Articles Tagged "Wineries"

Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just a casual fan, it's easy to discover a wide array of wine selections throughout Cincinnati and surrounding areas. Many of these wineries also have food, live music, and other events that locals and tourists absolutely love. To give you an idea of the many selections available, we've put together some of our favorite wineries in the area. 

Meier's Wine Cellars

6955 Plainfield Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45236

As one of the largest wineries in the state, Meier's Wine Cellars has a wide range of selections that include Cabernet franc rose, Concord, Catawba, and Sangria. Feel free to bring the kids along because they can enjoy a variety of fruit juices like apple or raspberry. This winery has been around since 1890 and has won many awards encapsulating more than 30 different types of wine that they produce and make available to the public.

Henke Winery

3077 Harrison Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45211

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Started in 1973, this family-operated winery has been a winemaking hotspot in Cincinnati since its inception. Henke Winery is considered by many locals to be the best wine shop in town and is the perfect place for both residents and visitors. While you're checking out the awesome variety of wines, you can also indulge in Cincinnati cuisine that includes pizza, spaghetti, mussels, and smoked salmon salad while listening to local artists and music. Bring the entire family and have a heck of a good time!

Vinoklet Winery & Restaurant

11069 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45252

Come by this incredible winery and feast your eyes on more than 500 vines spread across 32 acres! The Vinoklet Winery & Restaurant has won multiple awards and wine competitions over the years, but its true claim to fame for many residents is the amazing art and wine festival featured every September. In addition to their wine tasting tours, we suggest you drop in for the craft show held on Mother's Day, the rib dinner available every Thursday, the Sunday picnic lunches, and the occasional outdoor bonfire.

Valley Vineyards

2276 US-22 & OH-3, Morrow, OH 45152

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Valley Vineyards may just be home to the quintessential Cincinnati winery tour. While you're there, you'll be able to taste several types of delicious wines and beers while trying out a few of their dishes and meeting some of the friendliest people in the state. You can also enjoy a self-guided tour of the cellar and learn winemaking skills giving you more insight into why wine tasting is such a phenomenon. Add steak cookouts, live music, and comedy nights, and this is a one-stop shop for entertainment, food, and drinks.

Oakley Wines

4011 Allston St., Cincinnati, OH 45209

Oakley Wines changed hands not too long ago, and it definitely shows. You'll now find a fresh, modern ambiance paired perfectly with the current selection of affordable wines. Each wine tour revolves around a specific theme such as spring wines, California wines, and classic varietals. And if you're up for a little mystery in your life, you may want to check out their blind tastings routinely scheduled for locals and visitors.

1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab

1215 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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The entire menu of the 1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab is a tasting menu, offering different selections depending on the season. The staff has been very well-trained in wine tasting, allowing patrons ample opportunity to converse with an aficionado or two. Located in the Over-the-Rhine area of Cincinnati, other features include live jazz on Thursday nights and a different type of tasting in the mornings consisting of hot and iced coffees.

Market Wines

128 W. Elder St., Findlay Market, Cincinnati, OH 45202

This Findlay Market storefront is a bit unique, to say the least. If you do some food shopping before checking out the wine selections, the owner of Market Wines may just take a look at what's in your bag and suggest the best wine to pair with your food. The weekly weekend tastings are quite popular with the locals, but you can also stop by every Tuesday night to try out some samples without a big crowd.

Water Tower Fine Wines

6136 Campus Ln., Cincinnati, OH 45230

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If you're looking for variety, you can't do much better than Water Tower Fine Wines. Their facility is home to approximately 2000 wines, including around 130 international sparkling wines and 135 champagnes. Every tasting includes hors d'oeuvres, and you can sign up for their newsletter to always know what they're sampling on any given day. Their location now also features beer on draft in case you want to change things up every once in a while. If you like the spot (which you surely will), feel free to rent it for a special event!

Revel OTR Urban Winery

111 E. 12th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

Located in Cincinnati's historic OTR neighborhood, the Revel OTR Urban Winery is one of the most flexible wineries in Ohio. Not only does it include a wide selection of handcrafted wines that you'll be able to sample, but it also features live music and other events on the weekends. And if you're so inclined, you can rent out the newly reconstructed rooftop patio for a private party of your very own.

Cheers!

Which incredible wine tasting opportunities in Cincinnati will you dive into?

Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just someone who would like to try different varieties and learn about them, Northeast Ohio is the ideal place to create your own winery tour. Its fertile soil and climate make it a prime location to grow grapes, as evidenced by its many local wineries. They offer a relaxed atmosphere and are often family-owned, so you'll be able to learn about their history and offerings. Some also offer food ranging from small bites to full meals, as well as weekend entertainment.
  
Check out the following nine places to consider as you create your own Northeast Ohio Winery tour.  

Sharon James Cellars

11303 Kinsman Rd., Newbury Township, OH 44065

Try one of several handcrafted wines at Sharon James Cellars, where you'll find reds, whites, and roses named after virtues like vitality and compassion. The property has a tasting room if you prefer to enjoy your wine indoors, as well as an outdoor patio and open-air outdoor pavilion if you like to relax outside with your wine. The winery also has a full-service kitchen and full-time chef, so you can indulge in deliciously fresh meals prepared using local ingredients. Try a pizza or panini, or order a delicious appetizer or two such as fresh hummus and veggies or a cheese plate.

Urban Vintner

37484 N. Industrial Pkwy., Willoughby, OH 44094

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You'll be able to see the entire production process at Urban Vintner, watching the transformation from grape to bottled wine. It's co-owned by award-winning winemaker Ed Trebets, who has won over 1,000 medals in his winemaking career. Sample several with a visit to the Tasting Room, which is open on Fridays and Saturdays. And if you'd like to try even more varieties, the winery offers a wine club that includes selections that are locally produced as well as ones that are globally sourced.

Laleure Vineyards

17335 Nash Rd., Middlefield, OH 44062

This small boutique winery makes most of its wines from vinifera grapes grown right on the property. Schedule your visit for a weekend if possible, when the tasting room is open, but it's also open by appointment if you'd like to visit at another time. The vineyard also frequently hosts live entertainment on Fridays and/or Saturdays, so order a glass of your favorite selection and relax while you enjoy the music.

Blind Squirrel Winery

7918 Pettibone Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023

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Wines are produced and blended on-site at Blind Squirrel winery, and they're selected to appeal to a wide range of tastes. Some additional wines are offered seasonally. The tasting room is open Thursdays through Saturdays from 4-9 p.m., so try some different types and settle on a full glass or two of your favorite.

Stonegait Winery

4275 Bates Rd., Madison, OH 44057

If Stonegait Winery has a rustic barn-like appearance, that's because it once was a barn on a former horse farm. The owners purchased the barn after planting their vineyard and waiting four years, and they then renovated the barn to transform it into a winery. It now offers a full food menu along with an extensive list of wine offerings that you're welcome to enjoy by the bottle, glass, or taste. Fridays or Saturdays are a good time to visit if you'd like to enjoy live music along with your food and wine.

The Winery at Spring Hill

6062 South Ridge Rd. W, Geneva, OH 44041

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The Winery at Spring Hill has a friendly, relaxing feel, and although wine is its centerpiece, it also offers much more. In addition to a selection of handcrafted wines ranging from dry to sweet, their wine bar also serves unique hard ciders, craft beers from local breweries, and cocktails made with liquor from local distilleries. Food is also available, and you can choose a snack, meal, or one of the bakery's delicious desserts.

Virant Family Winery

541 Atkins Rd., Geneva, OH 44041

The Virant family spans 3 generations of winemakers, the latest of whom currently own the winery. Their 11 selections are made to have a crisp grape taste along with a pleasant aftertaste. They pair well with the winery's weekly snack food menu along with their more extensive menu for the weekends, when you can order steak, chicken, or ribs and listen to live music.

Silver Crest Cellars

4511 Bates Rd., Madison, OH 44057

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Silver Crest Cellars uses grapes from their family vineyards that date back to the 1930s, along with grapes from other local growers. Try their wines by the bottle, glass, or taste in a relaxing indoor or outdoor seating area. You'll be able to choose from old-world as well as new-world varieties, in addition to local and historical varieties and blends.

Debonne Vineyards

7840 Doty Rd., Madison, OH 44057 

The largest estate winery in Ohio, Debonne Vineyards has over 175 acres of grapevines. The vineyard is known for its newer varieties and original blends and has also opened its own microbrewery. To learn about the entire winemaking process, schedule a tour that includes four samples of wine as well as cheese and crackers. You can also choose a tasting tray of your favorite type of wine, such as dry red or Riesling, and you'll get a souvenir glass, bottled water, crackers, and chocolate. And if you're ready for a meal, a casual food menu is also available. You might want to time your visit to coincide with one of the many events hosted by the winery, including a home winemaking class, fun run, bocce ball tournament, or motorcycle rally.

Sip, Savor, Repeat

What are some of your favorite wineries in Northeast Ohio? 

Raise a glass to February 28th to celebrate Drink Wine Day. Whether you prefer sweet or dry or red or white, you'll find plenty of delicious options to enjoy around Northeast Ohio. The area is home to sprawling vineyards as well as chic wine bars, so you can continue to explore new wine destinations long after February 28th has passed.

Start your exploration with some of these 9 places for vino around Northeast Ohio:

M Cellars

6193 South River Rd. W, Geneva, OH 44041

M Cellars is located in Northeast Ohio's beautiful Grand River Valley, so you'll be able to enjoy amazing views as you sample the vineyard's offerings in their tasting room. The friendly, knowledgeable staff at this family-owned winery will share their passion for wine, and after your tasting experience, you'll know which type of wine you'd like to buy in a bottle to take home. Hours are noon-6 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and noon-8 p.m. Saturday.

Breitenbach Wine Cellars

5934 Old Route 39 NW, Dover, OH 44622

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Whether you're a wine connoisseur or someone making their first visit to a winery, Breitenbach Wine Cellars is the ideal spot to learn more and enjoy your favorites. Located in Ohio's Amish Country, the winery has expanded through the years to produce over 150,000 gallons of over 40 varieties of grape and other fruit wines a year. And while you're sipping your vino, sit on the patio and order a fresh salad or another bite to eat from Breitenbach's café. Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday with the café open from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

School House Winery

455 Schneiders Crossing Rd. NE, Dover, OH 44622

School House Winery's unique history and setting make it worth a stop since it's located in a charming one-room schoolhouse that was built in 1886. They offer over 17 wines to choose from as you relax in the country setting inside or outside by the pond. Sample a meat and cheese plate or another goodie with your wine to make the experience even more complete. Hours are noon-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and noon-9 p.m. Saturday.

Silver Moon Winery

4915 Old Route 39 NW, Dover, OH 44622 

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Silver Moon Winery produces over 40 wines, including sweet wines, crisp whites, and bold reds, in addition to dessert wines. They're made with juice imported from grape and wine regions around the world. After you taste some of your options and choose your favorites, buy a bottle – or several – to take home. They're also available in stores throughout the area, so you can search by zip code on the winery's website to find your favorites near you. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Grand River Cellars 

5750 S. Madison Road (Route 528), Madison, OH 44057

You're sure to find some wines to love among Grand River Cellars' award-winning offerings, which have earned state-wide honors including Best Red, Best White, and Best Dessert Wine. They've also won gold medals in the international wine competition. Stop by and soak up the relaxed, rustic atmosphere that includes a beautiful fireplace perfect for cozying up nearby. Hours are noon-6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, noon-8 p.m. Wednesday, noon-9 p.m. Thursday, noon-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon-8 p.m. Sunday.

CLE Urban Winery

2180 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

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CLE Urban Winery is a working winery and tasting room in the city, situated in the Cedar-Lee neighborhood. Think of it like a craft brewery, but for wines. All are hand-crafted, made from premium juice, and bottled on site. The chic destination always has something going on, including wine tastings, clubs, classes, and wine appreciation programs. Hours are 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

The Olde Wine Cellar 

7932 Main St., Olmstead Falls, OH 44138

This locally owned boutique wine shop is dedicated to offering small boutique wines you won't find in larger chain stores. Their staff can help you find just the right wine to suit your tastes and budget. To learn more about which wines are most appealing to your palette, attend one of the shop's wine tastings held every Friday and Saturday. It's a relaxed, social atmosphere where you can find out which wines you'd love to buy by the bottle and take home. Hours are noon-6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and noon-9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.

Vino Veritas Cellars

4103 Memphis Ave., Cleveland, OH 44109

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Located just a few minutes outside of downtown Cleveland, Vino Veritas Cellars lets you enjoy any of their wines by the glass or by the bottle. If you're not sure which ones you'd love, try a selection of them in a flight. You're also invited to make an afternoon of your visit by packing a picnic and eating it at the wine bar or on the grounds near a pond. The staff can also recommend local restaurants that deliver to the winery if you'd prefer a restaurant meal with your wine. Hours are noon-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and by reservation only Monday-Thursday.

Hundley Cellars

6451 Route 307, Geneva, OH 44041

Hundley Cellars is located on 35 beautiful acres where the owners planted vines years ago. After converting an abandoned ranch house into a winery, they now welcome guests who would like to enjoy and learn about wine in addition to good food. If you'd like to try a sampling, tasting boxes are offered in either sweet to semi-sweet varieties or dry to semi-dry with seven Hundley Cellars wines. Hours are 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.

Palate Pleasers

Where have you enjoyed a glass of white around Northeast Ohio? Share your favorite wineries, wine bars, or other locations with us.

It doesn't matter if you're an occasional sipper or an experienced aficionado, wine tasting is a great way to unwind with friends after a busy week. While Central Ohio is a long way from Napa Valley, there's no shortage of fantastic wine tasting options in the area. With so many choices, you are sure to discover several new types of wine you absolutely love.

Whether you're planning an upcoming date night or just hanging out with the girls, below are some recommendations for great wineries and vineyards in and around the Columbus area.

Via Vecchia Winery

2050 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43207

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Via Vecchia calls itself an industrial-chic event center and urban winery. This 6,000-square-foot venue in downtown Columbus allows you to escape the busy city without actually leaving, as the property is equipped with a beautiful mezzanine, covered veranda, large patio, and private courtyard. While it's often used as a wedding venue, the winery itself is open by appointment. Vecchia's fine wines are made from traditional Tuscan techniques using certified organic grapes imported from California. All wines are vegan, keto, and paleo diet-friendly as well as gluten-free.

Wyandotte Winery 

4640 Wyandotte Dr., Columbus, OH 43230

Wyandotte Winery calls itself the first and oldest winery in Columbus.  Here, you can try new wines in a casual "no snob" environment.  Located on a neighborhood street near Blendon Woods Park, this winery has a bar, a tasting room, and a wine shop, and all wine is made onsite. The property has a beautiful outdoor patio that is open when the weather cooperates. While they don't have a food menu, the owners will occasionally host a multi-course dinner with wine pairings. The winery is open Thursday - Saturday. Also, if you're traveling toward the Lancaster Ohio area, be sure to check out Rockside Winery and Vineyards, which is Wyandotte's sister winery.

Camelot Cellars

901 Oak St., Columbus, OH 43205

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A Columbus staple since 2005, Camelot Cellars is a boutique winery offering more than 60 unique, high-quality wines that appeal to first-time consumers, experienced palates, and everyone in-between. Camelot's award-winning wines are made on-premise and are recognized nationally and internationally. In addition to wine, they offer a southern, Creole-influenced menu full of tasty modern comfort foods. If some members of your party prefer other beverages, beer and cocktails are also available. With happy hour specials during the week and winery tours on the weekend, make sure a visit to Camelot Cellars is on your list.

Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant

4230 The Strand, Columbus, OH 43219

What started as a winery in Orland Park, IL in 2005 has now expanded to several dozen locations across 10 states including this spot north of Columbus. Cooper's Hawk's wines have won hundreds of awards and are made with grapes from Chile, France, California, and Washington. Each wine is handcrafted and nurtured "according to its individual needs." With an onsite tasting room and a full dinner menu, Cooper's Hawk is the perfect place for a relaxing night out. Dining is described as modern casual, and they also offer a retail store so you can grab a bottle to take home. The restaurant and tasting rooms are open Monday - Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Good Vibes Winery

2 S. State St., Westerville, OH 43081

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Located north of Columbus in Westerville, Good Vibes Winery brands itself as an urban winery that brings the traditional "wine region" experience to central Ohio. Each of the 20+ wines is named after classic hits and is made in Westerville using grapes from award-winning vineyards from all around the world. With a beautiful tasting room, Good Vibes Winery is a great place to relax. They also have special events throughout the year, so be sure to keep an eye on their calendar. While they don't offer a full menu, they do have a handful of small plates and snacks. Wines are also available for carryout. Hours may vary, but they're generally open Wednesdays through Saturdays.

Slate Run Vineyard

1900 Winchester Southern Rd., Canal Winchester, OH 43110

If you're south of Columbus, head over to Slate Run Vineyard. Named for a nearby creek, Slate Run has over sample 17 proprietary wines available to sample, each one made with grapes from their beautiful vineyard. Using 100% Ohio Fruit, Slate Run makes wines that go beyond simple fruit character. Since they're located about 19 miles southeast of Columbus, they're actually 200 feet higher in elevation which creates a unique mixture of soils and microclimate.  In addition to a beautiful vineyard, Slate Run also has a 2,400-square-foot Winehaus that is perfect for private parties or special events. Don't feel like making the drive? Slate Run also ships wine anywhere in Ohio. Slate Run is open Mondays - Saturdays from 1 p.m to 7 p.m.

Soine Vineyards Winery

3510 Clark-Shaw Rd., Powell, OH 43065

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This beautiful winery vineyard sits on about 6 acres of land about 4 miles north of Columbus. Ten cultivars of grapes are grown within the vineyard and are used to produce a variety of locally-produced red, white, and blush wines. In case you're hungry, they offer a small menu of appetizers and pizza. They often have live music and special events on the weekends, so if you're looking to a quick way to escape the busy city, head to Soine Vineyard where you can sip wine while relaxing on their beautiful property. The winery is opened Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 2 to 8 p.m.

Blend of Seven Winery

1400 Stratford Rd., Delaware, OH 43015

This cozy winery located north of Columbus features a tasting room, event space, and outdoor seating. They also host live music, chili cook-offs, and other special events throughout the year. Each of their unique wines is crafted on-site using grapes from all around the world, and the owners are often available to provide food pairing tips and recommendations. If you get hungry, a small menu of appetizers, pizza, and sandwiches is available. Wines are available by tasting, glass, bottle, or carryout bottle. The winery is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Red or White?

When it comes to wine tasting, the Columbus area is definitely coming of age. With so many options around the city, where will you be sipping wine this weekend?