By Kristen Nowak Winn

Accent Editor

I’m sure every fashionista in Medina County will cringe when they read this, but I’ll say it anyway:

I think it’s time for those early ’90s mood rings to make a comeback.

At least, that’s what I wish I could wear when I’m picking out a bottle of wine. Pinot Grigio or Pinot Noir? I couldn’t be any more indecisive. If only that snazzy-but-ever-so-tacky piece of jewelry could gauge my body temperature and tell me what I’m in the mood to drink. A slight shade of green, all-knowing mood ring? Then hand over the Chardonnay.

Luckily, Chris Rose, the owner of Good Taste Wine & Food Shop in Medina, was able to make things a little easier.

“It’s really the moment in time that determines the wine personality, but never forgetting: like what you drink, and drink what you like,” Rose said.

For some, that can mean determining whether you’re in the mood for a “patio wine” — a wine that stands on its own, great for sipping with friends on a cool, early-fall evening — or a varietal whose acidic flavors absolutely command food, Rose said. Fruit-forward wines, on the other hand, call for sharing, because everyone contributes to the taste. One might notice hints of strawberry, another a taste of plum.

To get you started, here’s just a short list of some Ohio-made wines, matched with their personalities:

If you’re looking for something …

Inviting

Try: Summer Solstice honey wine

Who makes it: Jilbert Winery, 1496 Columbia Road, Liverpool Township

Info: 330-483-5959 or www.ohiohoneywine.com

Powerful

Try: Cabernet Sauvignon, dry and bold

Who makes it: The Barrel Room Winery, 28932 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe

Info: 440-943-2660 or www.thebarrelroomwinery.com

Fun and fruity

Try: River Rouge, semi-sweet light red.

Who makes it: Debonné Vineyards, 7743 Doty Road, Madison

Info: 440-466-3485 or www.debonne.com

Easygoing

Try: Frost Fire, a sweet white

Who makes it: Breitenbach Wine Cellars, 5934 Old Route 39 NW, Dover

Info: 800-THE-WINE or www.breitenbachwine.com

Smooth

Try: Redneck Red, a sweet red

Who makes it: Maize Valley Winery, 6193 Edison St. NE, Hartville

Info: 330-877-8344 or www.maizevalleywinery. com

Smoky

Try: Luna Bianca, luscious with vanilla and oak backing

Who makes it: Camelot Cellars, 958 N. High St., Columbus

Info: 614-441-8860 or www.camelotcellars.com

Refreshing

Try: A mix of Red Raspberry and Spumante Champ

Who makes it: Old Firehouse Winery, 5499 E. Lake Road, Geneva

Info: 800-UNCORK-1 or www.oldfirehousewinery.com

Adventurous

Try: Sternwheel Red, a strawberry-flavored red

Who makes it: Marietta Wine Cellars, 170 Front St., Marietta

Info: 740-373-9463

Laid back

Try: Vin Gris Rosé, strawberry raspberry pie nose

Who makes it: John Christ Winery, 32421 Walker Road, Avon Lake

Info: 440-933-9672 or www.johnchristwine.com

Winn may be reached at 330-721-4053 or kwinn@ohio.net.

Just for fun

Not sure how to define your wine personality? Take Mirassou Winery’s (located in Modesto, Calif.) unscientific online quiz at www.mirassou.com/education/wine_personality_quiz.asp. Answer questions like “Do you spend most of your free time on the golf course?” and “Are you a real sweetheart or big softy?” and figure out which wines fit you best.

Upcoming wine events o “Food and Wine Pairing 101,” 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Good Taste Wine & Food Shop, 985 Boardman Alley, Medina. Learn how to pair food and wine to achieve the ultimate complement in dining. Cost: $65. Also: Wine Club, second Tuesday of the month. $25 dues, includes three tastings. For more information, call 330-241-5447 or http://goodtastemarket.com

o Annual clam bake and acoustic guitar with Cletus Black, Oct. 4 at Jilbert Winery, 1496 Columbia Road, Liverpool Township.

Read it “Wine on Tuesdays: Be a Serious Wine Drinker Without Taking Wine Seriously” by Dr. Keith and Debra Gordon (Thomas Nelson, August 2008). Chapters include the history of wine and the winemaking process, the different varieties, food pairings, shopping for wine, ordering tips and more.