Ohio's Wine Country: The Top Five Vineyards to Visit

Rolling hills, the tranquil sounds of Lake Erie, acres and acres of vineyards - just a few of my favorite views in Ohio's wine country near Geneva, Ohio. You'd be surprised to know that the weather here paired with the moisture from Lake Erie actually creates very desirable growing conditions for wine, and even falls on the same latitude as the Bordeaux region in France, making for some great local wine. This area boasts nearly 40 wineries & vineyards, creating the perfect weekend getaway with something new to see every time you visit.

This area, known as the Grand River Valley, is located within a three-hour drive from Columbus, and we usually spend a few long weekends up in Ohio's wine country every year. It's a quick and cheap getaway and we always end up trying something different each time we go. We usually stay at the Hampton Inn in Madison, Ohio since it's closer to some of our favorite wineries and is a really nice, new hotel that's dog friendly (with a continental breakfast!). We've also stayed at the Lakehouse Inn, which is very charming and great for hosting events given that it's located on the coast of Lake Erie.

After a half dozen visits to Ohio's wine country, I've compiled my top five favorite wineries & vineyards for you - enjoy!

1. M Cellars

I love M Cellars first and foremost for its wine, which is delicious across the board and reminds me of some of the California wines that I like. Their wines are generally well-balanced and light, making M Cellars a necessary stop on a summer weekend trip. This vineyard is one of the larger ones in the area, boasting about 30 acres in the Grand River Valley region. M Cellars' annual portfolio includes unique European varietals, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gruner Veltliner, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. This is accredited to the unique growing conditions that Ohio's wine country has to offer. They also produce more traditional varietals, ensuring that there's something for every visitor to enjoy.

M Cellars is also my favorite winery for cellar and vineyard tours. Their passionate guides make touring the vineyard an immersive, fun, and educational experience that I enjoy returning to each year to learn something different and taste the newest harvest. In addition to excellent vineyard and cellar tours, the winery estate is a serene place to relax for hours, with beautiful views of the vineyard, warm wood tones throughout, and a staff that's enthusiastic about their wine and explaining their production process. Whether it's taking advantage of the patio or spending the winter months curled up by their fireplace, M Cellars is always one of my favorite spots to enjoy in the Grand River Valley.

2. Cask 307

Cask 307 is one of the largest wineries in the area and a very popular choice, but for good reason! Their white wines are some of my favorites in the region and they always have live music going on to enjoy. One unique thing about this winery is that they offer wine on tap, which comes out cold and crisp on a hot summer weekend. My favorite of their varietals on tap is the Cask Semillon-Reisling, a semi-sweet blend served in a carafe that compliments their tasty small plates menu and also bottles well to take home with you.

Cask 307 serves tasting flights that highlight the full range of their wine production at a great value. In addition to serving up Grand River Valley wine, Cask 307 also offers beer on tap as well as specialty cocktails, so there truly is something for everyone! This is one of my favorite wineries to finish out the day and catch a northern Ohio sunset, with backdrops of lush landscaping and rolling fields.

3. Harpersfield Vineyard

Harpersfield makes it to third place on this list for the atmosphere that its proprietors have created. Harpersfield Vineyard has all the tasty wine and wonderful views that you would expect, but with an elevated level of fun that makes it a sure stop on your weekend getaway! From the live-in Jack Russell Terrier who serves as the winery's mascot and best boy to the live music that keeps this place jumping all summer long, Harpersfield has established itself as a must for us each time we make it up to Ohio's wine country. Their live performers love to put on a fantastic show, their guests and regulars love to have a good time, and their employees love to highlight their great wine - so this vineyard is definitely worth a try! Be sure to sample a taste of their estate reisling - playfully named Le Jacques Terrier in honor of their beloved mascot.

4. The Lakehouse Inn

While The Lakehouse Inn's winery production is scaled smaller than many of the other wineries in the region, The Lakehouse Inn provides some of the best scenery in all of the Grand River Valley region for kicking back and enjoying a glass of wine. Their main focus is their bed and breakfast and events business, but if you can catch an empty afternoon on their sprawling patio, the gentle waves of Lake Erie and blue skies for miles are worth the drive further away from the more mainstream wineries and vineyard to the southwest. While their wine-tasting offering isn't as diverse as some of the other wineries, the views, hospitality, and ambiance make The Lakehouse Inn one of the best places to visit in the Grand River Valley.

We've stayed at The Lakehouse Inn and would recommend it to anyone visiting Ohio's wine country for the first time. The accommodations are cozy and the staff is so well-versed in the restaurants, shops, and other wineries in the region that they can be super helpful in figuring out where to have a nice dinner after a long day in the sun or picking up a new sundress to wear out. The Lakehouse Inn is great for travelers who prefer to immerse themselves in some of the local culture and of course - perfect for planning a beautiful lakeside wedding or event.

5. Silver Crest Cellars

Silver Crest Cellars is a much smaller winery and vineyard than the grand Laurentia estate across the street, but this hidden gem produces a variety of delicious wines with owners and operators who truly love their craft. This winery is one of the best places to talk shop about the winery's production methods, varieties, and growing insights while having a great glass of wine. This winery is less chaotic than some of the larger and well-known estates, so this is hands-down the best spot to spend a quieter afternoon and really hang out with friends for a while. Silver Crest Cellars makes one of my favorite brands of Gewürztraminer, a smooth and balanced glass of white wine though the varietal itself can sometimes come off very brash and bitter. This winery has a very cozy feel, with an emphasis on making sure all of your questions are answered and that you enjoy their offering.

I'd be remiss if I didn't also call out Scribbler's Coffee Co as the best local shop to grab a cup of coffee and breakfast in the late morning before hitting the wine trail. They roast their coffee in-house and have a robust menu offering of both beverages and food - including awesome pastries and delicious sandwiches.

Though these are my top 5 spots to visit in the Grand River Valley, many of these wineries also ship out their product to not only Columbus but also surrounding states and you can actually find them in local grocery stores to try! Some of these include Laurello Vineyards, Ferrante Winery, and Virant Family Winery, and all of these brands highlight the unique growing capabilities in a place as unexpected as northeast Ohio. Though these are all great to try, nothing beats a sunny summer weekend up in Ohio's wine country, enjoying the spirits, live music, scenic views, and hospitality of the Grand River Valley region.