Ohio Wine Month

From the forests of the Hocking Hills to the shores of Lake Erie, visit six destinations that show the range of Ohio’s statewide winemaking industry. By Ruth Corradi Beach

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF WINERIES UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED M CELLARS, GENEVA

OHIO WINE MONTH

Hocking Hills Winery

Tucked off the highway, surrounded by woods, you’ll find the 100 acres that make up Hocking Hills Winery. The former cattle ranch has been reimagined as a winery run by Blaine and Drew Davidson (grandsons of the property’s original owners) and their wives, Allison and Laura, respectively. Hocking Hills is a camping and outdoor hot spot, and many of the winery’s patrons are in the area for just that reason. “There’s a huge cabin industry here, and campgrounds aren’t far from us,” says Blaine Davidson, the winery’s CEO. “You can be off the hiking trail or canoeing or dressed up and coming back from a nice dinner. We’re very welcoming and friendly. Bring your dog.” Indeed, enjoying a glass of wine on the flagstone patio or at a picnic table on the edge of the woods, visitors may feel like they’re in a friend’s backyard. There is live music every Friday and Saturday year-round (and Sundays during warmer months), as well as food trucks and wood-fired pizzas to supplement the charcuterie boards and snack plates on the menu. “The wine slushies are our most popular [offering on-site],” says Davidson. “We’ve got peach, raspberry, sangria and pink lemonade flavors.” 30402 Freeman Rd., Logan 43138, 740/385-7117, hockinghillswinery.com

Tables and chairs on the grounds of Buckeye Lake Winery make for an inviting place to spend an evening (above). Wine slushies are one of Hocking Hill Winery’s most popular on-site offerings (below). Maize Valley Winery offers great farm views (opposite page).

Buckeye Lake Winery

This spot outside Columbus bills itself as “Where Napa Valley Meets Buckeye Lake.” The Buckeye Lake aspect is obvious: tables and Adirondack chairs are positioned on the shore, and the winery’s long dock makes a visit after a day on the water an easy decision. As for Napa Valley, a few sips of wine will clarify that part of the slogan. “We work directly with growers in the Napa Valley, Russian River Valley, Sonoma and Lodi regions,” says Tracy Higginbotham, who owns the winery. “We travel to California each fall to evaluate the grapes and determine when to harvest, coordinate and participate in the harvest … to get the young raw wine back to our facilities for aging, blending and bottling.” He adds that this hands-on approach from start to finish is what ensures a Napa-quality wine. Try the winery’s signature white, the Sweet Lake View (soon to be known as Lake Water), which has hints of lemongrass, green apple, pineapple and papaya. Enjoy a glass while watching the boats go by or enjoying the regularly scheduled live music. “The experience might be different every visit,” Higginbotham says, “but there are consistencies of quality and service every time.” 13750 Rosewood Dr., Thornville 43076, 740/246-5665, buckeyelakewinery.com

Maize Valley Winery

Maize Valley is counted among Ohio’s estate wineries. This designation is given only to wineries who grow all the grapes they use in their wine (most others grow some of their grapes and source the rest from oth-

er vineyards). Maize Valley, which is located a few miles from downtown Hartville, makes all its own beer on-site, too. “We have gatherings and events, and there are couples where one may like beer and one may like wine,” explains co-owner Bill Bakan. Maize Valley hosts outdoor festivals and events through the summer as well as in the fall, including the annual harvest fest that features an 8-acre corn maze, lavender festival, sunflower field, car nights and regularly scheduled live music on the outdoor stage. “We like to have fun,” says Bakan. “People can get a great burger wherever. But between all of the car nights, music, families — we make great food, great beer and great wine fun. … We’re known as a fun place to go.” Maize Valley Winery is known for its Redneck Red, a sweet red wine that’s the winery’s most popular offering, and its Maize Valley Riesling, voted Best of Show overall at the 2021 Ohio Wine Competition. 6193 Edison St. NE, Hartville 44632, 330/877-8344, maizevalley.com

Celebrate Summer!

at Gervasi Vineyard

outdoor dining

Dine and drink al fresco on the expanded Piazza. Two levels of outdoor seating are also available at The Crush House.

pups on the piazza

Bring your canine companions every Tuesday for a night out on the patio. Special treats are available for our furry friends.

gv cruise-in

Car lovers of all ages will enjoy our weekly gatherings, Wednesdays though September. Admission is free!

live music

Enjoy live performances while you dine, or purchase tickets for our summer concert series in the open-air Pavilion.

OHIO WINE MONTH

Vermilion Valley Vineyards

“As much as I like to call myself a winemaker, at the end of day I’m just a farmer,” says Joe Juniper, co-owner of this estate winery, where all the grapes used to make the wine are grown in the property’s more than 100acre vineyard. “Our biggest claim to fame is our cabernet franc,” Juniper says. “It’s our number-one seller: herbal, savory and complex. This is the wine we’ve built our company on and our reputation for quality wine.” In addition to the wine, travelers find a welcoming and relaxing place to spend some time with family and friends. “Our focus is a casual, working farm in the countryside,” notes Juniper. “We bring people from all over and every walk of life. We’ve always been a dog winery. On any given Saturday you’ll see a half dozen dogs on the patio.” The vineyard has a small menu that includes cheese plates and hummus, but it welcomes customers who bring in outside food. “We very much welcome a blanket on the hillside overlooking the pond and a picnic with the family,” Juniper says. “We’re creating customers for generations to come, where young families can come out and relax.” 11005 Gore Orphanage Rd., Wakeman 44889, 440/9655202, vermilion-valleyvineyards.com

M Cellars

This Ashtabula County destination is also counted among Ohio’s estate wineries, meaning all the grapes used to make its wines are grown in the vineyard on the property. Founded in 2012, M Cellars is all about the wine, according to Matt Meineke, winemaker and founder of the winery with his wife, Tara. “Our focus has always been the wine and service to match it. It’s about growing our wine from start to finish, vine to bottle, with 100% authenticity.” M Cellars’ most popular white is its Gewürztraminer, a sweetly spicy wine with flavors of melon, orange blossom and honey. Grab a seat on the top level of the two-tier patio for an outstanding view of the vineyard. Dogs and kids are welcome, too. “We’re laid-back, not a party atmosphere,” explains Meineke. “The bands we bring in aren’t usually rock ’n’ roll, but acoustic guitars and

Customers enjoy wines at M Cellars (above). Vermilion Valley Vineyards has more than 100 acres of grapes (below). Musicians perform at Hanover Winery (opposite page).

singer-songwriters. It fits our personality well.” The menu features high-end shareables like warm brie, fig jam, crackers and beautiful meat and cheese boards. M Cellars is an ideal place to relax with family and friends when you want to concentrate on conversation, beautiful views and, of course, fine wine. 6193 South River Rd. W., Geneva 44041, 440/361-4104, mcellars.com

Hanover Winery

This comfortable and park-like setting between Hamilton and Oxford offers picnic tables set up around a pond with a fountain. There are even dog-friendly Thursdays. Dogs are a theme here, with several of the wines named for canine pals, including the winery’s award-winning Dammit Annie! named for the owners’ chocolate lab. “It’s a sweet red wine, made with blackberry wine blended with haskap berries from the nearby Johnson Family Farm,” explains Eddie McDonald, who owns the winery with his wife Elizabeth. The couple got into the business after an unlikely inspiration. “Twenty-two years ago, we saw a program on TV. I wasn’t a winemaker at the time but was really interested in the process. Beth and I have always been self-starters, and we like the people in [the winemaking] world. We were interested in what we could do with wines and make a living.” Today, the couple is preparing to pour a larger patio and add more outdoor tables. Food is available along with occasional food trucks, and bourbon and beer are on the menu, too. Grab a blanket or chair and relax for an evening of live music. Get a sitter though: Hanover Winery is for those age 21 and older. 2165 Morman Rd., Hamilton 45013, 513/863-3119, hanoverwinery.com

Spring 2022

Learn more about the newest boutique hotel experience at hotelversaillesohio.com.

unwind.

3946 Broadway Grove City, OH 614-991-0338 plumrunwinery.com

525 State Route 635 Helena, OH 419-638-5411 chateautebeauwinery.com

Plum Run Winery

Locally owned boutique winery in the heart of downtown Grove City, featuring 22 varieties of house wines & ciders, 40 taps of artfully crafted beers, along with a full scratch kitchen and large pet-friendly patio. Great space for meetings & private events as well!

432 North Whitewoman Street Coshocton, OH 740-622-4877 threeriverswinetrailohio.com

Three Rivers Wine Trail

Fill Your Glass on the Three Rivers Wine Trail! Enjoy the wide-open spaces of the Appalachian foothills and explore the eclectic mix of eight unique wineries and a craft brewery, all within a short drive of one another in beautiful Coshocton County. It's the perfect romantic getaway or girlsʼ weekend adventure.

12157 State Route 690 Athens, OH 740-818-4699 dutchcreekwinery.com

Dutch Creek Winery

Dutch Creek Winery creates artisanal, small-batch honey wines, ciders and fruit wines. Enjoy ciders and wine tastings with charcuterie boards in our tasting room, on our covered patio, or in our picnic grove.

Chateau Tebeau Vineyard & Winery

Experience our French Chateau featuring a wide selection of wines and cider. Walk the vineyards, sit by the koi pond or have a glass of wine by the fireplace in the tasting room. You are sure to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Open Year Round. Menu — Craft Beer — Live Entertainment — Tours

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1700 55thSreet NE Canton, OH 330-497-1000 gervasivineyard.com

111 West Main Street Marblehead, OH 419-967-5344 redferninn.com

Gervasi Vineyard

This summer, escape to Gervasi Vineyard and experience the beauty of a unique, Tuscan-inspired winery resort. Three distinct restaurants offer casual and upscale cuisine paired with award-winning wines and spirits. Retreat to a luxurious suite and enjoy the comforts of high-end amenities, as well as an outdoor patio providing beautiful lake views. A complimentary continental breakfast is delivered each morning of your stay.

Red Fern Inn at Rocky Point Winery

Located in the historic Marblehead Schoolhouse just steps from Lake Erie and down the street from the Marblehead Lighthouse, the Red Fern Inn is the perfect getaway. Guests have access to complimentary bicycles, a private lounge and several fire pits. We’re open year-round, with live music and special events April-October.

30402 Freeman Road Logan, OH 740-385-7117 hockinghillswinery.com

Hocking Hills Winery

The family-owned Hocking Hills Winery provides the region a friendly gathering place for visitors to enjoy family-produced, quality wines. Come by for a tasting and stay to enjoy a glass or bottle by the fire or on our patio. No reservations necessary. Live music on the weekends.

2376 OH-850 Bidwell, OH 740-245-9463 merryfamilywinery.com

Merry Family Winery

Come Sip, Sit, Relax at Gallia County’s first winery/brewery. Take in the picturesque views of the countryside, stroll through the vineyard. Sample handcrafted wines and beers, try our homemade root beer soda. With so many great varieties to choose from you are sure to find something to love!

16982 CR-M2 Napoleon, OH 419-758-3442 leisuretimewinery.com

Leisure Time Winery

As our name implies, Leisure Time Winery is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely afternoon or evening. Tucked into the peaceful countryside of Napoleon, Ohio, we offer a little something for everyone. We proudly craft an assortment of wines, including several fruit options.

9050 West Old Lincoln Way Wooster, OH 330-804-9463 lincolnwayvineyards.com

Lincoln Way Vineyards

Find Your Wine Time® with us. Come sit in the tasting room, on the patio, picnic area or our event space, relax and enjoy our wine, hard cider, fruit-based wine slushies and more. Check out our website or like us on Facebook to see our year-round food truck and entertainment schedule.

11005 Gore Orphanage Road Wakeman, OH 440-965-5202 vermilion-valleyvineyards.com

Vermilion Valley Vineyards

Vermilion Valley Vineyards produces excellent quality wines with a classic, old-world European style on its 15 acres. This beautiful estate winery offers a tasting room, live music, and an extensive wine menu throughout the year. Come enjoy our outdoor space which overlooks our vineyard and 1.5-acre pond. 978 Catawba Avenue Put-In-Bay, OH 419-285-2811 heinemanswinery.com

Heineman Winery

Celebrating 134 years of family traditions, Heineman’s is the oldest family-owned and -operated winery in Ohio. This award-winning winery is also home to the world’s largest known Celestite geode and offers combined tours of the winery and Crystal Cave. Visit the tasting room featuring wines made on-site, while enjoying a fresh-cut cheese plate. Check our website for hours. Online ordering 24/7 to 38 states!

1720 Northridge Road Findlay, OH 419-408-3230 gilligwinery.com

Gillig Winery

A relaxing environment to wine and dine, all wines are produced and bottled in-house. An extensive wine menu consisting of a broad range of wines for every wine-lover to try. Full menu options for lunch and dinner. Conveniently located off I-75 on Northridge Road, with hotels nearby to have a nice stay. Check website for hours.

The Winerie

Offering a large selection of wines produced from 100% estate grown grapes, The Winerie is an estate winery and the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing night out, a special weekend date night while enjoying live music on select nights.

13554 Mohler Road Grand Rapids, OH 419-875-6474 majesticoakwinery.com

6413 Hayes Avenue Sandusky, OH 419-502-1290 facebook.com/thewinerie

Majestic Oak Winery & Neon Groundhog Brewery

We are a farm winery and brewery located in Providence Twp near Neapolis, Ohio. Open year round Thursday 2–8 pm, Friday and Saturday 12–9 pm and Sunday 1–5 pm. You are welcome to roam our vineyards and enjoy a glass under our majestic oak. We continue to work hard to make Majestic Oak a place for you to relax and enjoy.