Life in the Great Lakes region is truly unique. Not only does the area receive an inconceivable amount of snow each year, but its glacial history has allowed for rich soil in which grapes absolutely thrive. Ohio grapes have a rich and sweet flavor thanks to our soil structure and winos adore the richness of Ohio wine country, as well as the uniqueness of the county it overlaps.
Stretching across Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula Counties is the Grand River Valley, an American Viticultural Area that is famous for its 24 unique wineries.
Ferrante Winery & Ristorante/Facebook Since 1937, Ferrante Winery has produced a variety of delicious wines that locals love. Since about 1980, they’ve also served up food and ice wines like Vidal Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Their selection of Italian cuisine offers a dish that pairs perfectly with each and every wine, offering a comfortable and indulgent experience to visitors.
This vineyard-friendly microclimate just so happens to overlap with Ashtabula County, which has more covered bridges than any other region in Ohio.
Jason Miklacic/Flickr Ashtabula County is home to both the longest and shortest covered bridges in the nation. Each of its 19 bridges is unique, including astonishing landscaping and architecture.
This entire area was once heavily glaciated, which today accounts for rich, fertile soil that produces super flavorful grapes.
The Winery at Spring Hill/Facebook The Winery at Spring Hill is a countryside escape that’s full of charm. They offer 22 unique wines in addition to hard cider and a laid-back atmosphere. Energies run high on Saturday nights at this winery, as a live band is usually playing on-site.
The fertile and vibrant landscape provides stand-out scenery and hands-on opportunities to interact with it.
South River Winery/Facebook The landscape of South River Winery is a delight in each and every season. The winery’s tasting room is located in a former church, which allows visitors to relax on original pews. There is also the option to wander the grounds with your wine - a prospect that’s almost irresistible.
This region is ideal for a lazy drive with the windows down.
Homefryes/Wikimedia Commons Not only will you encounter lovely views, expansive vineyards, and architectural gems in this area… you’ll also occasionally encounter the rich aroma of sun-ripened grapes.
This area is not only home to the biggest cluster of covered bridges… it also produces half of Ohio’s grapes!
Michael A. Orlando/Wikimedia Commons Did you know that 50 percent of Ohio’s grapes come from this one scenic area? This fact, while mind-blowing, makes it unsurprising that the Grand River Valley produces so many award-winning wines.
While fruit is the cash crop of this region, indulgent dining opportunities abound throughout the area.
Laurello Vineyards/Facebook Step aside, Italian countryside; this local winery has delicious wine and wood-fired pizzas down to a science. Laurello Vineyards was founded in 2002, though it has ties to Cosmo Anthony Laurello’s 1944 vineyard. Cosmo closed his vineyard as beer became the more preferred beverage, but his passion for wine and his dreams of operating a vineyard were passed down through the generations. His grandson Larry Jr. and wife Kim now operate this scenic site in his memory.
Ready for a road trip? You’ll adore taking in the beauty of Ashtabula County’s covered bridges and then relaxing at a local winery that evening.
Nicholas A. Tonelli/Flickr While a road trip through wine country sounds enchanting, it’s important to plan ahead and designate a sober driver, book an overnight stay in the area, or arrange for a driver or transportation service to pick you up.
Beauty abounds throughout Northeast Ohio’s wine country.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
Northeast Ohio’s wine country is ideal for a weekend trip in any season. Who will you be taking on this unique adventure with you?
Ferrante Winery & Ristorante/Facebook
Since 1937, Ferrante Winery has produced a variety of delicious wines that locals love. Since about 1980, they’ve also served up food and ice wines like Vidal Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Their selection of Italian cuisine offers a dish that pairs perfectly with each and every wine, offering a comfortable and indulgent experience to visitors.
Jason Miklacic/Flickr
Ashtabula County is home to both the longest and shortest covered bridges in the nation. Each of its 19 bridges is unique, including astonishing landscaping and architecture.
The Winery at Spring Hill/Facebook
The Winery at Spring Hill is a countryside escape that’s full of charm. They offer 22 unique wines in addition to hard cider and a laid-back atmosphere. Energies run high on Saturday nights at this winery, as a live band is usually playing on-site.
South River Winery/Facebook
The landscape of South River Winery is a delight in each and every season. The winery’s tasting room is located in a former church, which allows visitors to relax on original pews. There is also the option to wander the grounds with your wine - a prospect that’s almost irresistible.
Homefryes/Wikimedia Commons
Not only will you encounter lovely views, expansive vineyards, and architectural gems in this area… you’ll also occasionally encounter the rich aroma of sun-ripened grapes.
Michael A. Orlando/Wikimedia Commons
Did you know that 50 percent of Ohio’s grapes come from this one scenic area? This fact, while mind-blowing, makes it unsurprising that the Grand River Valley produces so many award-winning wines.
Laurello Vineyards/Facebook
Step aside, Italian countryside; this local winery has delicious wine and wood-fired pizzas down to a science. Laurello Vineyards was founded in 2002, though it has ties to Cosmo Anthony Laurello’s 1944 vineyard. Cosmo closed his vineyard as beer became the more preferred beverage, but his passion for wine and his dreams of operating a vineyard were passed down through the generations. His grandson Larry Jr. and wife Kim now operate this scenic site in his memory.
Nicholas A. Tonelli/Flickr
While a road trip through wine country sounds enchanting, it’s important to plan ahead and designate a sober driver, book an overnight stay in the area, or arrange for a driver or transportation service to pick you up.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
If you enjoyed this, you’ll love a trip to an Amish Country winery near Cleveland.
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