I know what you’re thinking: “John, why in the name of Hoda and Kathie Lee are you writing about rosé? You’re a man’s man, the king of your domain, and the Chuck Norris of your kind!”
First of all, thank you. Second of all, how dare you? You are sorely mistaken if you are limiting this fine and noble winemaking tradition to a gender, not to mention depriving yourself of the unmitigated joy these historically venerated vintages provide.
Lucky for you, you’re in the right town for a roséducation. Here are some of the best spots in Cleveland where you can drop those ridiculous stereotypes and just #drinkpink.
Housed in a converted Cleveland Heights hardware store, you can fix whatever problems the day throws at you with the only tool that matters: a glass of rosé chosen from The Wine Spot’s outstanding selection of wines. Check out the amazing pieces in their student-run art gallery, The Art spot, while you’re at it.
Be it sparkling or still, a nice glass of pink will pair nicely with The Fairmount’s “Best Patio in Cleveland.” Meet the squad after work, grab a rosé from their Happy Hour menu and nosh on gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options aplenty.
We interrupt this listicle for an important announcement: They’re. Making. Rosé. In. Cleveland.
The on point CLE Urban Winery in Cleveland Heights pours passion and experience into their light and fruity Rust Belt Rosé, which brings just a hint of cotton candy flavor that pairs as well in a nice hot bubble bath as it does after a double shift at the mill. Kick off those steel-toes, you earned this one, pal.
The strawberry, raspberry and peach flavors abound in Chateau Hough’s Sunset Rosé, if sipped in the golden light of the setting sun, will transport you from the East Side of Cleveland to the Provence region of southeast France. This amazing local winery is not only making contemporary classics straight from their own vines, they’re also reusing vacant land and buildings and providing employment, mentoring and skill-building opportunities for communities in transition. We’ll drink to that.
To become a Real Housewife, you need to train like a Real Housewife. The lovely Flight Cleveland in the Gordon Square Arts District offers 400 bottles and 12 flights worth of wine workouts, including the illustrious “Through Rosé Colored Glasses” and the effervescent “Fizzy Every Day,” featuring two sparkling rosés.
Whether you spent Saturday night out on the dance floor or curled up on the couch under the warm glow of Netflix, Sunday brunch is a must. Head to the infinitely charming Tartine Bistro & Wine Bar in Rocky River for some decadent Crème Brûlée Pancakes or a Lobster Omelet to go with your rosé – or is it the other way around?
The extensive wine list at the intimate Toast Cleveland in Gordon Square is like something out of a movie. Appropriately nestled in the shadow of the historic Capitol Theater, their significant selection of still and sparkling rosés pair well with any cinematic experience — be they romantic tearjerkers or explosive action flicks.
Some places just get it. Head to Wine Bar Rocky River for Rosé Wednesdays all summer long, featuring drink specials and a rotating selection of the most glorious pink nectar under the sun, all from the comfort of their gorgeous, ginormous patio (or the indoor dining area if, like me, you’re just done with the heat).
Here’s Ohio City’s Market Avenue Wine Bar by the numbers: a selection of 500 wines by the bottle and 70 by the glass. I know, right? Where do you even start? Sip your choice of rosé in their elegant bar, or head out to the patio and toast the beer drinkers (beer, lol, that’s cute) across the street at Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Listen, I’m not here to tell you that you need to dress up to drink rosé at The Centro. I’m just saying you never know who’s going to walk through the lobby at The 9, which has seen its fair share of celebrities. Step. Up. Your. Game.
The revitalized Flats will have you partying until the wee hours. Then head to Lago East Bank for their scrumptious late-night menu and a wine list featuring several excellent nightcap rosés for the perfect end to a terrific night out that’ll make you forget all about murdering whoever invented heels.
More #RoseAllDay
Hey, the fun doesn’t stop there for wine lovers in Cleveland. Check out all the great wineries in The Land.