Bites Nearby: The Winery at Wolf Creek

No list of summer fun in Akron would be complete without a stop (or two) at Andy Troutman’s beloved Summit County site, the Winery at Wolf Creek. We do call these pieces “Bites Nearby,” and you can most certainly enjoy a great meal here, but Wolf Creek puts much of the onus on the patrons on deciding what lunch or dinner might be.

With a minimalist menu (they serve cheese-and cracker, biscotti, bottled water, soft drinks and so on) Troutman’s winery that overlooks the beautiful Barberton Reservoir and across the Ohio valley is “B.Y.O.F.” (literally translated “bring your own food”) and he and the staff encourage patrons to carry in, order in or have it delivered.

Want to bring a picnic? Order in a large pie with tuna fish and meatballs? Or pop open a bag of Cracker Jack to accompany your Ohio wine experience? You can do just that. That freedom of choice—along with the regular live music and spirited crowds that land there, make Wolf Creek a cozy little getaway just around the corner. Be sure to toss a blanket or two into the car before you leave; the picnic bench and veranda seating is at a minimum during those gorgeous summer nights.

Oh yes, and the wine. There is that. After you get over the view, order up a couple bottles of Wolf Creek’s crisp summer-style vinos. We recommend Rhapsody, which feels a lot like Riesling to the palate; Nouveau, which bursts with Beaujolais frutiness; and Space Cowboy, a summer peach wine that will have you looking and feeling Savannah, Georgia and you lounge in Summit County.

2637 S Cleveland Massillon Rd., Norton, 800-436-0426, www.wineryatwolfcreek.com. Wines start at $13 a bottle.

Found a great place to dine? Let us know about it in the comments.