Donniella Winchell

Every wine lover has a shelf in their home dedicated to books that help them appreciate their favorite beverage just a little more.

American wine buyers frequently look for wines on retail shelves labeled with a specific varietal: Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet, etc. And in restaurants, most domestic wine lists are categorized by varietals too.

By the time the Spring equinox occurs, fruit from the 2025 harvest has been in the cellars for several months. In the fall, the grapes were crushed, juices settled and primary fermentation is largely complete. While most white wines will spend their lives in stainless, reds (along with some Chardonnay styles) have been heading to the barrel rooms.

The sun has finally begun to periodically emerge. And on those days, clouds are puffy white and the sky is a brilliant blue. The dandelions begin taking over our lawns, maple trees shed their red bud covers, willow trees show the first new, soft green colors and everyone is out walking their dogs before the evenings turn chilly.

Starting soon, the world wine community will be celebrating Share and Pair Sundays.

Every great wine region has garnered respect for its vintages by growing quality fruit and developing winemakers serious about their craft.

In just a few weeks, Aug. 7-8, the state's original wine festival, Vintage Ohio, www.VisitVintageOhio.com, will open at Lake Farmpark in Kirtland, near Cleveland. There are lots of new features in its 31st year, but the stars of this and all other wine events are always the wineries on Festival Field.

The weather outside is driving many of us into the air conditioning. Is it time for a summer movie night in the family room?

This lovely Germanic-style white is perfect because of its intrinsic qualities. It's not as rich and oaky as Chardonnay, but is fruitier and rounder than Sauvignon Blanc with "zesty acidity that makes the wine so clean and crisp to drink." And we should take note because it goes well with food, because it tastes great -- it's light and refreshing.

The vines are getting ready for the coming harvest season. Soon, the marble-hard green grapes are turning soft. Whites have taken on golden hues and reds have begun the journey to purple and deep burgundy.