The Winery at Perennial Vineyards
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: The Winery at Perennial Vineyards, an agricultural winery, offers visitors a place to visit, to relax and to enjoy good wines. Located in Navarre, Ohio, the winery is easy to locate in Ohio’s countryside.
The Winery at Perennial Vineyards is located in Navarre, Ohio about 15 minutes from Interstate 77. The winery is on property that was once a dairy farm dating back to the 1850’s. In 1854 the barn was used for a dairy and later for raising beef. This winery is designated an agricultural winery. In 1999, Kim and Damon Leeman purchased the barn and surrounding property. According to Damon, the barn was falling apart and tilting at an angle. However, they decided to reconstruct the building. In the same year, they planted vineyards. The Leemans started the winery in the barn in 2002.
Damon and his brother, Ryan, became interested in producing wine after spending years as cheese makers. While making cheese they had been making wine on the side for fun. Now Ryan is producing wine in Lodi, California while Damon is owner and winemaker of Perennial Vineyards.
The Vineyards
Today the vineyards consist of 15 to 16 acres of grapevines. Damon would like to see the acreage increase to 20 acres. In 2010 the vineyard is home to Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Chambourcin, Vidal Blanc, Viognoles and Chancellor.
The Tasting Room
The parking area is located in front of the tasting room. The large white renovated barn with an addition has red shutters. Picnic tables are available outside the front doors. A large contrast between the outside doors and the next door is remarkable. The second door is wood with stained glass windows. Inside the tasting room is dark with moderate wall lighting adding ambiance. The tasting counter is straight ahead. Numerous barrels have been converted into tables with stools available. It is a great setting encouraging people to come and stay awhile.
A large addition was added adjacent to the tasting room. This area is a grotto and was built using baled straw from the farmland mixed with stucco. The area has two long plank tables with a large fireplace at the end. The room can be used for events and overflow seating from the tasting room.
Wines
The Winery at Perennial Vineyards is producing 3,500 cases of wine. Damon likes using Pennsylvania oak barrels in the winery.
Vidal Blanc offered a citrus aroma with citrus and tropical fruit nuances on the taste. The finish was dry, crisp and fruity. Flowers was a rosé made with grapes from their test vineyard. The color was peach. There were notes of citrus and green apple. It was fruity and dried on the finish. Damon and Kim hand paint a flower on the Flowers wine bottles. This is perhaps one wine bottle that isn’t recycled. It makes a beautiful vase. Eclipse was produced with Chambourcin. The aroma was of spice and dark fruit. The taste was fruity and spicy. The crisp finish was fruity yielding to spice on the aftertaste. Cabernet/Syrah is produced with grapes sourced from Damon’s brother in California. The color was a dark purple. The aroma and taste had nuances of blackberries. There were tannins and fruit notes on the crisp finish.
Small plates of food are available for purchase. Visitors can choose from among several items including Lappolito (Swiss Calzone). On the sign it said “Our Grandma’s special recipe – cheese, spinach, mushrooms, pepperoni and red sauce baked in a flaky crust.” Other items available are New York style cheesecake; cheese and cracker plates; meat, cheese and crackers plates; Brie and Bread; and Hummus and Antipasti Plates.
Damon commented that often visitors to the winery are local people and people from Columbus. Treat yourself to a visit at The Winery at Perennial Vineyards.
The Winery at Perennial Vineyards
11877 Poorman Street
Navarre, Ohio 44662
GPS: N40º 44.153’ W81º 34.781’
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