I’m pretty much up for any adventure that involves wine, which is why taking a tour of local wineries with Cincy WineWagon was a no brainer. I also love variety and this tour gave us three different wineries that each had their own personality and flavors.
Our tour met at Maggiano’s Little Italy at Kenwood Towne Center to check in where we enjoyed a few appetizers while the rest of the tour guests arrived. Everyone is instructed to arrive 15 minutes before so that the tour can start on time.
We met a few other people going on our tour inside the restaurant who also joined our bus selfie.
Our tour guide, Mike, shared with us about Cincinnati’s history with wine while we were traveling to our 1st destination. I had no idea that this area had such a long history with wine.
Our first stop was Valley Vineyards located north of Cincinnati.
We learned about their wine making process in the cellar area which was really interesting.
We sampled several different types of wines with cheese and crackers.
There is a safe area on the bus to store bottles with labels set aside for purchases made at any of the wineries that day.
Most of the wines in this area are sweeter. They were very delicious. Valley Vineyards also offers lot of special events throughout the year.
Valley Vineyards gave everyone on the tour their tasting glass to bring home. I was also grateful that we were not driving and that there was a good amount of drive time in between stops. The tour bus also keeps cold bottled waters in a cooler for everyone on the tour as needed.
The second stop was Vinoklet Winery located on the West side of Cincinnati.
The property is really beautiful! We sampled and learned about several of their award winning wines.
After our tasting, we wandered around the property for a bit on our own. I was told that Vinoklet hosts a wine festival that is extremely popular each year. You can also eat at their restaurant.
Our final stop on the tour was Henke Winery which is an urban winery on the West Side as well.
Henke Winery was voted Top 10 Urban Wineries in the U.S. in 2015. Their grapes are imported and then the rest of the winemaking process is on-sight. You can also enjoy a meal with your wine which I’m keeping in mind for future date nights.
As we were leaving, Henke Winery gave each of us a souvenir glass.
Our bus brought us back to Kenwood Towne Center. It was a very relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
I loved that this tour opened my eyes to award winning wineries in the area that I had never heard of before. The tour also blended history and fun. Our tour guide, Mike, along with the knowledgeable staff from each winery really made it a great experience.
This tour is a great adventure to share with friends or on a date.
Tours are $75 per person
A non drinking winery tour ticket is $35.
You can find out more about planning your tour with the Cincy Wine Wagon from their website.
Disclosure: I received complimentary tours for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
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