Wineries hold annual Christmas tour

COSHOCTON - Christmas traditions can be where ever you find them. It's not always families around the tree. It could be driving through wine country.

"The object is to send people to wineries when they're not so busy with other customers," said Ohio Wine Producers executive director Donniella Winchel. "It's a chance to enjoy something in the frantic-ness of the holidays that is very relaxing."

The self-driving tour starts at Tera Cotta Vineyards in New Concord or Marietta Wine Cellars in Marietta and includes Coffee Cake Winery in Hopedale and Merry Family Winery in Gallipolis.

"We're trying to create a nice atmosphere and educate people on Ohio wineries," said Paul Roberts, co-owner of Terra Cotta Vineyards with his wife Donna.

Roberts said that tours of this nature bring in people from all over the state and as far away as Pennsylvania.

"It's about meeting new people and for additional customers to come in and see what we are and where we are and our set up," said Roberts.

Those on the tour will receive a Schott Zwiesel wine glass while also collecting holiday ornaments at the various stops for hanging on a 15-inch Christmas tree.

That's not to mention the fine wines and food that will be sampled at the various stops and the opportunity for some in-depth observation and conversations with the wine makers.

"They will receive extra special attention," said Winchel. "It's very personal."

Six other regions in Ohio are doing similar tours and there will also be a late spring tour with a date yet to be set, said Winchel.

Winchel said that they sell a total of 50 tickets for the tour, but there are still a few left.

"It's a fun getaway and very affordable," she said.

The tour will be noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20, starting at Terra Cotta Vineyards in New Concord or Marietta Wine Cellars.

Tickets are $30 for couples and $20 for singles.