2024 October 17 Klingshirn Winery

This grape oasis is less than 15 minutes from my house. 

We took a break from the farm for my Fall Crop Production class in the Sustainable Agriculture program at LCCC to visit Klingshirn Winery in Avon Lake. This gorgeous vineyard sits in the middle of a rapidly developing area in what used to be a largely agricultural area. It’s a peaceful patch of Earth that is needed in this world.

A perfect day to spend at a vineyard. 

Wine production in action. I wish I could post the good smell.

We spent the morning touring the wine production areas, checking out the 1960s tractor and learning from the wealth of knowledge that radiated from Lee Klingshirn, the owner. In the afternoon, we picked grapes and did a little wine tasting in the shop. The wine is of award-winning quality.

This tractor has a story of its own.

The high tunnel is a way to diversify their products. Lots of nice flowers!

We harvested grapes into these boxes which stack up two different ways for when they are full and when they are not. Smart design.

Plump ripe grapes.

Delicious grape juice with lunch. 

Happy grapes. 

 The bird nest tells me what he’s doing is working with nature. This is important.

I am grateful for this experience. It sparked something in me. I love growing grapes. I have 3 Concord grapevines that I planted in 2012 when I bought this house. So far I have made stuffed grape leaves and grape jelly, but I have yet to produce any wine. Hopefully next year, if I can mitigate the spotted lantern fly issue that just popped up overnight last week. We’ll see. Either way, this was an amazing experience. Viticulture is something I could totally get into!