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Swiss Heritage Winery Review

Swiss Heritage Winery Review

Address: 6011 Old Rte. 39 NW Dover,Ohio 44622.
Phone Number: 330-343-3884
Tasting Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00-6:00

Region: Ohio
Reviewer: Shona Carr
Review Date: 3/3/2012
Reviewer: Shona Carr
Rating: 4

The Review

I walked out of the Swiss Heritage Winery laughing, not only because they packaged the wine I purchased in a shiny foil wine bag with tissue paper, but because the place was filled to the brim with activity, conversation and amusement.

The Place:  &nbspSwiss Heritage Winery, housed in the same building as Broad Run Cheese House, is located within Ohio’s Amish Country, which is a booming tourist attraction for Ohio. As you walk in the front entrance, you will become instantly intrigued, as there is not an empty space on the floor or walls. Your eyes are constantly drawn from one item to another. In addition to Swiss Heritage’s wines, you will also be treated to samples of specialty crackers and cheese spreads.

The Experience: &nbspI stepped up to the wine tasting bar and asked the gentleman how their tastings worked, and he replied “25¢ each or 5 for a $1.00”. With that being said, I handed over my $2.00 and said, “please, fill my tray with your top ten.” And that he did, as he handed me the wine list and explained the dryness and sweetness of each as he poured.

I was tasting my wines from the sample tray at one of the small cocktail tables when the ladies at the cheese counter started poking fun at the gentleman serving the wine tastings, as they felt he may have been sampling a little too much himself. They were all dressed in old world costumes and making the most of their day while making the crowded winery giggle right along with them. The winery was busy to say the least, but the service was prompt, the wines were good and the experience was pleasant.

The People: &nbspIn 1933, Broad Run Cheese House opened their doors and was owned and operated by a group of farmers who wanted to earn more profit on their milk. Since then, the cheese operation has moved to Nancy Schindler and son Chad Schindler, who is the cheese and winemaker. With the fact that cheese pairs well with wine, the Schindler’s decided to add to their cheese operation and opened their winery in 2003.

The Wines: &nbspSwiss Heritage Winery offers tastings for 25¢ each or 5 for $1.00. I chose to sample ten of their wines which includes: Chardonnay ($11.95); Cheesemaker’s Red ($13.95); Sweet Thunder ($12.95); Back to the 40’s Red ($8.95); Hans Favorite Blend ($11.95); First Love ($8.95); Victorian Lace ($8.95); Dog Gone Good ($8.95); Peach Wine ($11.95); Blackberry ($11.95); Strawberry (11.95); Cranberry ($11.95); Red Raspberry ($11.95); Cherry ($11.95); Strawberry Rhubarb ($11.95); Blueberry ($11.95) and Coal Miner’s Daughter ($11.95).

The Extras: &nbspAlong with the fabulous cheeses and wines, Swiss Heritage offers a tour of their Broad Run Cheese House. Don’t forget to peruse the gift shop which sells beautiful lace curtains, cheese, wine and much more.