Best 13 Wineries in Northeast Ohio OH: A Guide to the Region’s Top Vineyards
Northeast Ohio is home to some of the best wineries in the state. From sweet fruit wines to deep reds, the region offers a diverse selection of wines that cater to all palates. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a fun weekend activity, the wineries in Northeast Ohio are definitely worth a visit.
With so many wineries to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to visit. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best wineries in Northeast Ohio. From the charming Cask 307 to the picturesque Gervasi Vineyards, each winery on this list offers a unique experience that is sure to delight visitors. So grab a glass of your favorite vintage and join us as we explore the best wineries in Northeast Ohio.
History of Winemaking in Northeast Ohio
Northeast Ohio has a rich history of winemaking dating back to the early 19th century. The Ohio River Valley, where much of the region’s wineries are located, has proven to be an ideal location for grape cultivation. The first grapes, Alexander and Isabella, were planted in the Ohio River Valley in 1823, and since then, the Ohio wine industry has flourished.
During the Civil War, many wineries in Ohio were forced to shut down due to a lack of resources and the need to focus on producing food for the war effort. However, winemaking in Northeast Ohio continued to thrive, with many wineries adapting to the changing times.
Today, Northeast Ohio is home to over 20 wineries, each with its own unique history and winemaking traditions. Many of these wineries are located in Ohio wine country, a region known for its picturesque vineyards and rolling hills.
Visitors to Northeast Ohio can learn more about the region’s winemaking history by visiting local wineries and vineyards. Many wineries offer tours and tastings, providing visitors with an opportunity to sample some of the region’s best wines while learning about the winemaking process.
Famous Wineries in Northeast Ohio
Northeast Ohio is home to many famous wineries that produce award-winning wines. In this section, we will discuss some of the most popular wineries in the region.
Gervasi Vineyard
Gervasi Vineyard is a popular winery located in Canton, Ohio. It is known for its award-winning wines and beautiful vineyards. The winery offers a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, The Bistro.
Website: https://www.gervasivineyard.com/
Address: 1700 55th St NE, Canton, OH 44721, United States
Ferrante Winery
Ferrante Winery is another popular winery in Northeast Ohio. It is located in Geneva, Ohio, and has been producing wine for over 80 years. The winery offers a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and ice wines. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, Ferrante Winery and Ristorante.
Website: http://www.ferrantewinery.com/
Address: 5585 N River Rd W, Geneva, OH 44041, United States
Debonne Vineyards
Debonne Vineyards is one of the largest and oldest wineries in Ohio. It is located in Madison, Ohio, and has been producing wine for over 100 years. The winery offers a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and fruit wines. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, The Cellar Door.
Website: https://www.debonne.com/
Address: 7840 Doty Rd, Madison, OH 44057, United States
Cask 307
Cask 307 is a boutique winery located in Geneva, Ohio. It is known for its small-batch, handcrafted wines. The winery offers a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, The Lodge.
Website: https://www.cask307.com/
Address: 7259 Warner Rd, Madison, OH 44057, United States
Lakehouse Inn and Winery
Lakehouse Inn and Winery is a popular winery located in Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio. It is known for its award-winning wines and beautiful views of Lake Erie. The winery offers a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and fruit wines. Visitors can also stay at the on-site bed and breakfast, The Lakehouse Inn.
Website: http://thelakehouseinn.com/
Address: 5653 Lake Rd E, Geneva, OH 44041, United States
Firelands Winery
Firelands Winery is one of the oldest wineries in Ohio. It is located in Sandusky, Ohio, and has been producing wine since 1880. The winery offers a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and fruit wines. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, The Vineyard Restaurant.
Website: http://www.firelandswinery.com/
Address: 917 Bardshar Rd, Sandusky, OH 44870, United States
South River Vineyard
South River Vineyard is a boutique winery located in Geneva, Ohio. It is known for its small-batch, handcrafted wines. The winery offers a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, The Twisted Olive.
Website: https://www.southrivervineyard.com/
Address: 6062 S River Rd W, Geneva, OH 44041, United States
M Cellars
M Cellars is a boutique winery located in Geneva, Ohio. It is known for its small-batch, handcrafted wines. The winery offers a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, The Vineyard Café.
Website: https://www.mcellars.com/
Address: 6193 S River Rd W, Geneva, OH 44041, United States
Harpersfield Vineyard
Harpersfield Vineyard is a small, family-owned winery located in Geneva, Ohio. It is known for its award-winning wines and beautiful views of the Grand River Valley. The winery offers a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and fruit wines. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, The Loft at Harpersfield.
Website: http://www.harpersfield.com/
Address: 6387 OH-307, Geneva, OH 44041, United States
Cle Urban Winery
Cle Urban Winery is a boutique winery located in Cleveland, Ohio. It is known for its small-batch, handcrafted wines. The winery offers a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, The Urban Hive.
Website: https://www.cleurbanwinery.com/
Address: 2180 Lee Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118, United States
Old Firehouse Winery
Old Firehouse Winery is a popular winery located in Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio. It is known for its award-winning wines and beautiful views of Lake Erie. The winery offers a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and fruit wines. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, The Old Firehouse Winery.
Website: http://www.oldfirehousewinery.com/
Address: 5499 Lake Rd E, Geneva, OH 44041, United States
Vermilion Valley Vineyards
Vermilion Valley Vineyards is a boutique winery located in Wakeman, Ohio. It is known for its small-batch, handcrafted wines. The winery offers a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and fruit wines. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, The Runcible Spoon.
Website: http://www.vermilion-valleyvineyards.com/
Address: 11005 Gore Orphanage Rd, Wakeman, OH 44889, United States
Silver Moon Winery
Silver Moon Winery is a boutique winery located in Dover, Ohio. It is known for its small-batch, handcrafted wines. The winery offers a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and fruit wines. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at
Website: http://www.silvermoonwinery.com/
Address: 4915 Old Rte 39 NW, Dover, OH 44622, United States
Wine Varieties and Tasting Experiences
Northeast Ohio is home to a variety of wineries that produce a range of wine varieties, including reds, whites, and fruit wines. Many of these wineries offer wine tastings, where visitors can sample a variety of wines and learn about the winemaking process.
Chardonnay is a popular white wine variety in Northeast Ohio, with many wineries producing their own unique blends. Visitors can also try a variety of red wine varieties, such as Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
In addition to traditional wine varieties, many wineries in Northeast Ohio also produce sweet fruit wines, such as cherry, raspberry, and peach. These wines are perfect for those who prefer a sweeter taste and are a great option for pairing with desserts.
Wine tastings are a popular activity at many wineries in Northeast Ohio. Visitors can sample a variety of wines and learn about the winemaking process from knowledgeable staff members. Some wineries also offer guided tours of their facilities, allowing visitors to see how the wine is made from start to finish.
For those looking for a unique tasting experience, many wineries in Northeast Ohio also offer wine slushies. These refreshing drinks are made with wine and fruit juice and are perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.
Winery Resorts and Lodging Options
Northeast Ohio is home to some of the best wineries and vineyards in the United States. For those looking to make a weekend getaway out of their wine-tasting experience, there are several wineries that offer on-site lodging options. These winery resorts provide guests with a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Ohio wine country while enjoying luxurious accommodations and exceptional wines.
One of the most popular winery resorts in Northeast Ohio is Gervasi Vineyard. Located in Canton, Ohio, Gervasi Vineyard is an award-winning destination that offers guests a luxurious experience. The Tuscan-inspired villa features 24 suites, each with a fireplace and a private balcony or patio. The vineyard also has several restaurants, including The Bistro, which serves Italian-inspired cuisine, and The Crush House, which offers a more casual dining experience.
Another great option for those looking for winery lodging is Lakehouse Inn and Winery. Located in Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio, Lakehouse Inn and Winery is a bed and breakfast that offers guests a unique experience. The inn features 10 guest rooms, each with a private bath and a fireplace. The winery produces a variety of wines, including several award-winning varieties.
In addition to Gervasi Vineyard and Lakehouse Inn and Winery, there are several other wineries in Northeast Ohio that offer lodging options. These winery resorts range from quaint bed and breakfasts to luxurious inns, and each provides guests with a unique experience.
Dining and Special Events at Wineries
Northeast Ohio’s wineries are not just about wine tasting but also offer an array of dining options and special events for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a family-friendly meal, or a fun-filled event, the wineries in this region have something to offer to everyone.
Some wineries have on-site restaurants that offer a variety of dishes to complement their wines. For example, Ferrante Winery & Ristorante is known for its Italian cuisine, including pasta dishes, pizzas, and seafood. Gervasi Vineyards has three restaurants on its property, each with a different menu and atmosphere. The Bistro offers casual dining with a focus on small plates, while The Crush House features contemporary American cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. The Twisted Olive, located on a 10-acre property, offers a farm-to-table dining experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
In addition to restaurants, many wineries also host special events throughout the year. These events can range from wine and food pairings to live music and festivals. Laurello Vineyards hosts a summer concert series, featuring local musicians and food trucks. The Winery at Wolf Creek offers a variety of events, including wine and canvas nights, yoga and wine classes, and wine and chocolate pairings.
Some wineries also offer private event spaces for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. Laurentia Vineyard & Winery has a beautiful event space with a panoramic view of the vineyards, making it a popular choice for weddings. The Vineyards at Pine Lake has a rustic barn that can accommodate up to 200 guests, making it a perfect location for a country-style wedding.
Outdoor Experiences and Views
Northeast Ohio is home to several wineries that offer breathtaking outdoor experiences and stunning views. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the picturesque scenery, listening to live music, and savoring delicious food.
One such winery is Harpersfield Vineyard, located in Geneva. The winery boasts a beautiful patio overlooking the vineyards and a cozy fire pit for chilly evenings. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the stunning views of the Grand River Valley and the surrounding countryside.
Another winery that offers an exceptional outdoor experience is Ferrante Winery, located in Geneva. The winery has a spacious outdoor seating area with picnic tables and beautiful views of the vineyards and Lake Erie. Visitors can enjoy a glass of ice wine while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Debonne Vineyards, located in Madison, is another winery that offers an exceptional outdoor experience. The winery has a beautiful patio overlooking the vineyards and the Grand River Valley. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the stunning views and listening to live music.
South River Vineyards, located in Geneva, is another winery that offers a unique outdoor experience. The winery has a beautiful patio overlooking the vineyards and the Lake Erie shore. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the stunning views and savoring delicious food.
Wine Trails and Tours
Northeast Ohio is home to several wine trails and tours that offer a unique experience to visitors. These trails and tours allow visitors to explore the region’s wineries, taste different wines, and learn about the winemaking process.
One of the popular wine trails in Northeast Ohio is the Appalachian Wine Trail. This trail takes visitors through the Ohio River Valley and the Appalachian foothills, where they can visit several wineries and taste a variety of wines. The Ohio River Valley Wine Trail is another popular trail that takes visitors through the beautiful countryside along the Ohio River. Visitors can enjoy scenic views while tasting wines from different wineries.
The Canal Country Wine Trail is another trail that visitors can explore. This trail takes visitors through the historic Ohio and Erie Canalway, where they can visit wineries and learn about the region’s history. The Capital City Wine Trail is another popular trail that takes visitors through Columbus and its surrounding areas. Visitors can taste wines from different wineries and explore the city’s vibrant culture.
The Lake Erie Shores and Islands Wine Trail is a popular wine trail that takes visitors through the scenic Lake Erie region. Visitors can taste wines from several wineries and enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Erie.
Visitors can also take tours of individual wineries to learn about the winemaking process and taste different wines. The Ohio Wine Shuttle by The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake offers a convenient shuttle service that takes visitors to three picturesque wineries such as Debonne Vineyards and South River Vineyard. Visitors can also join the Ohio Wine Producers Association’s Sweet Escape weekends and attend the Ohio Wine Discovery Dinner at The Vineyards at Pine Lake, showcasing Ohio wines.