Troutman Vineyards and Winery
by
Terry Sullivan
Summary: A repurposed chicken coop now serves as a winery, tasting area and event space providing a home for Troutman Vineyards and Winery near Wooster, Ohio. Close by the vineyards show different colors after harvest is complete. A park-like area behind the winery facility provides space with picnic tables and a stage for relaxing and outdoors events.
Wine Journey
In 1997, Deanna and Andy Troutman moved to a property that was formally a produce farm and was also used to raise chickens. At the time Andy was the vineyard manager at Wolf Creek Vineyards. The couple began planting grapes in 1998. Three years later, the first grape crop was harvested. The winery officially opened in June of 2001.
Andy’s interest in grape growing formed early. When he was ten years old, he started planting grapes for a 4-H project. The grape interest continued into adult life as Andy became vineyard manager at The Winery at Wolf Creek, about a 45-minute drive from Troutman Vineyards. About the time Andy and Deanna were planting the vineyards at Troutman Vineyards and Winery, they purchased The Winery at Wolf Creek. Andy enjoys the grape growing side of winemaking at each of the wineries.
The Troutman family has deep roots in the wine business. Johannes Troutman was a vineyard worker in the village of Schriesheim, Germany. Johannes immigrated to the colonies in 1748. A momentus event took place in 1999. Three generations of the Troutman family harvested Riesling at the Troutman Vineyards. This was the first Riesling that the family harvested since Johannes harvested it in Germany in the 1740’s.
Winery and Vineyard
During a tour of the winery and vineyards we met Todd Imhoff, Director of Sales operations at Troutman Vineyards and Winery as well as at the Winery at Wolf Creek. The winery production area has an assortment of oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. There is also a bottling line. At the present time, the winery produces between 2,500 and 3,000 cases of wine.
The current vines are planted on six acres of land. About one acre is destined for replanting. Grape varieties include: Riesling, Seyval Blanc, Traminette, Vidal Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Lemberger. Andy said during our October 2015 visit that the Cabernet Franc needs to be replanted. The weather has been harsh for the past few years and many vines died. Andy is philosophical about the ups and downs of grape growing explaining, “That’s farming.”
At the time of our mid-October visit the grapes have been harvested. It was easy to pick out the few rows of Concord grapes growing in a corner. Their vines were a dark green color and hanging over the trellis system. The Concord grapes are used by the women who help harvest the other grapes for the winery.
Wines
The tasting room has a small tasting counter. A few steps away there is a section with tables and chairs. In the opposite direction there is a warm and quaint event space with additional tables and chairs. Local cheeses are available for purchase. Behind the tasting area there is a park-like area with picnic tables. A stage is available for concerts during the warmer months.
The 2012 Pinot Blanc was a pale yellow color. The aroma and taste offered lemon and grapefruit. The finish was dry and crisp. White Menagerie was made in stainless steel and was a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc. The pale yellow colored wine was aromatic and offered citrus. The wine was slightly sweet and buttery.
The 2012 Cabernet Franc was a transparent dark ruby color. The aroma offered dark fruits and spices. The taste was reminiscent of blackberries and cinnamon with a hint of pepper. This medium/full-bodied wine had mild tannins. The finish was fruity and spicy. The 2012 Chambourcin was a very dark ruby color that was almost opaque. The aroma and taste had notes of raspberries and leather. This medium/full-bodied wine also had mild tannins.The finish was fruity. The 2012 Dornfelder was a translucent red color with a dark pink hue. The aroma and taste offered raspberries with a hint of leather. The medium-bodied wine had very mild tannins.
Ice Wines are only made in years that the weather conditions are perfect. The 2013 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine grapes were harvested after Thanksgiving when there was a cold spell dropping the temperatures below 17º F and freezing the grapes. At the time of harvest, the grapes measured 39.6º Brix. This dark gold colored Ice Wine had a honeysuckle aroma. The sweet taste had honey notes along with jammy yellow stone fruits. The finish was crisp and the acidity matched well with the sweetness that measured 17º Brix.
The Cherry wine was made with 100% cherries and was a translucent red color. The wine was reminiscent of cherries and the taste lingered.
Events
During the colder months, music events are moved into an indoor event space, adjacent to the tasting counter. The indoor event space is also utilized for numerous gatherings including: rehearsal dinners, local business outings and bridal and baby showers.
Troutman Vineyards and Winery
4243 S Columbus Rd
Wooster, Ohio 44691
N40º 44.905’ W82º 00.634’
Article written October 2015
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