Northern Ohio has been a hub for wine since the late 1800s. German immigrants brought their winemaking traditions north after crop disease destroyed their grapes and the Civil War reduced the labor force in Southern Ohio. The shores of Lake Erie proved to be a blessing to winemakers because the area’s unique climate and the surrounding water created the perfect conditions for growing grapes. Thousands of gallons of wine were produced, dozens of wineries opened and the area became known as the “Lake Erie Grape Belt.”
Today, Ohio produces more than 1.1 million gallons of wine every year and is known as one of the top 10 wine-producing states in the country. But we don’t like to brag. Step into any of our local wineries and you may be shocked to find they are laid back, welcoming and totally unique.
Ohio Wines has put together various wine tasting trails throughout the state including a Lake Erie Shores and Islands trail and a Vines and Wines trail. These two trails highlight some of the best wineries in Northern Ohio.
To help you plan your wine getaway, we’ve narrowed the list down to some of our favorites.
Friday Night | Wine Down
CLE Urban Winery
Unwind and uncork after a long work week at CLE Urban Winery in Cleveland Heights. The upscale boutique winery offers a fun and inviting, unique-to-Cleveland wine experience. It is wine made in Cleveland, by Clevelanders. And the wines are named to honor and celebrate our great city. Rust Belt Rose, Murray Hill Pinot Grigio, Cedar-Lee Chardonnay and the Lake Effect Snow Vidal Ice Wine top our list of recommendations. CLE Urban Winery even allows you to bring in outside food to enjoy with your wine. So pack a picnic or enjoy some of the winery’s grab and go menu items to complete your night out.
Saturday | Lake Erie Shores and Islands
The Lake Erie Shores and Islands Wine Trail will take you along the western shores of Lake Erie to experience some of the best wineries Ohio has to offer. The possibilities are endless so maybe pick one (or a few) of our favorites:
Firelands Winery
Named for the area the original winery was located, Firelands Winery has a long-standing tradition of great wines. North Central Ohio was dubbed the Firelands during the Revolutionary War when the area was inhabited by citizens of Connecticut whose homes had been burned by the British. Today, the winery is located in Sandusky and is the largest winery in Ohio. You’ll love the rich history behind this great place.
D&D Smith Winery
This beloved Norwalk winery is a family-run spot in a remodeled 1870s house along Norwalk Creek, celebrating 15 years of award-winning wines, ciders and wine slushies. The restaurant also serves beer, liqueurs and brick-oven pizzas made with its handcrafted dough, among other tasty bites.
Paper Moon Vineyards
Located in Vermilion, this family-run winery sits on 50 acres of wooded land, which makes it the perfect place to spend an evening. The winery’s courtyard offers a large fire pit and plenty of outdoor seating. Not only does this winery have great wine options, they recently started producing their own original hard cider.
Klingshirn Winery
Savor award-winning Ohio wines at this historic winery, crafting top-quality vintages since 1935. Stop by for a tasting, grab a bottle and relax with a picnic in the scenic yard. Don’t miss their seasonal fresh juices in the fall — perfect for sipping or home winemaking.
The Wishmaker House B&B & Winery
The Wishmaker House, a charming historic B&B, winery and restaurant in Bellville, OH, offers 26 handcrafted wines (may we add "award-winning"), a delicious menu and over 130 signature homemade cheesecakes.
Sunday | Vines and Wines
Head east to the Vines and Wines Trail for a different view of Lake Erie wines. Here's a little inspiration for your journey:
Laurello Vineyards
Laurello’s boutique winery offers award-winning Grand River Valley wines. Sip favorites like Cabernet Franc and Pinot Grigio in cozy gathering rooms or on the covered patio. Sweet wine lovers will enjoy Connie’s Blush or Naso Rosso.
Ferrante Winery
You'll feel like part of the family when you get to Ferrante. The family has been in the wine business since 1937 and they show no signs of slowing down. Ferrante has an awesome Italian restaurant with quintessential views of rows and rows of grape vines. The beautiful outdoor terrace is perfect for enjoying live entertainment in the summer.
Laurentia Vineyards
Designed to resemble the owner’s Colorado cabin, Laurentia is a comfortable winery that knows how to make you feel at home. Experience finely crafted wines and secluded greenspace while enjoying all Laurentia has to offer. The winery has made-from-scratch kitchen items to complement your experience. Laurentia brings the west coast winery feel without a hint of pretentiousness.
Old Firehouse Winery
Enjoy fine wines in Geneva-on-the-Lake’s first village fire station. This old firehouse has been renovated to create a unique winery experience. At first, the Old Firehouse seems quaint, but stop by during the summer and the live entertainment on the patio brings this place to life. It's quirky and weird, totally casual, and therefore a great stop.
Debonné Vineyards
Debonné Vineyards is Ohio’s largest “Estate Bottled” winery. This means that all their wine is made with grapes produced on location. Since they offer a wide variety of options, be sure to check out the tasting bar to try something new. The winery also offers casual dining options and an on-site brewery. If you're lucky, you'll catch one of their special events, like the hot air balloon festival that takes off from their property. Oh, they also serve Goldfish crackers with their wine. Which makes them top our list of go-to stops.
