The ability to blend two varietals to make one luscious wine is an art and if all goes as planned, that wine will soothe a soul just like a beautiful symphony. So how fortunate was I to find in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin a new venture, Studio Winery, where both art and music form the backdrop in front of which some lovely wines are presented.
Kathy and Doug Jackson began making wine in 1992. When he’s not playing in a band, Doug works in the wine industry and Kathy is a painter, glass artist, and professional home décor product designer. The tasting room boasts a grand piano for guests to tickle the ivories and on Saturday nights, you’ll hear local musicians entertain those wine lovers interested in a creative way to spend an evening. The art gallery at Studio Winery showcases works by talented Lake Geneva area artists as well as hers truly, Kathy, and you can swirl, sip, and savor all the while enjoying the surroundings! Now that the patio is open, guests can bring their own ribs or steaks to grill, order a pizza from the nearby pub, or have a picnic…as long as you are imbibing their wine (and yes, some brews are served on draught)…
Kathy and Doug, Winemakers at Studio Winery
Tastes of five wines are offered for $5.00 and a complimentary wine glass is yours to keep. The labels on all bottles were designed by Kathy and reflect that blend of art and music…What did I taste?
**Chardonnay – This dry white white wine uses 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from Pennsylvania. Its lightly oaked style was delicious and aromas and tastes of green apples, orange blossoms, a little honey, and even some almonds led to a satisfying finish. Kathy considered this wine one of the “ go-to” choices on the list and I absolutely agree. Cost is $28.00.
**Amadeus – The Amadeus is a semi-dry blend of Viognier and Vidal Blanc grapes. It had high acidity with light, citrus flavors of pear, stone fruits, and lemon. This was my favorite and the price was a mere $14.00. Can you guess which instrument was on the label?
**Coltrane – Ahhh, John Coltrane…This wine was sweet and consisted of mostly Vidal Blanc grapes with some Chardonnay. Although more sweet than my preference, guests will enjoy the Coltrane if you are a Moscato fan. There was no oak but plenty of melon in this choice and yes, a saxophone is on the label! Cost is $14.00
**Ringo – Beating to a different drummer? Maybe…This sweet red wine is aimed at Lambrusco fans and is a blend of several red grapes. Raspberries and plums are at the forefront and was quite pleasant having been slightly chilled. Cost is $14.00.
**Hendrix – Just as music lovers have their opinion about Jimi, you’ll have your opinion about this wine using Marechal Foch grapes. I tasted black currants and dark cherries and the finish was not as long as I expected. This would be much better with a hearty dish than just sipping…with some steaks on their grill perhaps? You decide! Cost is $14.00.
**Cabernet Sauvignon – Although this wine is not on the regular tasting menu, you can have a taste for an extra $5.00. Black fruits, dark chocolate, herbs, and pungent spice lingered on the palate. If you enjoy this Cabernet, you may want to consider a purchase…only fifty cases were produced and the cost is $48.00 per bottle.
I’ll return with friends to enjoy some jazz, dinner, and a bottle of wine at Studio Winery on a Saturday night soon. Kathy and Doug were knowledgeable, social, and motivated to make high quality wines in a boutique winery atmosphere.
And their expertise in the fine arts is consistent…isn’t making good wine an art form as well?
Cheers! ~ Cindy
**I’ll be assisting with the bottling process at Studio Wines next weekend! …Yet another “grape experience”!**
Doug
Cindy