Why we love it: Just minutes from the shores of Lake Erie, this winery is home to an elegant boutique B&B with four guest suites, each with a private jacuzzi and a private patio with views of the 13-acre property.
Try this: Across a selection of cool-climate wines, the Rogers 15 variety semi-sweet Agawam ($6) is exclusive to Buccia. Bred in Massachusetts in 1856, it’s naturally orange in color, crisp and light-bodied. Pair with the War Pig Flatbread ($18), topped with house-made chili oil, belly ham, mozzarella and a sunny side up egg. 518 Gore Road, Conneaut, 440-593-5976, bucciavineyards.com
Why we love it: The family-run 2019 winery combines a rustic wood-beamed interior with bright flowers and vineyards outside. Feel right at home cozying up to the sounds of weekly live music beside an indoor fireplace.
Try this: Start with a glass of the fan-favorite white Blushing Squirrel ($8), a unique combination of four wines that brings together a sophisticated, tropical semi-sweet flavor. While you’re unwinding, munch on an appetizer from the small list of charcuterie and baked goods, like the basket of pepperoni rolls and marinara ($7). 7918 Pettibone Road, Chagrin Falls, 216-210-4946, blindsquirrelwinery.com
Why we love it: Owned by nearby Debonne Vineyards, complex European varietals grown locally with modern methods, and a unique calendar of nightly events, are the stars of the show.
Try this: With its own globally inspired delicatessen, the charcuterie board ($30) — featuring assorted meats, cheeses, grapes, nuts, seeds, fruit, chocolate, pickles, dips and spreads — is a must-have. 7259 Warner Road, Madison, 440-307-9586, cask307.com
Why we love it: After a full revitalization this fall, the indoor tasting room will have space for 30 guests with plans to expand the wine varietals and food menu as well. The spacious fan-cooled covered patio is home to events like the Musician’s Afternoon Jam or Yoga on the Patio.
Try this: Among a menu of light bites, we recommend the Italian flatbread pizza margherita ($9.99) topped with traditional tomato sauce, cheese and basil.19583 Hunt Road, Strongsville, 440-879-1099, carsorossowinery.com
Why we love it: Transforming vacant lots into lush green space and an upscale winery, while providing job opportunities to those who are formerly incarcerated, Mansfield Frazier's concept was a game-changer. “It’s an opportunity for people to visit a vineyard in their community and learn a little bit about the grapes,” says manager Brenda Frazier. “They gain an appreciation for something so many of us are far removed from.”
Try this: With space for up to 10 people, reserve a slot for a full tasting of eight vintages, complete with charcuterie and other activities ($30). 1650 E. 66th St., Cleveland, 216-438-0964, chateauhough.com
Why we love it: The restored 1800s farmhouse, situated on a tree-lined campus with its own lake, sets the tone for relaxation. The 55-acre space is complete with three restaurants, a Tuscan-inspired boutique inn, indoor and outdoor bars, and a spa.
Try this: With meat and fish specialties, pizzas and more, the food lives up to expectations. The house-made mushroom ravioli ($27) at The Bistro is crafted with taleggio cheese, blistered tomatoes, sherry reduction and truffle oil.1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330-497-1000, gervasivineyard.com
Why we love it: While some have sights set on soon retiring to the country in their 50s, Destiny Burns decided it was the perfect time to start a winery with a neighborhood feel. “I always tell my employees we’re really not in the wine business,” says Burns. “We’re in the relationship business. That’s what I put the focus on.” A former auto garage in the Cedar-Lee neighborhood sees its 1920s charm come back to life with playful neon graffiti murals that accent metal, concrete and steel beams on the ceiling.
Try this: Start the night with a cheese and charcuterie plate ($16), which is complimented by cookies and crackers, and finish with the Buckeye Blackberry Merlot ($10), a favorite of the many wines made on-site. The red’s balance of light, fruity and smooth flavors earned double gold in the 2023 Ohio Wine Competition. 2180 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-417-8313, cleurbanwinery.com
The Cleveland Winery/Vino Veritas Cellars
Why we love it: Just outside of Cleveland, you’ll discover a small red barn complete with its own petting zoo and boutique winery. Grab a spot on the deck’s expanded piazza as you drink Cleveland wine made from California grapes, or venture near the pond and meet the three resident ducks, Lila, Thelma and Louise.
Try this: Of its eight wines, the aptly named Kool-Aid is the sweetest, while the cabernet sauvignon reigns the driest. 4103 Memphis Ave., Cleveland, 216-650-9877, vinoveritascellarswinery.com
Why we love it: After experimenting with recipes for leftover wine, Jimmy Conti’s line of “Cleveland Jams” blossomed into his tasting room, offering Crooked River Wine’s own Ohio- and American-grown wines.
Try this: For something sweet, the peach wine ($7) gives off a luscious crispness. You can also opt for a Cabernet Franc ($8) with a deep black cherry nose, voted Best of Ohio Red Wine in the 2021 Ohio Wine Competition. The charcuterie tasting board ($18) is perfect for sharing, and add a jar of Cleveland Jam ($8) for the full experience. 13200 York-Delta Drive, North Royalton, 440-628-9900, cle-jam.com
Why we love it: The winery of wineries, Debonné Vineyards is the largest estate winery in Ohio with 175 acres of vines and a 15-barrel brewhouse. Considered a must-visit on any tour of Ohio’s wine country in the Grand River Valley, the winery goes back four generations in the Debevc family.
Try this: With 40 varietals, try a soft black cherry and blackberry flavored pinot noir ($7) to complement the signature wine burger ($14), featuring house-made red wine bacon-onion jam on a pretzel bun. 7840 Doty Road, Madison, 440-466-3485, debonne.com
Why we love it: Starting in 1937 in Cleveland's Collinwood neighborhood, today's Geneva winery bears both local and international accolades. Inside, you’ll find robust production facilities that process the results of the 40 acres of manicured vineyards.
Try this: Pair a classic Rosso ($7.50), a sweet red blend of grapes vinted Old World style, with the casa lasagna ($18), showcasing traditional layers of meat, ricotta, Romana, Parmesan and mozzarella cheese baked in a hearty marinara sauce. 5585 State Route 307, Geneva, 440-466-8466, ferrantewinery.com
Why we love it: Built in 1880, this is one of Ohio's oldest wineries, and the original cellar is still used today to produce wine made from locally grown grapes. The winery boasts award-winning labels including 1880 Estate Reserve, Firelands, Mon Ami, Lonz and Mantey brands.
Try this: Create a flight of four Firelands domestic reds ($12): cabernet sauvignon, cabernet France, pinot noir, Mantey Blue Face or Mantey Fifty-Fifty. 917 Bardshar Road, Sandusky, 419-625-5474, firelandswinery.com
Why we love it: Not far from Lake Erie, you’ll find this mom-and-pop winery and farm dating back to 1935, perfect for intimate wine sipping in its quaint tasting room filled with historic knick knacks.
Try this: The Cardinal Delight ($6) is a semi-dry red with notes of robust berry, and one of the 2023 Ohio Wine competition medal-winning wines. Also try the riesling ($6), a semi-dry white varietal with a lasting body, fermented in stainless steel at cool temperatures. 33050 Webber Road, Avon Lake, 440-933-6666, klingshirnwine.com
Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery
Why we love it: Sharing its space with a corn maze and farmers market, engage in a vast array of seasonal events while sampling on-tap selections.
Try this: While we love a signature wine like the Mad Cow ($7) here, beer drinking companions are happy to oblige your winery choice with the 16 brews on tap. The flagship IPA Hopnesia ($7), a bright, citrusy American IPA that hails from the first craft brewery in Stark County, is a crowd pleaser. 6193 Edison St. NE, Hartville, 330-877-8344, maizevalley.com
Why we love it: A baker and winemaker, Michael Angelo Ciocca opened the hybrid winery and
eatery in 2018 with his brother, Matt. The top-selling 2022 blanc de blanc ($11), a dry sparkling white wine noted with apple, vanilla and spice, made big waves with a double gold in the San Francisco Chronicle wine competition in 2024. “They always question what you can do in Ohio, and that’s something that we did well enough,” Ciocca says.
Try this: Ciocca recommends the rigatoni a la vodka ($19.50). "We sell so much that people keep on coming back for it,” he says. It’s made with a house egg-less rigatoni and coupled with tomato cream sauce, prosciutto, peas, Parmesan and ciliegene mozzarella. 5515 Broadview Road, Richfield, 440-552-2815, michaelangelosbakery.com
Why we love it: A spread of picnic tables offers spots for casual meet-ups over Bavarian pretzel sticks ($9.25) and a cheap tasting flight ($1 per sample) at this harbor town winery. Named after Ella Fitzgerald’s song "It’s Only a Paper Moon," the space lives up to its name with live music year-round.
Try this: Try the Silver Lining Dry Riesling ($7.25), a semi-dry floral pick, or Sailors Red ($6), a dry, estate-grown Chambourcin and Marquette blend. 2008 State Road, Vermilion, 440-967-2500, papermoonvineyards.com
Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens
Why we love it: “The architecture and gardens are unlike anything else in Northeast Ohio,” says owner Kathleen Dangelo. "People get real Napa vibes when they come in." An elegant barn structure with exposed beams, posh light fixtures and massive fire and water features keep the vibes chic inside and out.
Try this: Among a menu of American-style land and sea fare, the cabernet braised short rib ($38) is a recommended pick, served with mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, red wine bordelaise sauce and orange gremolata. For wine, try the chenin blanc ($11), a bright white with tones of pear and quince, or a Reserve Pinot Noir Anderson Valley ($18), a complex medium purple red with both fruity and smoky aromas. 16965 Park Circle Drive, Chagrin Falls, 440-543-7777, sapphire-creek.com
Why we love it: Delight in a guided vineyard tour, via hike or shuttle, or a wine tasting in the tasting room. Join in fan-favorite events, such as Cork & Crafts or Cookie Dough and Wine Tastings. Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday.
Try this: Order a meat and cheese tray ($15) to pair with your libation of choice. One Fifty Five Rosé ($7) is made with Regent & Chambourcin grapes that taste of cherry blossoms with tart cherry and citrus in the finish. 9050 W. Old Lincoln Way, Wooster, 330-804-9463, lincolnwayvineyards.com
Why we love it: While the official description of this winery would boast “award-winning Ohio wines,” the experience feels like an escape to Napa Valley. Find historic architectural details situated against panoramic views of the estate vineyard.
Try this: Choose from numerous estate-grown varietals, like the 2021 cabernet sauvignon ($12), which recently won gold in the Texas International Wine Competition. 4599 S. Madison Road, Madison, 440-296-9175, laurentiawinery.com
Why we love it: Housed in a 1892 Methodist Episcopal Church, it's one of the largest vinifera growers in the area. The stained-glass-windowed haven is complete with the original pews, wainscotting and flooring.
Try this: Enjoy church-inspired wines like the 2018 Trinity ($8), a dry red blend with flavors of cassis, or a semi-sweet 2018 Creation ($8). 6062 S. River Road W., Geneva, 440-466-6676, southrivervineyard.com
Why we love it: From grape to bottle, guests can witness the magic of “globally sourced, locally produced” winemaking in the production facility, which houses its own oak barrels. Driving wine with a mission, a portion of proceeds from their signature Muddy Paws label goes back to the Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village.
Try this: Favoring red wines, the Chilean Carmenere exhibits a velvety blend of chocolate and spice, and the cabernet sauvignon brings a full-bodied cherry flavor. 37484 N. Industrial Parkway, Willoughby, 440-306-8660, urbanvintner.net
Why we love it: Inside Geneva’s first fire station, the interior showcases an eclectic collection of fire paraphernalia. Aside a meandering patio, it has its own Ferris wheel. The iconic 1956 Erieview Park Ferris wheel, known as #5 Big Eli, offers majestic skyline views of the Lake.
Try this: Of its 18 wines, start sweet with the Pink Catawba ($5.49) rosé. You can also go dryer with the classic chardonnay ($5.49). Beer lovers can grab a pint of the signature Backdraft Pilsner ($5.49), atop a full-service menu offering "firehouse comfort food." 5499 Lake Road E., Geneva, 440-466-9300, oldfirehousewinery.com
Why we love it: A sister property of Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens, enjoy a standout meal in the cottage-like space, or venture to the winery’s basement for the members-only Never Ordinary Bourbon Society. “As soon as you walk through the mirror, it completely changes the vibe into a very modern Italian decor. It feels like you time warped from Aurora to L.A. or New York,” says owner Kathleen Dangelo.
Try this: Guests love the eggplant parmesan ($19) with marinara, mozzarella and herbed linguine. The Orchid House’s Red Blend ($11) is a top wine, combining cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah and petit syrah. 155 Treat Road, Aurora, 330-562-9245, orchidhousewinery.com
Why we love it: One of the country's only wineries located in a national park, founders Margaret and Michael Lytz named the space after their daughter, who passed away at a young age. “When I was very young, I came in for the first time, and it really stuck with me," says manager Sarah Altieri. "The love [the owners] have for each other, and for Sarah, shines through.”
Try this: The Cuyahoga Valley Reserve ($8) is a rich red zinfandel grown in California’s Sierra Foothills. Altieri recommends trying the margherita pizza ($18) and upgrading it with her secret touch by adding balsamic glaze.1204 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-8057, sarahsvineyardwinery.com
Why we love it: At first glance, the estate winery looks like someone's massive two-story home with a wrap-around porch and stone fireplace, focusing on estate grown grapes and fruit wines. Part of the "Lake Erie Shores & Islands Wine Trail," the winery’s picturesque views from the Quarry Hill’s vantage point and distant Lake Erie views make it a crowd-pleaser, brought to us by the Gammie family. The varied weekend live music schedule is robust. Perhaps stop by for the Stotridge Acoustic Rock, covering Bob Seger, Eagles, CCR, The Who, Fleetwood Mac and others, Sept. 6 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Try this: Appetizers, dips, cheese, sandwiches and dessert make up the light menu. If you're looking for something heartier, order the toasted Reuben panini ($17.95) with sliced corn beef, Swiss cheese and 1000 island dressing on rye bread served with chips and a pickle. For a unique wine pick, opt for the sweet honey mead wine ($7) made with Stein's honey, with notes of orange zest. You should also try a fruit wine, what the winery is known for, like the light Pinnacle ($8) fruity red blend of mostly Petite Syrah, and Cabernet Franc. 8403 Mason Road #2, Berlin Heights, 419-588-3179, quarryhillwinery.com
Why we love it: In historic Doylestown, you’ll find the boutique winery owned by husband-and-wife team, Christine Sabo and Ed Sunkin, where guests can recharge by the fireplace in the light wood-walled tasting room. Browse the winery walls and wine bottle labels for glimpses at the historic landmarks in the photographs that Ed captured, and Christine transformed into artwork to help tell the story of Doylestown. With 15 wines, choose from white, red, blush or fruit varieties, to enjoy in the tasting room or covered back porch.
Try this: End the night with the Red Tail, a sweet red blend of chocolate and blackberry, or the Heartland Harvest, a crisp semi-sweet wine created from locally grown apples, a tribute to Johnny Appleseed. You may bring in food from a local restaurant, order delivery or bring food from home. 376 Eastern Road, Doylestown, 330-671-1115, silverrunwinery.com
Why we love it: Bring the whole family to this green space galore alongside a picturesque hillside overlooking the Barberton reservoir, full of activities ranging from yappy hour and yard games to live music and a Goat Derby (yes, the staff dresses up and races the resident 4-H goats for animal charity each May). Commandeer a picnic table or step inside the tasting room to imbibe in wines made on-site or locally in the 1984 winery that’s since expanded in both production and acreage (35) of the locally owned vineyard specializing in European grape varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat and Pinot Noir.
Try this: Relax with meats and cheese from Grandpa's Cheesebarn in Norton, or salty snacks like Miss Vickie's potato chips or some Honadel's fine chocolates. These all pair well with the estate grown Cabernet Franc, a dry red wine, slightly oaked and light in body, with a gorgeous purple color and fruit forward flavors. Or choose to bring or order your own eats. 2637 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Norton, 330-666-9285, wineryatwolfcreek.com
Why we love it: Vermilion Valley Vineyards is one of few wineries in the state of Ohio committed to growing 100% of the grapes used for wine production. With lush vineyard views, the estate winery benefits from the rural landscape of the Vermilion River Watershed located in the Lake Erie Appellation. Inside a stoic dark modern barn in north central Ohio, sustainable building and land use practices are one of the pillars of this winery that makes for an idyllic event venue. Come by for one of the varied events like the Fall Festival Oct. 6 or the Bonsai & Beverages Workshop Nov. 9.
Try this: Try a complex dry red like the 2021 Cabernet Franc, with flavors of chocolate, bacon and blueberry, or a fresh bold 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, a dry white with clementine, grassy flavors. Stop by during the summer weekends for food trucks and live music. Or purchase appetizers and light bites options on site, like the cheese plate ($10), including three types of cheese, meats, olives and crackers. 11005 Gore Orphanage Road, Wakeman, 440-965-5202, vermilion-valleyvineyards.com
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