Waterfront Wineries

Five Ohio Wineries situated on lakes or rivers and worthy of a daytrip from Columbus or a wine-soaked weekend.

By Jack McLaughlin / Story Design by Atlas Biro

While the Buckeye State isn’t necessarily known for beaches–or for its wineries–Ohio does have its fair share of both. It also happens to have a healthy number of wineries located on the water, and we can’t wait to dive in.

A few local spots made an appearance, while some were more of a hike, but we tried to keep things within a day-trippable hour and a half drive of Columbus.

So come on in, the water—and the wine—is fine.

Hidden Lakes winery

650 Winchester Pike, Canal Winchester ~30 minutes from Downtown

The closest waterfront spot to Columbus on our list, Hidden Lakes—like its name suggests—is situated on a small body of water just off US Route 33. Hidden Lakes is close enough to feel you’re nearby Columbus, but still removed enough to make the winery feel like an escape.

Buckeye Lake Winery

13750 Rosewood Rd. NE, Thornville ~45 minutes from Downtown

Boasting a casual setting with a surprisingly robust food menu, this winery is tucked neatly into a point on the south shore of Buckeye Lake, making it feel like a real getaway, although it’s less than an hour away from Downtown Columbus.

Hocking Hills Winery

30402 Freeman Rd., Logan ~50 Minutes from Downtown

Located a (literal) stone’s throw south of the Hocking River, this award-winning winery boasts a beautiful and totally immersive outdoor space, complete with weekly live music that makes patrons feel like they’ve discovered their own pristine slice of Hocking Hills wilderness.

Valley Vineyards

2276 US-22 & OH-3, Morrow ~1 hour, 15 minutes from Downtown

Head northeast of Columbus for just over an hour and you’ll find yourself at Morrow’s Valley Vineyards, located on the banks of the Little Miami River. Boasting a large outdoor space and a full restaurant, the unique spot also brews its own craft beer, and hosts plenty of live music on the weekends.

Raven's Glenn Winery

56183 CO Rd. 143, West Lafeyette ~1 hour, 30 minutes from Downtown

Located on an idyllic bend in the Tuscarawas River, Raven’s Glenn does truly transport visitors to a new world, one where they can take in the vineyards, watch the water flow by, or even grab a bite at the winery’s full-service restaurant offering everything from burgers and fries to crab cakes and steaks.

Sidebar: Buckeye Wine Facts!

1. Did you know Ohio is one of the top 10 wine-producing states in the country, supporting more than 300 different wineries?

2. Ohio boasts five distinct wine-grape growing areas, known as appellations. While none run through Columbus, these zones include: Lake Erie, Isle St. George, Grand River Valley, Ohio River Valley and Loramie Creek.

3. We’re thankfully coasting toward warmer temperatures now, but Ohio’s combination of vineyards and cold weather leads to the production of Ice Wine, a unique variety that’s made from grapes that undergo cycles of freezing and thawing.