While exploring the beautiful side streets and rolling hills of the Amish Heartland, it is easy to drink in the sights, smells and sounds. But there is another product of the Heartland that is just as easy to drink as the picturesque scenery -- locally grown wines.

TROUTMAN'S WINERY

Andy Troutman was only 10 years old when he grew and harvested his first grapes for wine as a 4-H project. From that moment, he was hooked.

Three years after planting the first vineyards, Andy and Deanna Troutman opened the winery at Troutman Vineyards in June 2001. Located at 4243 Columbus Road, the property previously was owned by Russell Stauffer, who raised chickens and sold produce in a roadside stand located near the house.

Deanna, a marketing executive, and Andy, vineyard manager at Wolf Creek Vineyards, moved to the farmhouse in 1997, intent on starting their own high-quality winery. After three seasons of very cooperative weather, the first crop was harvested in the fall of 2000, with the winery debuting three wines from this first vintage the following summer.

The winery building was renovated from one of the property's original chicken coops.

Available for sale at the winery is a variety of wines -- Red Menagerie, White Menagerie, chardonnay, Farmer's White, Farmer's Red, Farmers Blush, raspberry and blackberry.

"Right now, within the last 12 months, with the economy the way it is, we're seeing a lot of local traffic. For 20 bucks you can get a bottle of wine, cheese and crackers. It's inexpensive entertainment and a local product," said Andy Troutman.

Because most of the Troutman wines are reasonably priced, "instead of spending $30 on a bottle of wine from California, you can spend $10 on one from your own backyard," he said.

Since he's "not in the food business," customers are encouraged to bring along a pizza or their favorite covered dish, which they can enjoy while sipping their wine and enjoying the atmosphere.

The winery attracts a variety of folks of all ages, "between 21 and 101," said Troutman, adding, "We see definitely see it all."

Among the business' patrons are groups of women enjoying a ladies' night out, couples and small groups of friends who make the winery one of many stops on an evening itinerary.

Live original entertainment awaits customers every second Saturday. Guests are invited to bring a picnic, sit by the fire and enjoy an evening of fine wine and free entertainment, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

Performers and their appearance dates are: July 11 -- Brian Henke, finger-style guitar; Aug. 8 -- Operations; Sept. 12 -- Josh Buskirk, instrumental, blues guitar; Nov. 14 -- Jen Maurer and Sam Rettman, blues, old-time and Americana; Dec. 12 -- Ryann Anderson, instrumental acoustic guitar.

The annual harvest festival, which features not only live music, but grape stomping, cellar tours and more, is scheduled for Oct. 10.

The tasting room is open Monday-Saturday, 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Arrangements for private tastings also can be made by appointment.

BREITENBACH WINE CELLARS

Breitenbach Wine Cellars was established in 1980. 1500 gallons of labrusca and French hybrid grape wines were produced along with dandelion and a few fruit wines. The wines were sold exclusively at Der Marktplatz, the retail shop adjacent to the winery. Breitenbach has evolved over the last 21 years to now produce over 120,000 gallons of 15 grape varieties and 15 fruit and berry wines.

Vinifera "winemaker reserve" varieties include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. Wines are made from Handpicked grapes and are aged in oak barrels from the Voges region in France. Chardonnay is fermented "sur-lie" style. Festival, our own Italian-style blend, has won numerous awards including the "Award of Excellence" from the American Culinary Institute.

"Premium grape" wines include "Old Dusty Miller", a semi-dry blush, sweet Riesling and Gewurztraminer. These wines are cool fermented to enhance their Germanic style. "Old Dusty Miller", a Riesling/cabernet blend has won numerous international medals.

"Signature Series" wines include "Frost Fire", which makes up approximately 60% of total wine production. "First Crush" and "Roadhouse Red" are two other Favorites. These are wines made from Eastern grapes and are picked from various vineyards. Frost Fire has won gold and best-of-class at the L.A. County Fair wine competition. Roadhouse Red was chosen at the Jefferson Cup Invitational as an "example of American greatness". Also included in this series is "Charming Nancy", a vidal-blanc grape and Dandelion. Breitenbach is one of a few wineries in the country to make Dandelion commercially. Breitenbach is host to the Dandelion May Fest, held at the winery the first weekend in May.

In 1997, Breitenbach released their Tawny Port. The port is a blend of 4 barrels that have been baked in the sun for three years. The flavors are extremely intense and the wine has a wonderful warming effect. 1998 marked the release of Solara Cream Sherry that comes in a beautiful perfume-style bottle.

In addition to the fine wines of Breitenbach, Der Marktplatz also features a wide variety of local cheeses, German sausages and hearty smoked meats. Here, in a relaxing atmosphere rich in Amish heritage, you can browse to your heart's content among the lovingly handcrafted gifts and unusual collectibles. The beautifully decorated gift shop also serves as a tasting room. Here in a relaxing atmosphere surrounded by authentic antiques, guests are invited to sample their wines before making a selection. From May through October Breitenbach hosts "Fred's Famous Barbeque". Enjoy barbeque ribs or chicken with a glass of wine on the outdoor patio overlooking Amish country.

Breitenbach Wine Cellars is conveniently located between Dover and Sugarcreek just 5 minutes west of I-77 on State Rt. 39. The store is open all year Mon-Sat from 9-6. You may also order Breitenbach wines on the Internet at www.breitenbachwine.com.

WINE AT THE ARBOR

Dana Arnold, owner of the Killbuck florist shop, The Vinery, is branching out from roses to wine with the help of her business partners and daughters, Erin Obrst and Megan Mullet.

Together the three are opening Wine at the Arbor, a wine shop featuring wines produced at Ohio's 120 wineries. The wines will be sold along side Holmes County cheeses.

"We've been working for several months," Arnold said. "It takes a lot of time to go through the process to sell wine."

The shop will be located next to The Vinery in downtown Killbuck.

To prepare for the shops opening, Arnold, Obrst and Mullet have attended Cleveland Wine School and have visited wineries throughout the state. Arnold's daughters are also pursuing more extensive wine education through seminars and classes.

Wine at the Arbor is expected to open late summer to early fall, just in time for the height of Holmes County tourist season.

"I think it will be a big draw for people that like to drink wine," Arnold said. "Hopefully it will draw possibly some tourism. We have the trail going through and the museum is right across the street."

Wine accessories will be sold in the store as well. The shop's license is for carry out only.

But, in time Wine at the Arbor will be expanded to include a concrete back patio space for wine tasting and entertainment events Arnold said.