Take a break from wine tasting and stop into the Grape Discovery Center, just a 10 minute drive from Grape Arbor Bed and Breakfast  .

Not that a visit here marks an end to wine tasting—no, no, no!  Five of the wineries on the Lake Erie Wine Trail have samples available here on a rotating basis.  By stopping here,  you can get an idea of a winery’s style before (or instead of) driving to the actual winery.  It’s kind of like having an entire section of wine country stuffed into one building!

But there is more than wine tasting at the center! The selection of gifts and souvenirs is amazing, and changes with the seasons.   I recently attended an event and was pleased to see all of the holiday themed items that were there–including ornaments, lights, socks and gloves, as well as artwork, and handmade drums.

During warmer weather, there is an outdoor courtyard with a bubbling fountain (I love this!). You can sit outside and enjoy a glass of wine, and maybe some cheese and crackers (available for purchase).   The view is…grapevines!

The exhibit in the back of the building explains in fun language why this area is great for grape growing.  Take a look at some historic carts, and descriptions of grape harvesting without today’s machines.  Yikes!  Not something I would want to do!  And how many grapes are in a bottle of wine…

Park your car in the large parking area!  The location is in the middle of wine country.  More than a dozen wineries are an easy drive in either direction.  Current hours are Wednesday – Sunday, but check..just to make sure!