A quartet of closeby wineries, a tavern and distillery are collaborating to stage the Winter Warmer Wine & Cocktail Trail through early February. Each has libations paired with comfort foods and sweet treats, and once a person has completed the Trail comes a chance to win a Grand River Valley overnight getaway.
The participating businesses, all members of The Valley Wine Group, are Grand River Cellars, Debonne Vineyards, Cask 307, South River Vineyard, Black Door Tavern and Red Eagle Distillery. The cost for the Trail treats is $7 at each stop. The event runs every day from noon to 5 p.m.
The businesses are open seven days per week — except for Cask 307 Winery, which is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays — allowing for patrons to visit on days they’re not so crowded. The destinations are no more than 10 minutes apart from one another.
Pick up your Trail Card at the first stop and turn it in by Feb. 9 to enter a drawing for the getaway. Each place has also developed at least one featured Winter Warmer drink that will be available for purchase.
Each winery offers two wine samples, while mini-cocktails are served at the Black Door Tavern and Red Eagle Distillery, which are next door to each other.
Here’s what you can expect:
Grand River Cellars Winery and Restaurant
Where: 5750 S. Madison Road, Madison
Info: 440-298-9838; grandrivercellars.com
Featured food: Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Featured Sangria: Winter Cranberry Sangria
Featured Cocktail: Snowflake Cocktail
Debonne Vineyards
Where: 7840 Doty Road, Madison
Info: 440-466-3485; debonne.com
Featured food: Cabbage Roll
Featured Sangria: Winter Rouge Sangria
Featured Cocktail: Mulled Blackberry Toddy
Cask 307
Where: 7259 Warner Road (Route 307), Madison
Info: 440-307-9586; cask307.com
Featured food: Homestyle Mac N Cheese
Featured Cocktail: Winter Margarita
South River Vineyard
Where: 6062 S. River Road, Geneva Township
Info: 440-466-6676; southrivervineyard.com
Featured food: Chocolate Chip Fudge Brownie
Red Eagle Distillery
Where: 6202 S. River Road. Geneva Township
Info: 440-466-6604; redeaglespirits.com
Featured food: Bourbon braised Swedish Meatballs
Included mini-cocktail: Apple Cider Punch
Featured Cocktail: Peppermint Cream Cocktail
Black Door Tavern
Where: 6202 S. River Road, Geneva Township
Info: 440-466-6604; blackdoortavern.com
Featured food: Sweet Potato Bourbon Bisque with Toasted Marshmallow
Included mini-cocktail: Cranberry Mule
Featured cocktail: Blood Orange Gin & Tonic
