A Review of Ferrante Winery and Ristorante, Ohio's Answer to California's Wines

The Ferrante family has been making and selling wine since 1937 when Anna and Nicholas Ferrante opened their first winery in Cleveland's Collinwood area. Later, in the 1970's their sons Peter and Tony built a state-of-the-art wine making facility in the family's vineyards in Harpersfield Township. In the early 80's the they added a restaurant, so they could showcase their wine with food. In 1994 a fire swept through the restaurant area destroying it. Luckily, the firewall saved the cellar, warehouse and wine production. As you drive up to the chalet styled winery and restaurant you are enveloped in acres and acres of grapes, all different varieties, and all owned by the Ferrante family.

Ferrante's is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday. The hours vary, depending on the season, so it's best to call ahead. The winery itself is open 7 days a week for wine sales and gift purchases. Ferrante's offers complimentary tours on Saturdays at 1pm, 2pm & 3pm, and on Sundays at 2pm, 3pm & 4pm. While you're there, make sure you take a tour. The tour starts in the wine production area and the knowledgeable guide explains everything that goes into crafting a great bottle of wine. When you leave the production area, you're taken to the cellar, followed by the gift shop.

Ferrante's has won many wine competitions. In 2004 they won 2 gold medals for their Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1 gold medal for their Pink Catawba, White Catawba, Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc and Vidal Blanc Ice wine. That same year they received 11 silver medals and captured 20 bronze medals for other wines. In 2005 they received gold medals for their Bianco, American Reisling, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Franc Ice Wine, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Grigio and Rosso. They won 3 gold awards for their Vidal Blanc. The winery received 14 silver awards and an additional 10 bronze awards in 2005. Every year more and more awards are given to Ferrante's in competitions around the United States. They produce and win medals for both dry and sweet varieties.

Depending on the type of wine, a bottle can cost anywhere from $6.99 to $34.99 take out. The dryer dinner wines, like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon range $12.99 to $19.99. Ferrante's offers a 10% discount on each case purchased and cases can be bought online at www.ferrantewinery.com.

Not only are Ferrante's wines good, their restaurant is excellent, too. They feature steak, veal and fresh seafood along with pasta, chicken, specialty pizzas and salads. The dinner menu prices start at around $9.00 for an entree and go up to around $25.00. The summer lunch menu features items in the $7.00 to $15.00 range. Like most restaurants, Ferrante's serves appetizers, desserts and non-alcoholic beverages. They don't serve beer or have a liquor license.

Ferrante Winery is located at: 5585 State Route 307, Harpersfield Twp., Ohio, and can be reached easily off the I-90 interstate. If traveling east exit 528 to 307-east. If traveling west exit 537 to 307-west. The next time you're planning an evening out, go to Ferrante Winery and Ristorante. You won't be sorry.