Since the dawn of time, or at least since we discovered what fermented grapes can do, wine has been celebrated both for the taste it provides and the feeling it offers. We anticipate the bold reds, the cheery bubbles and bright nights spent with friends— when we fill glasses and spill secrets. Want to sip a rare, romantic red with your significant other or laugh over a light white while catching up with confidants? Explore Toledo’s many unique locales where you can enjoy the fruit of the vine.
LaScola Italian Grill
5375 Airport Hwy. | 419-381-2100
lascolaitaliangrill.com
Moussa Salloukh, owner
What is a good rule for ordering wine?
The rule is in the taste of the beholder…
Do you have a special bottle in your private collection on reserve?
Yes a few. As my friends know, there doesn’t need to be a special occasion if the food is right and everyone is happy— then, pop goes the cork…
If you could drink wine with any person or character— fictional, real, living or past— who would it be, and why?
Frank Sinatra! Why not?
Kyoto Ka Sushi Bar
6801 W. Central Ave. | 419-841-2070
300 Madison Ave. | 419-321-4000
kyotoka.com
Sung, owner
What’s your favorite pairing?
Sushi with the pairing of our various Sake selections.
What’s something you think wine pairs with really well, even if it goes against the norm?
I feel that red wine and salmon sashimi go very well together. That’s just my personal opinion, but the pair just have this amazing tasteful experience.
If you could drink wine with any person or character— fictional, real, living or past— who would it be, and why?
Chef Jiro Ono [the revered sushi chef, featured in the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi] is my role model, so I would love to learn his skills in the kitchen and his philosophy.
M’ Osteria Bar & Lounge
611 Monroe St. | 419-215-4222
m-osteriatoledo.com
Shawn Chowdhary, VP of administration
Deal: Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, Fattoria Teatine “Foglio 12.” This spectacular wine from the Abruzzo region of Italy. It is a reasonably priced Italian wine that pleases even the most discriminating palate.Â
Unreal: Opus One. It scored a rare perfect score of 100 from Wine Spectator.
What do you enjoy about wine?
Wine is meant to be shared among friends, and if you share a unique wine, then you tend to recall or relive that experience every time you see or drink that particular bottle in the future.Â
What’s a good rule of thumb for ordering wine?
Always check the menu and ask your server about new varieties. Our wine list contains many hidden Italian gems and some very familiar wines from California. Recently, we have added several new wines as we constantly keep evolving to keep things exciting. M’ Osteria provides a unique opportunity for you to create a memorable experience with our superb wine list.
Zinful Tasting Boutique
218 Louisiana Ave. | Perrysburg
419-931-9946 |Â zinfulwine.com
Joyce Franzblau, owner
Zinful is not a restaurant, but a tasting boutique. The store offers wine, craft beer, cigars, local art and accessories, with daily tastings Tuesday through Saturday.
Steal: Ryan Patrick Redhead Red Blend (Columbia Valley, WA). $9.99. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Syrah. It is perfect for everyday enjoyment and appeals to many when hosting parties.
Deal: Charles Smith Italian Secco – Chardonnay Brut, Pinot Noir Rose, and Moscato – great bubbles just in time for the holiday season on a closeout price of $6.99, previously $13.99-$19.99
Unreal: 2012 Harlan Estate Bordeaux Style Red Blend (Napa, California) $999.99. 99 points from Robert Parker.
Have you traveled to wine country? If so, what was your main takeaway from the experience?
I went to Napa for 5 days and every day offered something unique. I left with a better perspective on the winemaker’s knowledge, skills, and passion for what they are creating. For most winemakers, it is not a business but an artistic expression that they hope is enjoyed by others. They are fully committed to making the best wine possible with the grapes harvested regardless of the weather challenges. There are many beautiful vineyards and tasting rooms and while larger producers offer stately tastings and tours, I was drawn to the smaller boutique tasting rooms where you are more likely to enjoy a personal encounter with the winemaker. Learning about the wine directly from the winemaker in a tasting area within the cave where the wine is aging is a special experience.
Majestic Oak Winery
13554 Mohler Rd. | Grand Rapids
419-875-6474 |Â majesticoakwinery.com
Laura Rufenacht, co-owner
What do you enjoy about wine?
The way it brings people together, we have seen friendships form and met amazing people along the way.
What do you think of Ohio’s local wines?
Obviously we love Ohio’s local wines as well as the winemakers and growers across our state. Having the opportunity to taste and find something you like rather than guessing by the label on a store shelf is always our preference. Local wines offer grape varietals not found in the commercial wine world. Small growers and wine makers are all unique and the experience is always a pleasure.
What’s your best “wine story”?
There are too many to even try. Our favorite part of this business is all of the experiences. If we didn’t already know this, NEVER underestimate or assume you know a person at first glance. Drink a glass of wine with them and then decide.
The Oliver House
27 Broadway St. | 419-243-1302
mbaybrew.com
Lexi Oberhouse, Rockwell’s Lounge Bartender
What do you enjoy about wine?
I think wine brings people together. I enjoy the way that wine complements food and the pleasure, friendship and camaraderie of enjoying a bottle of wine with others.
What’s your current favorite bottle, and why?
Jordan Cabernet from Sonoma Valley. I like the bold, full-flavored earthiness.
Is cheap wine really that much worse than expensive wine?
There’s a place for cheaper wine. A good, inexpensive table with dinner at home is a wonderful thing. We aren’t always able to drink high-end wine.
What’s the proper way to taste wine?
I like to let the wine roll around under the tongue and swallow with a slight gulping of air. It seems to reach all the tastebuds and explode with flavor.
Ye Olde Durty Bird
2 S. St. Clair St. | 419-243-2473
yeoldedurtybird.com
Kim McKnight, manager and bartender
What’s your current favorite bottle, and why?
The Show Malbec! It’s the perfect blend of sweet and dry, and I love the light, berry flavors.
If you could drink wine with any person or character— fictional, real, living or past— who would it be, and why?
Bob Marley— because who had a better outlook on life and love?
Do you judge a bottle by the label?
Yes. If it looks fun, I usually try it.
What’s your best “wine story”?
The moment I found out I could fit almost an entire bottle in one of my glasses!
If your establishment offers pairings, what’s your favorite pairing offered?
We have an amazing NY strip steak that pairs very well with our Tom Grove Cabernet.
Mancy’s Steakhouse
951 Phillips Ave.
419-476-4154 | mancys.com
Gus Mancy, owner
Steal: Our new Round Pond Kin & Keith 2013 Napa Valley. $11 per glass (6 oz. pour!) and $42 per bottle.
Deal: Intrinsic Cabernet from Columbia Valley.
Unreal: Hundred Acre Cabernet Sauvignon Kayli Morgan 2012— at $750 per bottle, this is a rock star. Depth, complexity and layers of flavor are signatures of this wine every year.
What do you enjoy about wine?
Gathering with family and friends is always a great time! Sharing wine at these get togethers always enhances the occasion!
What’s your favorite pairing?
Always a great Napa Cab with a great steak!
Do you have a very special bottle saved in your private collection?
First growth Bordeauxs in each of my children’s birth years— 1994, 1996 and 2004.
Walt Churchill’s Market
3320 Briarfield Blvd. | Maumee | 419-794-4000
26625 N. Dixie Hwy. | Perrysburg | 419-872-6900
waltchurchillsmarket.com
Richard Fortney, wine manager atthe Briarfield Market
What do you enjoy about wine?
How the subtle nuances of a specific varietal can lend itself to different cuisines. Wine is after all meant to complement your meal and is considered by some to be a food as well as a beverage.
Do you judge a bottle by the label? If so, what do you look for?
Never judge a book by its cover. Period.
Have you traveled to wine country?
If so, what was your main takeaway from the experience? When visiting wineries, as a member of the trade, we are treated especially well, and in many cases treated as family. Overall there is a tremendous amount of love, appreciation, and cooperation within the trade at all levels. The wine industry can be very gracious.Â
If you could drink wine with any person or character— fictional, real, living or past— who would it be, and why?
I would have loved to meet and taste wines with the late Andre Tchelistcheff, America’s most influential post-prohibition winemaker. He is considered by many to be the “Dean of American Winemaking.”
Cocina de Carlos
205 Farnsworth Rd. | Waterville
419-878-0261 |Â cocinadecarlos.com
Jessica Torres
What’s your best “wine story”?
My husband and I went to Italy last year. One late evening, walking back to the hotel after a few drinks, we stopped at this one bar and had a random glass of Chianti Classico. That was by far the best wine we have ever tasted, and I still live with the regret of not knowing what brand it was and which bar we stopped at.
My doctor said something about how drinking wine was good for me, but I stopped listening mid-sentence. Should I find out the rest of the story?
Of course. Wine is good for you and it tastes good, so you can have a fun time.
What’s something you think wine pairs with really well, even if it goes against the norm?
I think potato chips with hot sauce are amazing with wine.
Barr’s Public House
3355 Briarfield Blvd. | Maumee
419-866-8466 |Â barrspublichouse.com
Stephanie Soldner, managing partner
Steal: Los Vascos Cabernet. $6/glass everyday.
Deal: Playtime Red Blend. $7/glass, $5 for Ladies Night every Thursday.
Unreal: We sell bottle lockers, and members can stock whatever wine we can get for them in Ohio. We sell it at 10% over wholesale, and then charge a corkage fee at the time of service. This program will allow someone to get their favorite wines for less than restaurant prices!
What’s your current favorite bottle, and why?
Tavignano Barbarossa. It’s medium body with bright red fruits and floral notes. It actually gets better a few days after being opened!
Have you traveled to wine country?
If so, what was your main takeaway from the experience? Yes! Actually seeing the land solidifies what I’ve learned as far as the territory, its effect on the grapes— and the fact that I need to spend more time there!
What’s something you think wine pairs with really well, even if it goes against the norm?
You can pair wine or Champagne with ANYTHING.
Revolution Grille
5333 Monroe St. | 419-841-0066
revolutiongrille.com
Alex Martin, sommelier
What’s a good rule of thumb for ordering wine?
When you’re ordering at a restaurant, don’t look at the cheapest bottles. The more expensive ones are a much better deal— there’s less of a markup. And never be afraid to talk to a sommelier. We are here to translate your tastes and your budget into a great bottle of wine that will only enhance your meal and dining experience.
If you could drink wine with any person or character— fictional, real, living or past— who would it be?
Dom Perignon. He was a monk who, contrary to popular belief, did not actually invent Champagne, but he did greatly influence the quality production of sparkling wine.
What’s something you think wine pairs with really well, even if it goes against the norm?
A nice charcuterie board and anything sparkling. I told you I like bubbles!
Steal: Max Ferd. Richter Classic Riesling $24
Deal: Frank Family Chardonnay $41
Unreal: Camigliano “Gualto” Brunello di Montalcino $130
