“We bought equipment and learned how to make wine. “Cary got the idea to open it and we sent fullspeed ahead,” Wilson says. “We had been keeping it at a campground near Columbus but we always wanted our own property,” Wilson says.Īfter they were there for a while, they realized it would make the perfect spot for a winery and also fill a niche: There are no other wineries on Berlin Lake. They bought the land in 2020 and put their travel trailer there as a getaway spot. “This year, we ramped up production and estimate selling around 5,500 bottles.”Ĭove W is the first winery Wilson and Wecht have opened, and they had a sharp learning curve. “Last year we sold about 1,800 bottles,” Wilson says. The winery also offers wine slushies and sangrias, which, Wecht says, “are extremely popular in the hot, beachy weather.”Īll of the bottled wines can be purchased to go. “We gave them playful names,” Wecht says.įor example, there is Cove Potion, a raspberry-watermelon Cabernet Berry Dry, a dry elderberry wine and Mango Mayhem and Strawberry Sunshine, which blend in those fruit flavors. The casual theme extends to the wines, which are fruity, untraditional and definitely in the spirit of Cove W. “One of the best compliments we’ve gotten came from a person last year who said, ‘I’ve lived on this lake for 30 years and I’ve met more people from this area at your place than I did in all the time I’ve lived here.” “We usually have a fire going as soon as it gets dark, and it’s fun,” Wecht says. When the sun goes down, Cove W – which is also dog-friendly – gets even more into the groove. “The other day, someone said, ‘I sent a friend a photo of myself taken here and asked if I was in Florida.’ So, mission accomplished with the vibe here.” Night at Cove W winery in Deerfield usually means the firepit is lit. “Several of our customers this year and last year have said, ‘I feel like I’m in Florida, at the beach,’” Wecht says. A place where you can come in your bare feet and be comfortable.” “We wanted to achieve a relaxed and inviting feel, not stuffy. “It’s a product of our own personal style,” Wecht says. It’s a welcoming port for those seeking a change of attitude, if not latitude, but the waterfront landing is just one element in Cove W’s overarching theme.Ĭreating an island ambiance – hidden from the hustle and bustle of daily life – was the goal. “We don’t have a dock, but they beach here and tie up to a tree. “It’s a nice, soft place for boats to pull up,” Wecht says. The co-owners cleared stone and concrete debris from the waterfront, making it safe for boats. “We have a lot of boat traffic, and they love it,” Wilson says. While Cove W does not have a dock, many customers arrive in their watercraft. There is also an outdoor stage with live music every weekend. The owners trucked in 150 tons of soft sand, surrounding the bar and the waterfront. The beer-making license is also new this year, and Cove W is already offering one of its brews on tap – a blond ale. They replace the rented portable potties of the inaugural season. Happy Hour specials (4:30p - 6:30p daily) are worth noting: half off beer, wine, and specialty cocktails as well as a discounted bar menu.Another major improvement is the addition of permanent and fully finished bathrooms. The wine list is somewhat eclectic, but not off the wall from a wine nerd perspective. Seasonal and classic cocktails notwithstanding, the overarching goal of the beverage and wine program is consistent with Lindey’s guiding principle of bringing high value and a memorable experience with wines that way over-deliver for the price. Tasting cocktails for a story can be dangerous, so bartenders are warned that we are likely to have just a sip of each - but, drinks like the Watermelon Mule (Watershed Vodka, fruit puree, lime juice, and ginger beer) definitely have a way of testing that policy. An interesting and pleasant aftertaste marks the unusual Smoky Strawberry Mezcarita and the spicy, aromatic Three Dots and a Dash brings an island vibe. Among the summer cocktail options, the Frosé is refreshing blend of frozen wine, citrus vodka, and fresh fruit puree.
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