Wine Tasting @ The Grovewood Tavern 5/11 For anyone who has ever visited The Grovewood Tavern and Wine Bar, they know of its incredible wine and beer selection, along with bartenders who are experts in pairing a customer's taste with a selection from their offerings. But nothing can compare to the Grovewood’s food. Award-winning chef, Tim Ogan, creates some of the most unique, delectable culinary offerings in the Cleveland area. And when Cool Cleveland was invited to an organic wine tasting dinner, we knew we had to attend.

The dinner featured organic wines from the Lolonis Vineyards and Winery located in the Redwood Valley, Appellatio, California. Established as a vineyard in 1920, grapes were sold to wineries such as Charles Krug, Parducci and Sebastiani. By the mid 50’s organic farming methods were introduced, and now over 5 million ladybugs are released into the vineyards every June, July and August. The wine list began with a Fume Blank ’02 paired with Chef Tim’s Lemon Shrimp with R-Haven Farm organic Cheve on garlic toast. It was obvious that Tim made sure that the wine didn’t overwhelm the flavor of the food and each complemented the other. The Fume was well balanced with the sweet taste of apples and pears.

The next course paired up my favorite wine of the evening, the Chardonnay ’01, a San Francisco Chronicle Wines Competition Gold Medal winner, with the best crabcakes in the region. The Chardonnay had nice oaky overtones with a buttery finish - very smooth! Four Cheese Ravioli from Ohio City covered with Muir Glen organic tomato cream sauce and pancetta was the next offering, lined up with Ladybug Red Old Vines ’01. This was not our favorite wine of the evening; it blended zinfandel, Napa Gamay, Carignane and Merlot grapes, but it came up short on taste. Another disappointment of the evening was Chef Tim’s Beggar’s Purse, and although the presentation was impressive, once the pastry “purse” was broken open, the Niman Ranch beef tips were dry and had little taste. Even the exotic mushrooms couldn’t save this entrée. The Zifandel was an interesting blend of several different flavors, all supported by velvety tannins. One could taste a fine array of teas, black cherry, vanilla, plum, spices and herbs, with a chocolatey finish. The dessert finale was indescribably delicious, a dark chocolate espresso mousse coupled with Orheus Petite Sirah.

The Grovewood Tavern and Wine Bar is one of the best-kept secrets in the Cleveland area. Whether you are looking for a great beer and wine list, or one of the best meals around, this is a must visit. The service is excellent, the prices moderate and the atmosphere is casual; it's truly an authentic neighborhood tavern. From the Cool Cleveland reds

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