In late 2010, someone driving on Gilkey Ridge Road in Shade, Ohio, might happen upon a sign touting Shade Winery, and see the rolling hills and the log cabin dotting the landscape. Shade Winery opened Labor Day weekend that year and spent some time finding its stride. Now, it guarantees on its website a dining experience with “upscale and regional and international cuisine using whole foods from scratch” and a wide selection of handcrafted wines.
Neal Dix, the cofounder of Shade Winery, started his vision in 2004 when he started making elderberry wines from scratch. In 2007, he planted the first grape vines on the property. Today, the vineyard stretches up to the restaurant and continues behind it.
“It's gone through a number of stages,” Dix said about the vineyard. “I initially planted grapes that I knew were going to grow here, as well as some grapes that I wasn't sure how well they were going to grow here. Most of them did well … But then when we opened this for retail, it gave me less time to work in the vineyard … and so we decided to put in other vines that are a little easier, more forgiving in southeast Ohio's climate.”
Ordering wine there could be anything from a white “multiflora rose Chambourcin” to a sweet “bobcat blush Niagara” wine. With the first being $29 for a full bottle, and the latter going for $26, according to the Shade Winery website. Both are donned with the Shade Winery label, which advertises a “taste of place."
Sheridan Boyd, a freshman studying education, has been to the winery multiple times, especially after her parents got more into wine after visiting France. She finds the winery very “scenic” as well.
“Shade Winery is more of a nicer feel,” Boyd said. “If you dress up or if you have to go to a prom or something after, that'd be a good place to do it.”
Karsyn Raines, a server at Shade Winery, agrees that there is more traffic to Shade on popular weekends, such as graduations, Halloween or Ohio University weekends such as Moms Weekend.
“We're always super busy hanging out with everybody,” Raines said. “I'd say those are the most memorable. Halloween is a really good one. We hang out, dress up and do everything.”
Raines has been working at Shade for about two years. She said it is a very “experience-based” place in that it takes a hands-on approach to connecting with guests.
“I love the people,” Raines said. “We have so many regulars who come in weekly, monthly, every couple months, I'd say. There's a bunch of people who love the experience here, love the food, and they're just super enjoyable to serve and hang out with.”
Boyd said Shade is a good option over some of the chain restaurants in Athens because you can “totally take pictures there.” Dix, however, goes more in-depth as to why he believes Shade is unique.
“We do our best to have the best food we can possibly have,” Dix said. “The best, precious ingredients we can possibly get from farmers market stuff, local farmers stuff that doesn't even get to the farmers market but just comes directly here, fresh seafood, direct as quickly as you can get it here, fresh scallops, fresh salmon, things like that. Good service, comfortable atmosphere.”
Shade Winery is open four days a week, 4-9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 12-9 p.m. Saturdays.
“Come for a comfortable experience with really good food, peace of mind, good service and a nice atmosphere,” Dix said.
