Gary Blackie knew he wanted to build a destination winery. As the owner of Laurentia Vineyard & Winery, he was inspired by the architectural influences of Texas and Colorado using stone, iron and reclaimed wood to construct a rustic tasting room.
Sitting at the end of a winding road beyond orderly rows of grapevines and a canopy of mature trees, the space also boasts large windows overlooking the verdant landscape of the Grand River Valley. It’s a great spot to kick back and enjoy Laurentia’s wines, which are made with a handful of grapes such as pinot grigio, riesling, cabernet franc and merlot grown on 48 acres.
“Our goal was to showcase the capabilities of the Grand River Valley and deliver the best wines possible,” says Blackie. “In my opinion, the Grand River Valley compares favorably to other wine areas such as Napa and the Willamette Valley of Oregon.”
Visitors may enjoy 100% estate-grown wines with artisanal charcuterie, small plates and entrees. The property also contains a spacious outdoor patio, manicured gardens and a small pond. 4599 S. Madison Road, Madison, 440-296-9175, laurentiawinery.com
Try This: The 2018 estate cabernet sauvignon ($45), a full bodied, mid-tannin red wine, has pronounced flavors of blackberry, dark cherry and licorice.
