After visiting more than 100 tasting rooms in Ohio and other states, it takes a lot to amaze us when it comes to decor. Lakeview Wine Cellars did just that! We had put them down as a must-see on the Lake Erie Wine Tour because there is a wine glass-shaped pond on the property (unfortunately, it was partly drained the day we were there.).
But their newly finished tasting room, an addition to the existing building, is absolutely breathtaking and full of unique items. It begins when you walk in the door and not only see the prow-shaped windows in front of you but the refurbished boat hanging above you that has been turned into a light fixture. Owner/winemaker Sam Best refurbished several nautical items to complete the decor, including port and starboard boat lights, life rings, and wine bottles.
The piece de resistance, though, is the actual tasting bar, which has 2 handicapped-accessible portions, and is made of a series of boxes overlayed with a clear top. The boxes are in the process of being filled with sand from beaches around the world that patrons have brought or sent to the winery. It really makes for fascinating browsing.
And the winery serves some great wines, too! The 2015 Baco Noir is aged in Pennsylvania oak barrels for 20 months and has a dark cherry tobacco nose that comes through, as well as a peppery finish. The 2015 Noiret is also aged in PA oak barrels and has a bold taste with a pepper finish. The 2013 Shipwreck Red combines Baco Noir, Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin and Cabernet Sauvignon into a nice blend with a great cherry nose that should go well with any food.
Their Riesling is in the semi-dry style and had a delightful fruity nose that foretold the nice peach and citrus notes in your mouth. The Traminette was a nice, dry white that had a slightly spicy finish.
Finishing up our tasting were 2 specialty wines - Larboard (original name for the left side of a boat), a port-style wine, and Cavitation (the bubbles formed by a boat propeller), a sparkling wine made from Steuben grapes that was crisp but also slightly sweet.
