Archive for the ‘Food and Wine’ Category

Balloon Lift off September 27th 2014, Corn Maze wagon rides and a whole lot more.

Thursday, September 11th, 2014
Lots of hot air!

Lots of hot air!

We open our Corn Maze in Mid-September but our Balloon Lift has grown into our sort of unofficial Kick Off for the fall harvest season. It takes a few crisp mornings and few trees changing color to get people thinking about a trip to the pumpkin patch or corn maze.

Up close and personal

Up close and personal

Our balloon lift started over a dozen years ago when I asked a neighbor who owned a balloon if he would get a few friends together and take off from our farm. It has gotten to be a fall tradition. We launch between six and eight balloons from the meadow up back near our corn maze and campfire site area. Folks are welcome to get a up close view of the balloon crews at work as they prepare to take to the skies.

Grab a seat wherever you can!

Grab a seat wherever you can!

You can bring a blanket a lawn chair or grab a seat wherever you can! Our giant hay/straw crawl is a favorite place to relax as the balloons unfold and inflate and take to the skies.

Or just keep crawling!

Or just keep crawling!

Kids just love to climb on things! One thing we learned over the years is if it sticks up out of the field, Kids love to climb on it so we just go with it. We try and build as many farm theme consistent safe and fun fresh air opportunities to get out and have fun!

Wide open spaces!

Wide open spaces!

One unique thing about our farm is the setting. We sit up on a nice gentle hilltop surrounded by fields. The field we launch balloons from we make hay off of.

Somebody left their "sippy cup" unattended!

Somebody left their "sippy cup" unattended!

Some people ask can you have alcohol at a “family event”? We say yes you can. There are three to six hours worth of activities depending upon your level of abilities and interests. Folks can easily enjoy our wines or now new craft beers responsibly and be safe going home.

Did I mention kids like to climb?

Did I mention kids like to climb?

We encourage parents to get out and have fun with their off spring! We have lots of places for fresh air and exercise. So come on out September 27th, visit the balloon lift link on our web site for more information.

How do you make a Snowman Blush?

Wednesday, December 18th, 2013

It’s easy…..Give him a really cool “Package”! www.maizevalley.com

Every snowman should have a nice package!

Every snowman should have a nice package!

Who doesn’t love snowmen?!? And can you imagine anything more fun than a whole bunch of snowmen drinking wine? If you haven’t been to Maize Valley, then you probably haven’t seen one of our newest wines called “Winter Wine”.

He needs to be priced right too!

He needs to be priced right too!

The wine is a sweet blush that is very similar to Hanky Panky. But what sets this wine apart, and makes it such a GREAT gift is the label. The label is completely covered in snowmen. . . drinking wine, sled riding, celebrating, and having fun. Winter Wine is currently on special at only $5.99 per bottle – and if you are looking for stocking stuffers, or co-worker gifts, that equates to only $64.69 per case of 12! Wow – what a fantastic, fun gift to both give and receive!

A nice "stocking stuffer"!

A nice "stocking stuffer"!

Don’t worry if you miss this before Christmas we should have some left in stock for the rest of “Snowman season”! The price may change after this special holiday offer.

Award Winning wines, sometimes it is about the bottle itself.

Wednesday, December 11th, 2013

We recently won one of 2013 Glass Packaging Institutes (GPI) Clear Choice Awards. The prestigious industry awards are given to products packaged in glass that demonstrate strong consumer appeal, shelf impact and commercial success.
What is under a label? Hard to tell because if the package doesn’t compel you enough to pick it up, let alone buy it you never know.

The sun was setting on the way we used to farm.

The sun was setting on the way we used to farm.

We started out with some pretty artistic and sophisticated labels, telling the story we were farmers on the label. They were very nice and we still use them today on certain wines for a certain markets. These labels while doing a good job when we had the time to tell our story were not the best for standing alone in a crowded market place.

Original artwork bottle label

Original artwork bottle label

We then started to look around at what other beverage companies were up and we got some ideas. What if we applied some of those practices combined with our story? Because we have a real story that spans generations. We had cows that had generations all living at the same time. We had pictures of cows of multiple generations all living at the same time.

Plenty of authentic Dairy was in our blood.

Plenty of authentic Dairy was in our blood.

Pictured below is a cow named “Edith” on the left My mother in law Donna is holding her. In the middle is my wife Michelle with one of Edith’s daughters and my sister in law Deb on right with one of Edith’s granddaughters.

We actually used to Have COWS!

We actually used to Have COWS!

Edith was not a “Happy Cow” getting her “gussied-up” for this picture was tough. She liked to be milked, eat and sleep that was pretty much it. She had a special stall next to the walkway out of the bar. It had a cool breeze in the summer, and was far enough in the barn it was warm in winter. Pictured below is what is left of her stall 15 plus years after she lived here over 13 years since we last milked cows. We have removed most of the “furnishings” that were in the barn.

Edith's old stall minus the mat, water bowl and name tag.

Edith's old stall minus the mat, water bowl and name tag.

On the wine side what was “our story” we asked ourselves. Of course, cows came up. But what name would catch your ear, and what picture would make you stop and pick up that bottle?

Mad cow reached out and grabbed us.

Mad cow reached out and grabbed us.

Mad cow is a sweet white table wine. It is easy drinking for the new wine drinker and a wine for light summer fun and good times. It is not a wine you want to spend too much time analyzing, breaking down and over thinking it. It still needs to be made quality and free from faults but it is not a wine you are going to want to age and wait for that special moment, just drink it.

And finally the winning effort

And finally the winning effort

And finally the winning effort, we didn’t set out to make an award winning label. We set out to create a package that people would want to pick up, own and give as a gift. It is a bottle that has a plastic sleeve covering the entire outside surface of the bottle. We think it is prettty cool, other must too as we beat out some pretty heavy weight competition.

Come Ski with Us….And we’ll bring the Ohio Wines!

Thursday, December 5th, 2013

At Maize Valley….We Make Great Wine….FUN! Many trips around the sun ago my wife Michelle and I learned to ski with friends. Later her “little brother” Todd, now our wine maker learned as well. Our daughter’s Cara and Breanne and now our “special” son Brett joined us. I ended up as a “chaperon” for our schools ski club and Scott our main man in the market/winery straps on the sticks as well. So why not take a gang over to Western New York and play in the snow?

Todd, Scott and Michelle on a trip to Holiday Valley

Todd, Scott and Michelle on a trip to Holiday Valley

Valley to Valley…..few years back we put together an inclusive ski/wine/food package where our skier wine/buds-bums went with us over to Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville N.Y. (bout 4 hrs.). You prepay us we set up all the details, we leave MV at 7:00am Sunday Feb. 16th 2014 Depart 7:00 am SHARP! Return about Midnight, +/- a few minutes?

Holiday Valley outdoor "Chalet"

Holiday Valley outdoor "Chalet"

We handle transportation to and from Holiday Valley, lift tickets (8 hr.), Morning coffee and pastry, wine & non-alcoholic beverages and a lite supper for the return trip. You would be responsible for equipment and any food alcohol/beverages etc. while on the slopes.

Need a lift?

Need a lift?

Cost per person is $100.00 pre-paid reservations only. We will take reservations and payment, when count hits 50 it is a go and will notify all by order of reservation. If we don’t hit 50 by January 16th 2014 the trip will be canceled and we will refund your reservation fee in full. Please call market at 330-877-8344 to make reservations.

Todd carving an "S" & finishing his "C's"

Todd carving an "S" & finishing his "C's"

We handle all the details and you don’t have to drive home. After last trip everybody wanted us to do it again, we just had too much farm/winery stuff to get it all done.

Todd (our wine maker....sigh) with our Nephew, Scotty

Todd (our wine maker....sigh) with our Nephew, Scotty

YOU MUST CALL OR STOP IN THE WINERY/MARKET AND MAKE YOUR PRE-PAID RESERVATIONS TO SECURE A SEAT.

So let us know soon, if you would like to go

So let us know soon, if you would like to go


Date: 02/16/2014

Time: 7:00 am – 11:59 pm

Breakfast with Santa part 3, Ohio Wine gifts helping Mom out when she needs it the most!

Monday, December 2nd, 2013

This blog post is the last of three outlining how we do Breakfast with the “Big Guy”! We talked about how we took care of the kids and what we did for the family. But what about Mom (or Dad) looking to by that special local gift? We feature Ohio Wines made right on the farm.

Got gifts?

Got gifts?

And we don’t just have “wine only” gifts either we also carry a variety of other holiday related items to help fill in some gaps people may have. But have you ever had a Chocolate Covered wine bottle given to you as a gift? Hey, you got your chocolate in my wine, No your got your wine in my chocolate…….Do you see where I’m headed? Besides that we have other unique gifts including our Home made Fudge, cookies, pies, pie breads that warm the heart and soul.

Chocolate Bottles

Chocolate Bottles

So as I look back at all we do I am reminded our slogan “We have a Vintage for all the seasons of you life” is really true. We are not trying to be crafty or have some huge marketing plot behind what we do. We just try and make every lick count, and keep the ball rolling best we can from day to day, season to season, year to year, generation to generation. And now about the “General” behind this event. There really are two, of course “Santa” I give him props he really keeps us on our toes all year round, but also my wife Michelle.

The leader of the pack this day

The leader of the pack this day

But not just the leader of the pack this day, barely two weeks after a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. This picture was taken December 2009, we are now getting ready for the 2013 event and I’m thankful everyday to have her.

Michelle my wife and "survivor"

My wife Michelle and her Mom Donna (Center and right) both breast cancer survivors.

So yes we are about building memories to last a lifetime. We are about creating a place that is authentic and hopefully a meaningful place in people’s lives both in location and time. We are about a family farm who is discovering ways to take the resources we have and repurpose them in unique ways that make a difference in people’s lives. We don’t expect people to give us their business, but we hope we can earn it. No we plan on earning it.

Holiday cheer by the truckload

Holiday cheer by the truckload

If you would like to learn more about our special events please visit

For information about 2013 Breakfast with Santa only.

Looking for a Real Nice Christmas Tree? Check out our Neighbors to the East!

Friday, November 29th, 2013

People often ask us when they are out at our place, “Are those your trees?” as they point to the Eastern edge of our farm. No we say but the folks that own them are awesome. It is Moore’s Christmas Tree and Dayliliy Farm and we always suggest that people make the journey back out to the Marlboro/Hartville area to find that perfect tree.

Just the start of your selection!

Just the start of your selection!

The Moore family is a great bunch of folks. They really have a great sense of humor. In fact a few years back Dave Moore was out tagging trees in the fall. I launched a pumpkin and really got a hold of it. The tree field is over a half mile away. My cell phone rang and it was Dave, he said the last one landed about 35 feet from him and in a real relaxed and calm voice asked if I could “back it down a bit”, I obliged him. The next year they put up the following…….

Moore's Target

Moore's Target

We try and work together best we can throughout the year. For some of our Cross Country and extreme races we run on the farm we often use part of Moore’s farm as they have a good hill to challenge the runners on. But the day after Thanksgiving they have the perfect setting to come and harvest the perfect tree. You can wander their farm and have a variety of ways to get your favorite tree. Once you pic the tree you like you tear off the bottom part of the tag they have put on the tree. It has the trees price and a matching number so you get the right tree once it is cut.

Two piece tag

Each tree has a tag on it with its price.

Once you have found the tree you like you can cut it yourself or tear the tag off, go to the shed and pay for it and have Moore’s cut it. After it is cut you bring the tree to the shaker if you like.

They can Shake your tree to clean it up.

They will Shake out all the birds nests and dead needles

After the Shaker you can have it “net wrapped” or sort of bagged so it is easy to transport and get in the door at home.

Wrapping the tree

Wrapping the tree

After they wrap it they can also drill a hole in the center bottom of the tree if you have a tree stand that has a spear up the center. This is a huge help if you have ever tried to drill that yourself.

The parking lot is nearby so it is easy to get to your vehicle.

The parking lot is nearby so it is easy to get to your vehicle.

They do much like we do, they have created a great place for families to gather and experience a day on the farm, instead of pumpkins it is a Christmas tree.

Finding time for family fun

Finding time for family fun

So look for this sign just about one half mile East of our place on the same side of the road.

Moore's sign on the North side of 6 St. Rt. 619

Moore's sign on the North side of 6 St. Rt. 619

Oh and don’t forget to stop by and see us after you have walked around out in the cold! We always have some HOT Soup on the stove and a whole bunch of other menu items to warm you up! Keep in mind we are closed on Sundays.

Many great menu items to choose from

Many great menu items to choose from

Let it SNOW! Some views from around the Farm

Wednesday, November 27th, 2013

My wife Michelle and I live in the house her Grandfather was born in. He passed away almost 20 years ago in his late 80’s. His parents were not the first generation to live in this house. In fact my wife’s family were the third family to settle in Marlboro twp. Ohio in the 1800’s. They have been farmers, school teachers, leather tanners and most recently we make wine.

Our House covered in snow.

Our House covered in snow.

I needed to go out and plow snow off the parking lot at the market and winery so folks could come and get their Thanksgiving shopping needs done. Our new Winter wine is a big hit and our Cranberry a holiday favorite.

Market in snow

Market in snow

Farms have lots of all kinds of cool stuff for snow to blanket.

Massy Combine in snow

Massy Combine in snow

That machine above is a 1952 Massy Harris Combine. It just came to us this year. A neighbor used it up untill it’s engine gave out on the way to the field to harvest Oats this past summer. Now it is just a “prop” for our guests who visit the farm to look at and enjoy. I may try and fix the engine yet this winter if I can find parts.

Snow covered vines

Snow covered vines

Our vineyard is sleeping now. Our crop was lost this past year (2013) due to a late freeze on May 28th, and 29th. Days like that your remember. They year before (2012) we had a record crop. Life averages out.

Moore's Tree Farm

Moore's Tree Farm

Our neighbors to our East own and operate a Christmas Tree Farm. It is called Moore’s Christmas Tree and Day Lilly farm. As the name implies they do Christmas trees and in the spring and summer Lillies. They are really nice folks, they don’t mind a bit when I land pumpkins on there farm during the fall pumpkin cannon season. It is about a half a mile as the crow (or pumpkin) flys.

Come on out get a tree and stop in the Winery for some great menu options ranging from soups, salads, sandwiches, and more. Please note we are closed on Sundays, Moore’s are open. More about breakfast with Santa soon.

Breakfast with Santa at the Winery part 2

Tuesday, November 26th, 2013

Over the years this event has evolved into more than just “Breakfast”. It sells out because we limit the seatings and the number of guests so that while you are there you have enjoyable holiday experience. It isn’t just about seeing that you little loved ones get parked on Santa’s lap for a photo opp. It is about taking time to connect a bit during what can be a stressful time of year.

Lou a local attorney a frequent customer with his wife with his grand kids

Lou a local attorney a frequent customer with his wife with his grand kids

We try and keep it relaxed with lots of things to do so people are not rushed and have time to spend with each other while they wait on the main event. This also helps with the line waiting for Santa. We limit the seating to a amount that allows for everyone to casually move from one thing to another so they can get everything done without stressing out.

Now that is FOCUS!

Now that is FOCUS! Future pastry chef?

Then of course……The MAIN event……LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE!!!! We have a great guy who, well…..we have Santa!

One on One, getting it right, checking those eyes...twice

One on One, getting it right, checking those eyes...twice

Or bring the whole gang!

Memories held fast in time.

Memories held fast in time.

We do a total of three “seatings” now for this event capping each one at about 130-150 people depending upon a variety of reasons. But okay what about business or what about meeting peoples needs and also giving a bit of “Hakuna Matata” and solving some gift giving needs people have too? We’ll touch on that next post, I’ve already gone on too long here!

If you would like to learn more about our special events please visit

For information about 2013 Breakfast with Santa only.

Breakfast with Santa at the Winery part 1

Monday, November 25th, 2013
Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with Santa, every year we do an “Over the top” breakfast with Santa and gradually have gotten to be know as “Thee place to be” for this type of event. People start calling us to make pre-paid reservations in October! This event

Ho, Ho, HO!  Let it snow!

Ho, Ho, HO! Let it snow!

First of all we take pre-paid reservations only for this event. Call us up, we get your information and reserve you a place to enjoy the event. We like to make sure everyone has the time and room they need for whatever size their group is. The breakfast is done buffet style where we serve our guests as they move through the line. Nobody leaves hungry and we keep it neat and full.

Chow line!

Chow line!

The chairs that the night before had guests sitting around the winery enjoying wine and food while listening to live entertainment are now filled with families bridging the generational gaps and finding way to enjoy each others company while of course waiting to meet the “Big Guy”!

One of our Reserved seating areas

One of our Reserved seating areas

Next post we’ll take more detailed look at what else goes on with Santa.

If you would like to learn more about our special events please visit

For information about 2013 Breakfast with Santa only.

Wordless Wednesday

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012
Fresh from our green house

Fresh from our green house