The Winery at Versailles finds its sweet spot

Where: 6572 State Route 47, Versailles, OH 45380

When: Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., closed Sunday

Web site: www.wineryatversailles.com

More info: (937) 526-3232

Wines to try: Darke Red ($9.99): a semi-dry, fruity blend of Chambourcin and Chancellor grown locally; Proprietor's White ($9.99), an intriguing blend of Seyval Blanc grown in Mercer County and Traminette grown in the winery's own vineyard, a touch sweet followed by an appealingly tart finish; Blueberry Mist sparkling wine ($19.99), made entirely from blueberries with no grape juice added, this wine boasts intense sweet-tart berry flavor and a subtle effervescence; Pirate's Pour ($22.99 for a 500-ml bottle): a sweet port-style wine made from Chambourcin grapes blended with blackberries and raspberries for distinctive, intense and complex flavors.

The winery that Mike and Carol Williams founded a few miles west of Versailles in 2002 — nine years after they launched The Winery at Wilcox in Pennsylvania, which they still own —is hitting its stride with a broad spectrum of wines ranging from dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, very sweet and sparkling.

The tasting bar menu boasts more than two dozen selections in an appealing, spacious atmosphere in a converted barn from the 1800s. The barn also houses a gift shop and three indoor seating areas, which connect to two covered patios. Vineyards behind the winery were heavy with early-season green grapes by early July.

The Williams have 15 growers within Ohio, including seven in west-central Ohio, growing grapes for their wines, and they also bring in grapes from Pennsylvania, New York and Canada.

Guests have multiple tasting options: they can try a small splash of five different wines for $1, or one-ounce pours of five wines for $6, or two-ounce pours of five wines for $12.

Williams has a deft winemaking touch, especially with sweeter-style wines such as the winery’s best-seller, Rodeo Red (a blend of Concord and Niagara) and port-style wines such as the Pirate’s Pour and Olde Fort Port.