Central Ohio, or Greater Columbus, is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the Midwestern United States. Along with the capital city, Central Ohio also has one of the greatest concentrations of people and economic activity in the entire country. Some of Ohio’s main cash crops include soybeans, corn, and wheat, but did you know Ohio is also widely known for its wine? More than 1 million gallons of wine are produced each year in the state of Ohio alone, making it one of the top 10 wine producing states in the country. If you’ve checked out our article about the top 15 wineries in Ohio, you have already gotten a glimpse into some of the fabulous wineries across the state. If you live around Central Ohio or plan to visit someday, continue reading to learn about the top wineries you can find in the area!

Winery at Versailles 

As mentioned a bit in our top 15 wineries in Ohio blog, you must stop by the Winery at Versailles! The story of this winery began about 30 years ago in Wilcox, PA. Owners of the winery, Mike and Carol Williams, were enthusiasts in the wine making process and accomplished their dream of starting up a winery. Since the winery has opened, it has expanded across two states with about 75 people being employed each year. An estimated 200,000 gallons of wine are produced every single year! The Winery at Versailles has been voted the best winery 5 years in a row: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.

Upcoming events at the Winery at Versailles to plan for:

• Italian Dinner Wine & Chocolate Pairing: November 11th & 12th, join the Winery for “a night of romance, delicious food, decadent chocolates and award winning wines.” 
• Wine & Pizza: What a great combination, Wine & Pizza! Join the Winery at Versailles on November 18th for a bottle of wine and a choice of a variety of different pizzas from the menu. Cost is $25 per couple. 

Rockside Winery & Vineyards

This next winery is located just about 45 minutes outside of Columbus. With the first vines being planted in 2007, the Rockside Winery & Vineyards exists on a beautiful 17 acre spot among the rolling hills of Fairfield County. In October of 2014, current owners, Robin and Valerie Coolidge, purchased the winery and vineyards. Prior to the purchase of Rockside, the couple had originally owned the renowned Wyandotte Winery in nearby Columbus for many years. Rockside became more of an ideal fit for the couple, because it was in the perfect location with well drained soil and enough space for vineyards. The owners work hard year round taking care of the vineyards, with fall being the appropriate time to harvest the grapes and begin the winemaking process. 

Something a bit more unique about the Rockside Winery is that they sell wine cakes! Typically made in Colombia, it’s hard to find a lot of wineries that sell the cakes. Check out some of the flavors offered at Rockside:

• Blackberry
• Chocolate Port
• Venetian

Graystone Wine Cellar & Restaurant

This next place has a bit of a historic past! The Graystone Wine Cellar & Restaurant occupies the lymestone vaults of what was once the Bavarian Brewery in 1875. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the Bavarian Brewery is traced back to two German immigrants who arrived in Ohio around the 1830s. In November of 1990, the winery eventually became known as the Graystone Winery, and then Graystone Wine Cellar when the production of wine at the location quit. 

Currently, Graystone is most notably known as one of the hot spots in Ohio to hold special events such as:

• Wedding Receptions and Ceremonies
• Corporate Events
• Retirement Parties
• Birthday Parties
• Fundraisers
• Rehearsal Dinners 

Graystone offers dinner packages on the menu that include appetizers, a meal, dessert, and of course wine options as well as beer options! The two dinner packages currently being offered are The Statehouse and the Graystone Signature.

The Statehouse:

• Choice of two appetizers.
• House Salad.
• Choice of either Buffet Dinner or Served Dinner.
• Dessert Display or two additional hours of bar service.
• Two Hour Wine and Beer Package featuring a selection of fine wines, domestic and craft beer, coffee and soda.

Graystone Signature:

• Choice of three appetizers.  You can also substitute dessert for one appetizer.
• House Salad.
• Choice of either Buffet Dinner or Served Dinner.
• Champagne Toast.
• 4-Hour Premium Bar Package featuring a selection of fine wines, premium liquors, domestic and craft beer, coffee and soda.

Raven’s Glenn Winery & Restaurant

Another winery mentioned in our blog on the top 15 wineries in Ohio, Robert and Renee Guillams, current owners of Raven’s Glenn Winery & Restaurant, found themselves making some pretty drastic changes in career paths during 2003. The Guillams originally had successful careers in health care for about 30 years, prior to opening Raven Glenn. In 1997, the first vines were planted in the winery. 3 varieties were included of Vidal Blanc, Chardonnel, and Noiret. It took about 4-5 years for the vines to produce good quality grapes, and about 2,500 gallons of wine began to be produced each year. 

Along with producing high quality, Raven’s Glenn also offers some stellar food options consisting of appetizers, sandwiches, pastas, and more!

Current categories of wine at Raven’s Glenn:

• Dry White Wines
• Dry Red Wines
• Sweet White Wines
• Sweet Red Wines
• Speciality & Dessert Wines

Visit the “Wine Store” on Raven’s Glenn website.

Popular entrees:

• New York Strip Steak
• Ravens Ribeye
• Peach Pork Medallions
• Pecan Crusted Walleye
• Blueberry Salmon
• Chardonnay Chicken

Check out some more details about their menu here!

Dalton Union Winery

‍Dalton Union Winery, currently the only winery located in Marysville, offers a very laid back and comfortable atmosphere to enjoy some top tier wine! The winery was opened in 2015, after the owners had done some of their own dabbling into the process of wine making. Initially the owners had opened a tasting room, but they soon were aware that they would need more space so they moved to the current tasting house in 2016. In 2018, a brewery was also launched! Live music is offered every Saturday night, with solid food options from a variety of different food trucks.

Dalton Union is a great place to host a party or just bring some friends and relax if you wish! In the private tasting room, you can schedule groups of 20 people or less. If you’re looking to bring a bit of a bigger party for a special event, you can bring parties of up to 75-80 people in the main tasting house. If you don’t live near central Ohio, you can also pick up the wine from Dalton Union at a variety of different locations across Ohio! Check out some of these locations here.

Greene Eagle Winery

Another winery with a bit of a historical past, the Greene Eagle Winery! Located in Cortland, Ohio, Greene Eagle has an appreciation of the history of winemaking. Greene Eagle is a venue that is reminiscent of colonial Williamsburg. If you enjoy live music, this is the winery you’ll want to go ahead and check out! A musical guest will be featured each Saturday through the rest of the year. 

The Eagle’s Nest

Something interesting to note about Greene Eagle is that they have a cozy cabin you can stay in after your visit to the winery. This luxurious cabin is called “The Eagle’s Nest” and is located in the countryside between the Greene Eagle Winery and the Brew Pub in rural Northeast Ohio.

More details about this cabin:

• The Eagle’s Nest is available to guests for overnight and short-term stays. Current rate range is $115 to $195 per night for two guests, depending on weeknight vs. weekends. Weekly discounts are available.
• Additional guests $10 each. There is a minimum of six guests. 
• Pets are allowed with an additional fee.

• Tents are allowed. Each tent is an additional $10 per night. Each guest in a tent is an additional $5 per night. For example, one tent with four people would be there each night.
• Maximum group size cabin and tents is 12 guests.
• The cabin has a queen bed, loft and a sleeper sofa.

Powell Village Winery

In the quaint town of Powell is where you’ll find another one of the state’s most recognized wineries. In 2011, the Powell Village Winery was created by longtime Powell residents: Dana and Ken Waldron. Grapes at Powell Village are completely sourced from California, but are all made completely in Ohio. With over 20 different varieties of red, white, and sweet wine to choose from, Powell Village will give you something that is guaranteed to please your taste palate!

Fantastic weekly specials offered at Powell Village:

• Tuesday:  $25 Tuesday (1 bottle of wine and 1 flatbread for $25)
• Wednesday:  $5 Glasses of Wine from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday:  $24 Flight Night (flight & flatbread) (10% off additional flights)
• Friday: $10 Wine & Cheesy Friday (any glass of wine and cheesy bites)

Powell Village is also known for some delicious & classic appetizer options for catering. Some of these options include:

• Spinach & Artichoke Chips & Dip: Warm spinach and artichoke dip, served with pita. (Serves 16-20) for $36.95.
• Greek Orzo Pasta Salad: Orzo pasta, feta cheese, crisp summer vegetables,  fresh herbs topped with a light vinaigrette. (Serves 12-16) for $30.
• Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad: Sun-ripened cherry tomatoes paired with bite-size balls of fresh mozzarella mixed with basil pesto. (Serves 12-16) for $45.

Camelot Cellars Winery

If you want to try wines that are more internationally based, this final winery is right for you! Camelot Cellars originally opened in 2004, prior to being bought by a larger company in 2008. Renard Green, current owner of the winery, rebranded the entire experience of the winery in 2020. Since then, wine is produced of the highest quality, and have medals in both national and international wine competitions.

Check out some of the top wine options at Camelot Cellars and the medals they have received:

Gold Medals

• 2012 Vidal Ice Wine (Ohio Wine Competition)
• 2009 Montagnac Syrah/Mourvedre (Chicago BTI Wine Competition)
• 2008 Sherry (Chicago BTI Wine Competition)
• 2009 Luna Rossa (Indy International Wine Competition 2011)
• 2009 Luna Rossa (Chicago BTI Wine Competition)

Silver Medals

• 2009 Luna Rossa (Florida State International Wine Competition)
• 2009 Luna Rossa (Fingerlakes International Wine Competition)
• 2010 Sonoma Pinot Noir (Fingerlakes International Wine Competition)
• 2008 Cabernet Franc Ice Wine (Fingerlakes International Wine Competition)
• 2009 Italian Dolcetto (San Diego International Wine Competition)

Bronze Medals

• 2008 Estate Barolo (Indy International Wine Competition)
• 2009 Italian Dolcetto (Florida State International Wine Competition)
• 2010 Sonoma Pinot Noir (Florida State International Wine Competition)
• 2009 Italian Dolcetto (Fingerlakes International Wine Competition)
• 2009 Valpolicella (New York International Wine Competition)

Along with the wide and impressive variety in wine, Camelot Cellars will offer you with a great comfort food experience of creole and southern influence. 

Where Will You Venture To?

Which of these wineries stood out to you most, and which wine/food options seem most pleasing to try? Let us know in the comments!