Broad Run Cheesehouse and Swiss Heritage Winery
By Jennifer Kneuss
Visitors traveling along scenic Old Route 39 through Amish Country do a double take when the charming Swiss inspired architecture of Broad Run Cheesehouse and Swiss Heritage Winery come into view. For a brief moment, you can almost picture yourself high in the Swiss Alps, gazing at a traditional Swiss chalet.
Step inside and the magic continues. Gleaming glass cases are filled with more than 30 varieties of locally produced cheeses, including Broad Run’s own award-winning Swiss. Taste tests are always free, and the most difficult part is narrowing down your choices.
Step to your left, and you will be greeted by the warm smile of Nancy Schindler, proprietress, as she waits behind an aged wooden bar to introduce you to the line of fine wines from Swiss Heritage Winery. Guests are welcome to taste before they buy, and Nancy is very willing to make suggestions. Made from Ohio grapes, the 17 wines produced here carry fascinating names like Victorian Lace, Sweet Thunder, Dog Gone Good, and the locally renowned Hans’s Favorite Blend, so named in honor of well-known cheese and wine maker, Hans Schindler, Nancy’s late husband.
The cheesehouse began in 1933 as a dairy farmer co-op, and was already known for quality products created by experienced artisan cheesemakers. The couple came to the cheesehouse in 1969 when Hans worked for the co-op. He later became the manager and cheesemaker for then-owner, Ernest Mueller.
In 1977, Hans and Nancy Schindler purchased Broad Run Cheesehouse and added their own personal touch, eventually including a wonderful line of wines made on the premises. Nancy’s brother, John Fankhauser, and her son, Chad Schindler, are now the master cheese and wine makers, respectively, and have continued the award winning tradition begun by Hans.
Visitors enjoy the daily morning cheesehouse tours, where they can observe the cheese making process firsthand. Local milk is transformed into the thick and creamy, slightly nutty flavored Swiss cheese before their eyes.
The company is not only known for its wines and cheeses, but also for beautiful curtains and lace. With 15 different curtain lines represented, designer Cindy Festi has created a visual delight. The delicately embroidered curtains create a lovely background for a fascinating display of velvety tassels, soft cotton Victorian nightgowns, fine laces, gift items, dazzling lamps and lighting choices, and shimmering jewelry. Unique household décor and other fanciful things are vintage inspired, and intrigue guests with their textured layering throughout the showroom.
Goodies for the taste buds are plentiful, too, with area made sauces, salsas and Nancy’s famous cheese balls. Although the store sells cheese ball kits, Nancy admitted she adds her own special touches, too. “I do like to embellish them,” she said, as she placed a delicious Zinfandel cheese ball on the counter for guests to sample. “I make a lot of products with wine here. We try to do a great deal of quality things.”
Nancy Schindler is a charming hostess. Dressed in her traditional Swiss dirndl, she serves her guests with her trademark dedication to individualized attention. “There’s so much to see in our store. We are delighted when our visitors come in to see it all at Broad Run Cheesehouse and Swiss Heritage Winery. Welcome!”
Broad Run Cheesehouse and Swiss Heritage Winery are located at 6011 Old Route 39, Dover, Ohio 44622, and are easily accessed from SR 39, the primary thoroughfare for Ohio’s Amish Country. They can be reached at 330-343-4108 or 800-332-3358. Gift baskets can also be purchased online by visiting their Web site at www.broadruncheese.com.
