MADISON, Ohio — With the recent arrival of Vincent William Wine, Ohio’s wine-tourism industry received an impressive new addition. This stunning lakefront attraction in Madison is comprised of an inn, restaurant, winery and so much more.
After discovering the property in 2015, Michael Profeta saw limitless potential for the waterfront estate. He wasn’t 100-percent sure what he would do with it, but he was eager to get started on the project, which he knew would be a massive undertaking.
“It took me a bit to think about whether I was going to do a winery or I was going to do a bed and breakfast,” says Profeta. “There were so many different things and different potential.”
The building was unfinished when he purchased it, so he started on the interior, redoing the rooms and public spaces. And then Covid landed in Ohio, so while everybody else was home baking sourdough bread, Profeta decided to plant a vineyard.
“That’s sort of the miracle on the property,” he says. “Typically it takes three to five years to get a decent wine. I planted this in 2020, very beginning of June, and in October of `21 we harvested about three tons – almost 6,000 pounds of grapes – off 1,000 vines. Nobody can really answer why we got such a great harvest in such a short period of time.”
That “miracle harvest” of Cabernet Franc grapes was fermented, aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, and bottled. It is the first estate-produced wine from Vincent William. Guests can enjoy that wine and many others from the region in the attached wine bar. Rather than compete with his colleagues in the area, Profeta is opting to highlight them.
“I think that since we have such hype in the area and people coming here, that it's a great opportunity for me to bring awareness to the rest of the region,” he explains.
Those wines – along with a full menu of beverages – are also available in the 120-seat restaurant. Chef Matt Conti has crafted his Italian-themed menu to be wine-friendly, approachable and seasonal. And while the food is on par with any finer-dining eatery in the area, the goal is to be casual enough for people visiting after a long day of wine tasting.
“We offer a little bit of everything,” says Conti. “If you're very hungry, we have very nice entrees. If you just come in for some wine, our shareables are perfect. You're not going to get too filled and you won't feel bloated afterwards.”
There might be no better place around to enjoy a glass of wine and charcuterie board than on Vincent William’s meticulous lakeside terrace. A shimmering pool abuts an architecturally designed hardscape dotted with lush plantings – all overlooking Lake Erie.
“Another thing about this particular spot is that the sun will come up out of the lake right there and it will set in the lake right there,” beams Profeta. “There are very few places in the world that you can watch that happen.”