wyandotte Wine Cellars Review
Address: 4640 Wyandotte Dr. Columbus,Ohio 43230.
Phone Number: 614-476-3624
Tasting Hours: Tues-Sat 1:00-7:00 and by appt.
Region: Ohio
Reviewer: Shona Carr
Review Date: 3/2/2012
Reviewer: Shona Carr
Rating: 4
The Review
As I was driving to Wyandotte Winery, I entered a neighborhood subdivision and wondered if I was in the wrong area, perhaps due to entering the wrong address into my GPS. As I pulled into the parking area of Wyandotte Winery, I hesitated, as I was in a residential area and the winerys entrance was attached to a home. Although I have visited wineries where the tasting room is located near the home, I have never been to a winery where the tasting room is actually attached to the home. Although the external surrounds made me a little apprehensive, I was completely impressed by the quaint area that I found within.
The Place: The inside of the winery is small with enough room to hold twenty to thirty people, but the owners have done a great job making the most of the space. In addition to shopping in the small area that holds wine merchandise for sale or purchasing wine from the wall of wine, visitors can take a seat at the small bar area or at one of the bar-height tables and be completely entertained by owner and winemaker, Robin Coolidge.
The Experience: I cannot wait to go back to this winery and attend an event during the summer. Robin, while busy with other customers, took the time to explain the tasting options; six wines for $5 or the grand tasting of twelve wines for $10. I chose the grand tasting, and Robin explained the watercolor prints that were on each label and the source of the juice or fruit that was used to create the wines. No food, other than crackers, is provided with the two tasting options, but cheese plates can be purchased to enjoy with the wines.
The People: Robin Coolidge and his wife Valerie purchased Wyandotte Winery in 2006 and opened for business in 2007. Robin started making wines from kits and then moved on to juice and fruits and thoroughly enjoys the art of winemaking. When Robin and Valerie saw that the winery property was for sale, they knew that this would be the right move for them. Not only does Robin truly enjoy his work, but he also has a great commute!
The Wines: Wyandotte Winery makes their wines from juice and fruit purchased from Ohio and Napa Valley. The tasting experience at Wyandotte is exceptional and includes Glass Garden Ohio Vidal Blanc ($12.99); Graystone Ohio Riesling ($12.99), Ice House Gewurztraminer ($12.99); Statehouse Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot ($14.99); Winemakers Select ($14.99); Sweet William Baco Noir/Niagara blend ($11.99); Grandstand Ohio Catawba ($10.99); Apple Hill ($12.99); Cranberry Harvest ($12.99); Wintertide-Limited Edition ($12.99); Hope Pomegranate ($14.99); and Vintage Harbor Blueberry Port Wine ($24.99).
The Extras: Join Wyandottes wine club, host a private party, play euchre every second Friday, get crocked with a $10 stew or soup meal every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., enjoy hump day happy hour every Wednesday at 5 p.m., sing during karaoke every fourth Friday, and enjoy a free wine tour every Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.