Make your escape to Cru Uncorked

Escape to an enchanted French chateau and savor a sophisticated take on the dining experience. Cru Uncorked transports you to a posh estate in the countryside, where every detail elevates the art of dining, from elegant antiques to curated artwork, fine furniture, roaring stone fireplaces, and authentic French American fare.

“Each of our dining rooms has its own personality, featuring artwork celebrating the winemaking process,” says President Chris Oppewall. “We cultivated the optimal space for conversation and comfort, minimizing background noise, enhancing privacy, with wide-spaced tables, carpeted and heated floors, upholstered chairs and intimate settings. This is a space made to relax and savor life.”

Local foodies and wine lovers also gravitate toward the rustic bar room, with rough-hewn reclaimed wood and stone walls accessed through ornate, wrought iron gates. Though the sheer volume of wines may seem intimidating—15,000-plus bottles in inventory—the staff is decidedly unpretentious. There’s always a sommelier strolling the dining floor, ready to share his or her knowledge and sense of viniculture adventure. Their passion lies in educating diners who want to discover and appreciate wine.

For chilly-weather-worthy comfort fare, Executive Chef Sam Lesniak has perfected a menu that features tantalizing selections. “One of the most popular dishes is Lamb Saddle, (highlighted in the photo accompanying this story),” he says. “We feature the braised leg and the saddle, really showing off the Elysian Fields pure-bred, grass-fed lamb. The rich flavor is nuanced by our house-grown, fermented black garlic.”

On-site greenhouses provide fresh ingredients—from microgreens to herbs and edible flowers daily. Each beautifies the theatrically composed dishes with a uniquely Cru touch…one you will quickly yearn to repeat. 

Cru Uncorked is located at the southeast corner of S.O.M. Center Road and 34300 Chagrin Boulevard in Moreland Hills. Call 440-903-1171 or visit CruUncorked.com for more information or to register for wine events. Don’t miss the second annual Grand Fall Tasting Event on Tuesday, November 18, featuring tasting stations with 40-plus wines.