Page 11 - Leisure Living Magazine May 2017

All In The Family -
Kelley’s Island Wine Company
By JD Noll, Feature and Food Writer
Once part of the “grape belt” region filled with wineries in the 1800’s and early 1900’s, Kelleys Island had several wineries, but today it has only one.
The Kelley’s Island Wine Company was founded 35 years ago, in 1982, by Toby Zettler who has since retired, but the winery continues to be operated by the third generation of his family. In the early 1990’s, Toby’s son Kurt returned from Australia where he had studied oenology and viticulture, and Kurt eventually became the head winemaker. Along with his wife, Roberta and three children,
Abbey Zettler of The Kelley’s Island Wine Co.
LeisureLiving May 2017
Abbey, Isabella and Rost, the entire family now play important roles in the operation. Even son- in-law Rodney Rosado is now learning the art of winemaking.
All full time island residents, the family prides itself on serving great wine and fresh food. While they formerly grew their own grapes, island conditions proved difficult so now they purchase juice and grapes from other northern Ohio producers. “We are no longer an estate winery, but we do purchase cabernet franc grapes from a local island grower,” General Manager Abbey Zettler Rosado says.
Because Kelley’s Island Wine Company is a small boutique winery producing only 10,000 bottles per year, they only sell six or seven varieties of their own at their facility. Usual choices are three whites, two reds and one blush. A special offering is their freshly blended Sangria. “Guest wines from Spain and California are offered, giving patrons more variety,” Abbey states.
Beginning in a small building adjacent to the existing facility, it soon became evident that a larger space was needed. With ample acreage, the family built a spacious 5000 sq. ft. building with two covered porches and two pavilions. “We own three acres so there is plenty of space and we can seat 300-400 guests indoors and out,” Abbey emphasizes. “For entertainment, we even offer games like horseshoes and corn hole along with a children’s play area.”
Peek inside the large viewing window to see stainless steel vats fermenting the next batch of grapes. Weekdays, you might also see bottling or labeling.
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