Merry Family Winery Review

Address: 2376 State Route 850 Bidwell,Ohio 45614.
Phone Number: 740-245-9463
Tasting Hours: Tues-Sat 12:00-8:00

Region: Ohio River Valley AVA, Ohio
Reviewer: Shona Carr
Review Date: 3/17/2012
Reviewer: Shona Carr
Rating: 3

The Review

Merry Family Winery is conveniently located only a couple of minutes off Interstate 35 in Bidwell, Ohio. As I was getting close to the winery my stomach started to rumble; I have never been so glad to see a food truck parked outside a winery. The food truck was serving pulled pork sandwiches and a variety of sides that went well with a bottle of Ohio wine from Merry Family Winery.

The Place: &nbspThe new, wood crafted three-story winery is rustic and designed for relaxing. As you walk up the front steps of the winery, Amish rockers await you for an afternoon of sipping wine on the front porch. Entering the winery, your eyes instantly focus on the line of stainless steel tanks that line the back of the winery. The whole wine processing area is exposed so consumers can gain an understanding of the winemaking process. The second story of the winery offers a spacious area for private parties and events.

The Experience: &nbspThe winery dog was not too happy hearing a motorcycle pull into the gravel lot, but not to worry, as soon as the engine was cut, the dog stopped barking and turned into one of the friendliest and well behaved dogs I have ever met. Lisa Merry took her time explaining their wines and offered a table to enjoy a bottle of wine with dinner that was being catered by the food truck. Merry Family Winery was bustling with a private party taking place on the second floor and what appeared to be a birthday celebration for the owner herself.

The People: &nbspTim and Lisa Merry opened Merry Family Winery in 2006. Tim Merry is the winemaker and had originally opened Merry Family Winery in Gallipolis, but recently had moved the winery to Bidwell, Ohio.

The Wines: &nbspMerry Family Winery offers wine sampling for 50¢ each, wine by the glass for $4.00 and bottles of wine to enjoy on location or to go. I must note, the winery limits sampling to 8 per person. Their wines include: Bridget-Chardonnay ($10.99); Danielle-Gewürztraminer ($10.99); Jordan-Riesling ($10.99); Kaylee-Merlot ($11.99); Fireside-Cabernet Sauvignon ($11.99); Moonlight-Pinot Noir ($11.99); T Black’s Big Dog Blend-Niagara/Concord Blend ($10.99); Autumn Black-Blackberry Merlot ($10.99); Bad Kitty-Orange Sangria ($10.99); Ahnika-Kiwi Watermelon Pinot Grigio ($10.99); Janet’s Medley-Red Raspberry Zinfandel ($10.99); Liberty Apply ($10.99); Rachel Rose-Strawberry Zinfandel ($10.99); Shaddix-Pomegranate Zinfandel ($10.99); Shelby-Black Cherry Pinot Noir ($10.99); Summer Kiss-Peach Chardonnay ($10.99); Valley Girls ($11.99); Gallia County White-Niagara ($11.99); Gallia County Red-Concord ($11.99); and Blackberry Bliss (15.99).

The Extras: &nbspBe sure to check Merry Family Winery’s website for upcoming events and check out their quaint gift shop where you will find homemade jams and jellies. The winery also welcomes their customers to bring their own food and enjoy a picnic on the property.