Owen R.
Yelp
Returning from Cincinnati's Findlay Market on the back roads, we noticed a small winery sign on the side of the road. My parents are interested in local wineries and decided to stop. When we pulled into the Hanover Winery drive, we were told that there was an anniversary party taking place that evening, and there was going to be live music, food, and, of course, wine-tasting. I was accompanied by my parents and my son. At the entrance, a hostess asked if my son was 21. I told them that he was not even close to 21 and she indicated that she had been carding people quite a bit. At no time did we indicate that my son would be participating in any wine-tasting (he hates the taste of alcohol). They pointed us toward the winery and told us that if we decided to participate in the tasting, we could pay inside.
Once in the winery, we were charged 30 dollars for entry for four people and tasting for two. My mother and I participated in some wine tasting. From there, my son and I went and sat next to a pond on the winery's property. My complimentary glass was empty and we were simply sitting there.
The owner of the property approached us, asked if my son was 21, and then proceeded to tell us we'd have to leave his property. He was, in my opinion, incredibly rude and we were, to say the least, very embarrassed. When he realized that my parents were inside the winery purchasing a case of his wine, he got chummy and explained how having a minor on the property could jeopardize his license and cause his business to be shut down and his products to pulled from local shelves. Although I knew that his claims were contrary to state law, I simply decided to leave the winery with my son and suggested that my parents do the same.
My son actually decided to question the owner about the legality of his claims. The owner came clean and said that he had lied to us as it was easier to get us to leave his property. He then told my son to leave his property. My son is a clean cut kid, wears nice clothes, and is very respectful. He's the kind of kid that is usually asked to stay, not leave.
With all of that being said, let's get down to the wine! Regardless of our bad personal experiences with the owner, I do want to share my opinion of the wines we tasted. Honestly, these are mediocre tasting wines that rely on the novelty of being local and accessible. Much of the novelty wine tasted sickly sweet to me, with supplemental flavors. The drier wines had potential but seemed early, juicy, and somewhat flabby. If at a local market, I certainly would not choose a Hanover over an established label at a similar price point if looking at more serious wine. If novelty wines are your bag, Boone's Farm may be a better choice than some of the Hanover offerings. If the comfort of visiting a local winery is what draws you to Hanover, I would submit that this has a "locals-only" feel and unless you are a part of the local family, or a Hamilton resident, this winery is probably worth a skip.
I'd just like to add that customer service is important. A proprietor's disregard for his or her customers can taint even the finest goods.
