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Ice wine? It's like turning lemons into lemonade for grown-ups. Instead of harvesting grapes in the fall, a few daring vineyards leave them on the vine until winter's first freeze. When temperatures hit below 17°F, those grapes frost up, kicking off the painstaking process.
Turning frozen grapes into ice wine is a high-stakes game. Timing is everything: pick them at just the right moment, then press them immediately for a syrupy juice. It's a labor of love, with some grapes giving just a single drop of the sweet stuff. Fermentation takes up to six months, and some years, no ice wine is made due to temperature fluctuations. Trust us, nothing comes easy in the ice wine biz.
But good things come to those who wait. The finished product is a super-sweet dessert wine that pairs perfectly with soft cheeses, mousse or even cheesecake. You know, all the major food groups.
In Northeast Ohio, bone-chilling winters have their silver lining: perfect conditions for ice wine. Wineries near Cleveland, especially in the Grand River Valley, craft ice wine rivaling Europe's finest.Don't miss the annual Grand River Valley Ice Wine Festival each March, when area wineries showcase their latest ice wines alongside special tastings, pairings and events. Now, let’s go pound some grape Elsa-style.
Grand River Cellars (Madison)
Escape to Grand River Cellars, where you can pretend you're in France without the hassle of a transatlantic flight. This year, sip on their 2024 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine and Maple Ice Wine, plus a Concord port-style dessert wine. You get to sip while you gaze at hand-painted murals that make you feel like you're strolling through the French countryside. Just don't be surprised if you start speaking with a fake French accent by the end of the tasting.
Debonné Vineyards (Madison)
Get ready to sip and savor at Debonné Vineyards, Ohio's largest estate winery. Over 175 acres of vines, estate wines ranging from sweet to dry to… icey and its own micro-brewery make this spot a must-visit. Try their current ice wine flight that includes their 2022 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine, Chambourcin Ice Wine and Cherry-Bourbon Ice Wine for a flavor explosion that'll have you saying, "Ice, ice, baby!"
Laurello Vineyards (Geneva)
Prepare to have your taste buds rocked and rolled at Laurello Vineyards, where they've been making waves in Ohio's wine scene for 24 years. With winemaker Shan Horstmann at the helm, tasting flights are like a journey through a grape-filled wonderland. Feeling adventurous? Take a leap into the fiery-sweet world of the Simply Mad Habanero Ice Wine. Just be sure to have a glass of milk nearby in case things get too spicy.
Cask 307 (Madison)
At Cask 307, it's not just about the stunning architecture and views — it's about the full experience. Chomp down on their deli delights that pair perfectly with their stellar wines. The Rosé of Vidal Blanc Ice Wine truly steals the show, with flavors of soft apricot and grapefruit so divine, it’ll make you say, "Wine not?" Or combine alcohol with a boost of energy with their Espresso Ice Wine this year.
South River Vineyard (Geneva)
Known as the “church winery,” South River Vineyard, even the angels sing praises to their top-notch blends. Housed in a century-old church, this winery offers more than just divine sips — it's a spiritual experience for your taste buds. Whether you’re chilling on the veranda or cozying up by the outdoor fireplace and drinking their award-winning Blush Ice Wine, it’s a great spot to wine down and unwind.
Ferrante Winery & Ristorante (Geneva)
Indulge in the classic allure of Ferrante Winery, where fine wines have been a tradition since 1937. With Italian-inspired delights and live tunes, it's a sip of Ohio's lively vibe. And don't miss their Vidal Blanc ice wine, bursting with notes of honey, melon and brown sugar — it's like a sweet symphony in a glass.
