ALEXANDER TOWNSHIP, Ohio — With its expansive, tiered outdoor patio overlooking rolling hills, a warm and inviting atmosphere, and a delightful array of food and wine, Pleasant Hill Vineyards offers an elevated,
serene, and memorable dining experience.
Plan your visit to coincide with the sunset to savor one of the most breathtaking views in Athens County while sipping on a glass of Athena, a dry white wine made, bottled, and cellared on-site, or enjoying the Chicken Artichoke Dip with house-made toasted herb bread.
I admitted in my debut article that I am not a sophisticated foodie and must also disclose that I am not a wine connoisseur. Over the course of my life, I have purchased more wine packaged in boxes than bottles. But what I enjoyed at Pleasant Hill, and what might delight you as well, was ordering tastings ($12 each for four two-ounce pours) to sample and discuss with dining companions. A flight of wine tastings creates a social, interactive atmosphere at the table, and turns the experience into a shared adventure. It also allows you to discover the range of flavors and styles the winery offers, helping you find your favorite before committing to a full glass (or bottle to share). Pleasant Hill currently offers two estate wines (wines produced from grapes
grown on their property), with more on the horizon, and a handful of non-alcoholic options, including a non-alcoholic spritzer.
Upon arrival, you place your order at the indoor bar, and then select your own table. A friendly, responsive, and quick-moving waitstaff will deliver thoughtfully plated food to your party. The menu changes nightly, but some hors d’oeuvres are available regularly, including Brie with Hot-Honey Glaze, served with grapes, pear, and roasted pita; a House Salad with artisan greens, cranberries, feta, glazed walnuts, and a raspberry vinaigrette; and a Nosh Plate with cheese, olives, salami, pita, veggies, and coco almonds. Currently, Saturdays are an opportunity to indulge in an Italian entrée (vegetarian options always available) served with salad and bread. On Friday nights, wood-fired pizzas are featured, and we devoured every bite of a half Chicken Alfredo with spinach and cherry tomatoes and half Old-World Pepperoni pie. The Old-World Pepperoni, with chopped fresh basil and small pepperonis that curled and crisped at the edges, was fresh and satisfying.
The outdoor property is a wide-open space, with spots for an intimate date, or a large celebratory gathering. Adjacent to the main building is a large patio, complete with adjustable shade umbrellas and magnificent views. Below, a layered, covered patio offers a variety of seating choices, including secluded two-top tables, wooden picnic benches, and soft, cushioned patio furniture for comfortable relaxation. Indoor seating is available in the two-room
handsomely appointed cabin. With more than 200 seats to choose from, you will be able find exactly the setting that you are looking for.
While I spotted few children during our later-evening outings, the property features a very pleasant hill for children to roll down and then tucker themselves out hiking back up. Leave your heels at home and make sure to allocate time to leisurely walk down the hill and explore the property.
Owned by two generations of the Corder family — Ross, Sandy, Nick and Anne — the vision for Pleasant Hill began in 2012 when they purchased the property and began renovating the former horse farm. Ross and Sandy learned about the winery business working alongside Lee and Joy Wyse, owners of Rainbow Hills Winery in Coshocton, Ohio. The red blend wine served at Pleasant Hill is named after Leland Wyse.
Open Wednesday through Saturday, Pleasant Hill Vineyards is located at 5015 Pleasant Hill Road off U.S. 33 southeast of Athens. Reservations are not required, and Pleasant Hill is open year-round. If you appreciate thoughtful service, a charming ambiance, and spectacular views, Pleasant Hill will certainly please you.
5/5 Stars.
