Do you consider yourself a wine newbie, or do you know a little bit about wines? Regardless of whether you prefer red, white, or a rose, everyone can agree that wine tasting is always a good time. Wines are made all over the world, from France, to Chile, to New Zealand, but when you think about American wine, chances are you think of places like California or Washington. But did you know some amazing wines are made right in the state of Ohio? That’s right, northern Ohio specifically boasts of some fantastic wines, no matter which type you prefer.

Whether you live in Ohio, or are planning to visit, it’s always a fun time to visit a winery. Many are family owned and have been working the land for generations. You can tell that they’re passionate about creating wine, and it shows up in the flavorful glasses of red, blush, white, and rose that are produced each year. 

Want to know which are the best wineries in northern Ohio? We have the top 9 right here!

• Laurentia Vineyard and Winery
• Kosicek Winery
• Laurello Vineyards
• Old Firehouse Winery
• South River Vineyard
• Ferrante Winery
• M Cellars
• Rosabella Winery
• Grand River Cellars

What makes northern Ohio a great place for wine?

Before we delve into the top wineries in northern Ohio, we thought it would be a good idea to first discuss why northern Ohio in particular produces some of the best wines in the state. Many wineries are located along the shores of Lake Erie, and in the valleys that were carved out by the Grand River and glaciers from the last ice age. These valleys create very specific micro climates that are very receptive to growing grapes. 

The cold air comes off the lake in the spring, which delays the growth of grapes, but it also extends their growing season into the fall. Grapes were first planted in the 1800s, and by 1872, Ohio was home to the country’s largest winery. The specific climate of northern Ohio allows wineries to take advantage of growing all kinds of grapes, such as Pinot gris, Pinot noir, Cabernet blanc, Chambourcin, Vidal blanc, and Riesling among others. In addition to tasting some of the best wines the state has to offer, northern Ohio is also a great place to see historic covered bridges, stay in cozy bed and breakfasts, or even spend a day on the lake. You can try SharedEasy, an affordable and popular option.

While you can visit each winery individually, consider checking out the many wine trail opportunities available!

Laurentia Vineyard and Winery

Visit a beautiful northern Ohio winery!

4599 S Madison Rd. | Madison  |  laurentiawinery.com‍

If you’re looking for wine from one of the best vineyards in all of northern Ohio, you’ve got to come to Laurentia Winery. They take advantage of the rich and complex soil that gives this area a fantastic selection of wines. Laurentia uses their own grapes, and ensures they are treated exactly as they need to be in order to yield the best tasting wines. After all, you can’t make good wine from bad grapes.

Laurentia is entering its 9th year of producing wine, and they only see their wines getting better. Whether you want to stop in for a full tasting, or just want to pick up your favorite bottle, make sure this is a stop on your wine exploration journey. Stop in on one of their many live music nights, because nothing goes better with wine than music.

“Oh, BTW, did you know that they make wine there? Well, not only do they make wine, they make the absolute best wine in the region. The reds are awesome!” -Yelp Review‍

Kosicek Vineyards

Enjoy amazing wines from the winery that locals of northern Ohio can’t get enough of

636 Ohio 534 | Harpersfield | kosicekvineyards.com‍

The Kosicek Vineyards have been in operation since 1929, and now the 3rd generation is taking the helm of wine production, with the 4th generation assisting as well. This is a great family-owned winery that wants you to slow down, and take the time to appreciate a well made glass of wine. They have all kinds of award winning wines for you to try, including their Riesling, Chardonnay, and Chancellor. 

When you start with good ingredients and the know how that this family has for wine production, you’re going to get a superior product. And that’s just what you’ll get when you visit the tasting room and take some bottles to go. Kosicek Vineyards is also home to local live music, so make sure to check their schedule.  Don’t forget to say hi to the winery dog Brixton while you’re at it!

“The reds are amazing.  Small family owned winery, the owner is knowledgeable, humble and so nice and welcoming!” -Yelp Review‍

Laurello Vineyards

Come for the fantastic northern Ohio wines and stay for the food! 

4573 State Route 307E | Geneva | laurellovineyards.com‍

If you’ve always wanted to visit a boutique winery that’s nestled into the valley of the Grand River, look no further than Laurello. This is another family owned winery that uses Ohio-grown grapes to create blends and single varietal wines that are reminiscent of the Old World varieties. With a full selection of red, white, and ice wines, there’s sure to be something that everyone in your group likes. 

In addition to award winning wines, you can also try out their food menu as well. Appetizers like the artisan cheeseboard, the caprese board, and the bread tray are designed to pair well with the wines this vineyard offers. For something a little more filling, go with the meatball panini, the antipasto salad, or one of their famous wood fired pizzas. 

“By far one of the best wineries in the area. Family owned, great staff and there is always new wine to try. I've been camping in the area for a long time and I can say this place ROCKS!” -Yelp Review 

Old Firehouse Winery

This is definitely a winery with one of the best views of the lake

5499 Lake Road E | Geneva | oldfirehousewinery.com‍

If sitting on a beautiful patio and enjoying a delicious glass of wine sounds like a great time to you, then you need to visit the Old Firehouse Winery. In addition to a fun and relaxing environment, this winery has one of the best views of Lake Erie around. If you choose to go inside, you’ll be pleased to find a comfortable atmosphere that includes all kinds of firehouse items that add to the quirkiness of the decor.

Choose from white, red, or one of their delicious fruit wines and pair it with something off of the menu! They have all kinds of burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and salads, and even shareables like nachos, mozzarella sticks, and buffalo shrimp. If you’re visiting in the summer months, make sure you take a ride on Big Eli, the Ferris wheel!

“I love this place! Wine Slushees are perfect for a hot summer day and it's a great spot to grab a bit to eat without breaking the bank. The view of Lake Erie is also nice!” -Yelp Review‍

South River Vineyard

Slow down and enjoy a glass of wine at this popular northern Ohio winery

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6062 South River Road W | Geneva | southrivervineyard.com‍

Can you imagine yourself strolling through the grounds of a beautiful winery on a sunny day and admiring all the grapes and the wonderful weather? If this sounds like a great idea for a fun afternoon, then consider stopping by South River Vineyard. When you’re done taking a walk around their property, you can stop and sit for a while on the spacious veranda, while you enjoy your favorite glass of wine.

If you enjoy reds, we recommend trying out the Exodus or Karma, but if you prefer white try out the Chardonnay, Creation, or Pinot Grigio for an excellent taste. While this winery does not have a full menu, they do offer a cheese plate and you are more than welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy as well!

“Wine was very good, great selection and the view from this place is beautiful, and if you felt like lounging, they have full patio furniture at the bottom under shade.” -Yelp Review 

Ferrante Winery

Enjoy wines from a family that has been producing wines since 1937

5585 Ohio 307 | Geneva | ferrantewinery.com‍

The Ferrante family knows a thing or two about wines, which is why their winery boasts of having both nationally and internationally awarded wines! The third generation still works at the state of the art winery located in northern Ohio to produce amazing wines such as Pinot Gris, Dulcetto, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc. In addition to these perennial favorites, Ferrante also offers fruit wines and specialties such as Summer Sangria, Apple Pie Riesling, and Jester’s Blush.

If you’re coming to taste the wines, make sure you stay for the food! Focusing on Italian cuisine, they offer antipasto, bruschetta, stuffed peppers, pizza, pasta dishes, and entrees like chicken parmesan. There’s always a wine to pair with a meal from the kitchen!

“I have been here several times and had a really good experience every time. Very clean and pretty winery with a nice wine list to choose from. Food has been delicious every time.” -Yelp Review‍

M Cellars

Share a bottle of wine with friends at this welcoming winery

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6193 South River Road W | Geneva | mcellars.com‍

Another fantastic winery that deserves a visit is M Cellars, which has been producing since 2008. This is another family owned winery that wanted to produce wine that people can enjoy while taking in the beautiful views of the property. The grapes include Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot to name a few. Visit their tasting room and try out all kinds of varietals, you may find your new favorite! 

“Nice looking place. Very friendly Tasting Room staff willing to spend time explaining the different wines to you. Tastings reasonable at $1 per vintage. Ended up buying three different kinds of wine.” -Yelp Review

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Rosabella Winery

Make memories with friends and family at this beautiful northern Ohio winery

3951 Ohio 307 | Austinburg | rosabellawinery.com‍

If you’ve been on the hunt for a dog friendly northern Ohio winery, this could be the place for you! Not only are the wines definitely worth checking out, it’s nice to know that their outdoor patio space also welcomes your four legged friend! Sit back and relax and try their four wine flights, where you get to choose the wines, and enjoy something off their menu. We recommend the meat and cheese board, the Rosabella pizza, or the cheesecake flight for something sweet!

“This is such a cute and welcoming atmosphere. The staff were so friendly and helpful. Nice variety of wines. Does lean a little on the sweet side. Excellent cheeseboard.” -Yelp Review‍

Grand River Cellars

Gather with friends and celebrate with a glass of delicious wine

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5750 South Madison Rd. | Madison | grandrivercellars.com‍

Grand River Cellars started out in 1978 and hasn’t looked back since. Although the owners changed a few times, the dedication of the team running this winery has not. All the grapes are treated with great care by the staff, which means you can expect an amazing glass of wine. The location of this winery has a big impact on the phenomenal tasting wines that are produced, both red and white. The air comes down from higher elevation and then passes over the flat lands of the vineyards, extending the growing season and promoting the production of well rounded and satisfying Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio wines.

Stop in and enjoy their tavern room or relax on the outdoor patio while enjoying wines paired with sandwiches, salads, pizzas, burgers, or something for your sweet tooth!

“Great food and flights. Beautiful landscaping!  Love the different areas to dine. We had the Brie and pear appetizer with half balsamic and half caramel.” -Yelp Review‍

If you’re in the northern Ohio region, make sure to stop at some of these fantastic wineries, you’ll be glad that you did! Which winery is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!