Explore Ohio Wineries on These Road Trips

Ohio’s wine country extends far beyond a single region. Across the state, scenic vineyards sit alongside our national park and on Lake Erie islands, in the city and dotting the countryside. Check out these weekend itineraries across our state’s seven different wine regions that combine winery visits with outdoor adventures, family attractions and unique dining experiences. Plus, get picks for made-in-Ohio products to grab along the way. 

Vines & Wines Region: Lakeside parks, scenic vineyards and delicious food await in the Grand River Valley area of Northeast Ohio. 

Day One

The northeast tip of the state is a grape-growing mecca. With dozens of winemakers to choose from, you can plan multiple visits. Start in Madison at Silver Crest Cellars, along the edge of the Grand River with vineyards that date back to the 1930s. Sip on a glass of their award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon or try the Gewürztraminer or Chardonnay. Bring your own lunch or snack on their charcuterie.

Sample the estate-grown Rieslings at Fossil Creek Winery, also in Madison. Grab a seat and relax on the patio with a view of the vineyards and a small stream.

Savor the tastes of Italy at Ferrante Winery & Ristorante in nearby Geneva, honed by 80 years of experience and the traditional recipes from the Ferrante family. Their eclectic lineup of wines pairs perfectly with the homemade Italian fare. Try the sweet red Rosso with the house lasagna or the Cabernet Franc with filet mignon and gnocchi.

Take a stroll through the vineyards, then sit inside the rustic lodge-style tasting room close by at Hundley Cellars. Relax with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. Both pair well with the smoked salmon dip and crab cakes — a flavorful afternoon snack. 

Wind down with live music, charcuterie, flatbread, and a glass of award-winning Cabernet Franc or barrel-fermented Chardonnay at Kosicek Vineyards in Harpersfield. Don’t leave before snapping a photo in their sunflower field.

Day Two

Gear up for a high-flying zip line adventure and take in spectacular views of the coastline from 60 feet in the air at Lake Erie Canopy Tours in Geneva-on-the-Lake. Up for more thrills? Test your athletic prowess on the ropes course or come back later to take a zip line tour at night!

After the adrenaline rush, take a load off at Laurello Vineyards (above, right) in Geneva with a glass of the award-winning Mia sparkling white or Simply Mad Hab ice wine paired with shareable buffalo chicken dip and gourmet pizza. Get dessert and more wine nearby at M Cellars (above, left). Try their cheesecake with a Pinot Noir or a slice of cake with a Riesling. The flavors change every month!

For gorgeous views of the rolling farmlands, stop by South River Vineyard in Geneva and sample their homegrown blends including the Trinity signature red blend and the elegant Riesling Vineyard Reserve. The tasting room is housed in a stunning repurposed church originally built in 1892.

Take in the fresh lakeside breezes and hunt for colorful beach glass with a stroll through the sand at Walnut Beach Park in Ashtabula. Wind down for the evening with dinner al fresco or by the cozy fireplace at Madison’s Stonegait Winery. Their unique hot honey pizza pairs well with the Riesling or try the cheese board with Syrah.

Ohio Proud Pick: For more than 100 years, the Bissell Maple Farm has made mornings sweeter with their bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup. Pick some up from Marianne’s Chocolates in Ashtabula.

***

Canal Country Region  Discover Akron-area wineries, while visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park and historic landmarks along the way. 

Day One

Take in the majestic views of Cuyahoga Valley National Park in a vintage train via the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Go on a round-trip tour of the park or bring your bike along and pedal your way back along the
Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

You don’t even have to leave the national park to find a winery. Recharge your batteries with a quick journey to Sarah’s Vineyard Winery & Art Gallery. Nosh on wood-fired pizzas and shareable appetizers and sample wines made from their estate vineyard, like the popular Hampton Hills Chardonnay and semi-sweet Blue Heron Blush.

Take an afternoon hike to the park’s two lovely waterfalls: 60-foot-tall Brandywine Falls is accessible on a 1.5-mile hike on the Brandywine Gorge Loop and Blue Hen Falls sits amid a tranquil hardwood canopy along a 3-mile round-trip path starting at the Boston Mill Visitor Center.

Wind down with a scenic countryside view and a glass of French oak-aged Cabernet Franc at the Winery at Wolf Creek in Barberton. Just down the street at Wolf Creek Tavern, dine on lamb shank pot pie paired with the winery’s Redemption white wine. Stop for a nightcap at Mogadore’s Crafted Artisan Meadery, offering up pours of handcrafted honey-based meads in creative flavors like bananas foster, watermelon honey, and spiced maple cranberry.

Day Two

Wake up with the animals at the Akron Zoo on a Rise and Shine Safari, where you can feed the penguins and see bears, lions, red pandas, and lemurs start their day before the zoo opens. 

Enjoy lunch with a view of the tranquil Portage Lakes at Nauti Vine Winery. Their wood-fired pizzas are designed to pair perfectly with their handcrafted wines, including wine floats with your choice of vino poured over a refreshing scoop of Dole Whip. Pair a prosciutto, brie, and fig pizza with a glass of Benessere Riesling.

Explore Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, one of the largest private historic homes in the U.S. The 1915 mansion, home to the co-founder of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, is surrounded by gardens. Take the Nooks & Crannies Tour to learn about the family and their staff. 

Next, head to the tranquil Lost Trail Winery and Vineyard in nearby Canton to try small-batch estate-grown wines, including Basecamp Frontenac Gris and Oseetah Vidal Blanc inspired by the Adirondack Mountains. 

End the day with dinner at Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery in Hartville. Order a custom Angus burger paired with a glass of gold-medal Redneck Red or the popular Very Berry blend.

Ohio Proud Pick: Don’t skip dessert! Gardner Pie Company has been an Akron favorite since 1945. Flavors range from the classics to mouth-watering originals like dark chocolate cherry and strawberry lemonade. 

***

Central Ohio Region: From Buckeye Lake to Newark and Granville, enjoy wineries, waterfront recreation, UNESCO landmarks and local flavors.

Day One

Spend the day enjoying sun, fun, and splashes at Ohio’s first state park — Buckeye Lake in Millersport. Once a feeder lake for Ohio’s canals, the 3,100-acre reservoir features fishing, boating, and swimming in the summer and ice skating, ice boating, and ice fishing in the winter. Get out on the water by stopping at Buckeye Lake Boat Rental in Thornville to rent a kayak, pontoon, or paddleboard.

Take a lunch break with the beautiful view at Thornville’s Buckeye Lake Winery (right). Try the chef’s weekly salmon special paired with a glass of their Lake View White or the spaghetti and meatballs with Petite Syrah

After more fun in and around the lake, head over to Buckeye Winery in Newark and sample from more than 40 wine varieties — including imaginative blends like peanut butter and cotton candy! Try several with a flight of five wines. It’s an easy two-block walk to local favorite Elliot’s Wood Fired Kitchen & Tap for a dinner of wood-fired pizza, street tacos, and a glass of sangria.

Day Two

Reflect on the past on a guided tour at the Newark Earthworks, one of only 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the U.S. and the only Ohio site. Learn the 2,000-year history and significance of the Great Circle and Octagon. Stop in the visitor centers to talk with knowledgeable rangers.

Head over to charming Granville and pick up loaded deli sandwiches at Palumbo’s Italian Market. Take in the serene countryside with a picnic at Three Oaks Vineyard — most of their blends are made with grapes native to Ohio.

Spend the afternoon browsing the shops in downtown Lancaster, including Gay Fad Studios, which crafts mid-century glassware. Or opt to play nine holes of golf on the course at Rhonemus Cellars, followed up with a Margherita pizza or selection of small plates and a wine flight at Trillium, their on-site restaurant.

Ohio Proud Pick: Have a jam session at Hanover’s MRG Farm. Their sweet spreads are made from blueberries
and raspberries picked straight from their fields.

***

Lake Erie Shores & Islands Region: Sip your way across Ohio’s Lake Erie Islands by exploring wineries, the Glacial Grooves, Crystal Cave and other local landmarks. 

Day One

With its fertile glacier-honed soil, temperate climate, and sunny summers, this region of the state has a naturally vibrant wine scene along with coastline vibes. Hop on the ferry in Marblehead and take a 20-minute ride to Kelleys Island where you can rent a golf cart or bike to explore the island. 

Don’t miss Inscription Rock, carved with petroglyphs thought to be between 400 and 800 years old, and Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve, 400-foot-long markings carved by Ice Age glaciers that are a National Natural Landmark.

Stop for lunch at Kelleys Island Wine Co., featuring zesty Mexican food at the on-site KI Cantina and wines crafted from grapes grown on the island including Indian Red, a Cabernet Franc blended with Shiraz. Another favorite of locals is Inscription White, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc blend.

Board the Jet Express ferry to South Bass Island for an afternoon. Grab a seat outside in the wine garden at Heineman’s Winery, Ohio’s oldest family-owned vintner dating back to 1888. Sample homegrown varieties, including their popular Pink Catawba and Sweet Concord. Explore below the floors of the winery, where you can step inside the gorgeous Crystal Cave, celebrated as the world’s largest geode.

Day Two   

Charter a boat from one of the many operators in the area and spend your day fishing for walleye, perch, and smallmouth bass on Lake Erie. Head over to the Gideon Owen Wine Company (right) in Port Clinton for Walleye Bites (served with remoulade sauce), salted caramel apple baked brie, or a fresh Lake Erie walleye sandwich and a glass of Traminette. Stick around to sample some of the 48 wines on tap in the historic Tirage Wine Bar. 

Don’t leave the area without getting a selfie with Wylie Walleye, the town’s 18-foot-long fish mascot, usually found outside of the Shores & Islands Visitor Center in Port Clinton. 

Ohio Proud Pick: Get the local scoop at Toft’s, the state’s oldest dairy and a favorite for more than 125 years. Try a cone of Cold Brew Caramel Latte or Peanut Butter ‘n Cookies at locations in Sandusky and Port Clinton. 

***

Vino Region: Pair Northwest Ohio wineries with hiking, birdwatching, living history and family-friendly attractions.

Day One

Explore the great outdoors at one of the state’s hidden gems, Harrison Lake State Park in Fayette. Once part of Lake Erie and the Great Black Swamp, it’s now a hot spot for birdwatching, fishing, and boating. Cool down at the swimming beach and take a stroll along the lakeside hiking trails. 

Stop for a flight of wine with a chicken taco pizza at The Winery at Harvest Moon Golf Course in Defiance. Play a round of golf on the course or go duckpin bowling and play arcade games at The Crick Entertainment Center.

Sip on a glass of Axe Handle, a blend of Pinot Noir and cherry, at The Lumberyard Winery in Napoleon. Nibble on apps like the jalapeño popper dip. Housed in a former lumberyard along the Maumee River, the winery honors its history with the names of their house-made varietals, including the Two By Four Riesling, Rough Cut Red Blend, and Jigsaw Cherry Fruit Wine. 

Snap a photo as you drive past the gigantic can of Campbell’s Tomato Soup outside the factory that makes it. You can’t miss it!

End the day with a relaxing dinner of burgers, paninis, or tacos at Leisure Time Winery in Napoleon. Sample the Kellner Red blend of Chambourcin and Chancellor grapes with a Reuben flatbread or try Stress Reliever Pinot Grigio with the alfredo chicken pizza.

***

Day Two

Spend the morning walking through time at Archbold’s Sauder Village (right), a living history museum that recreates small-town Ohio life from 1803 to the 1920s. Load up on home-cooked comfort food at the Barn Restaurant, try a hand-spun milkshake at the soda fountain counter, and sip spirits at the adults-only speakeasy.

Lace up your hiking boots to explore Maumee State Forest in Swanton for the chance to hunt for prized morels in the spring. Bring the binoculars to spot birds — the park is a hot spot for sandhill cranes and songbirds, along with short-eared owls in winter.

Stop for a glass of the estate-grown Seyval Blanc overlooking the vineyard at Knotty Vines Farm & Winery in Wauseon. Then, spend the evening listening to live music nearby at American Winery & Brewery. The menu features paninis (the roast beef and smoked cheddar is a must-try), sliders, and a robust lineup of wines, including the beloved Sunshine Dew sweet lemon wine. 

Ohio Proud Pick: Take home tart elderberry tea, syrup, and juice made from homegrown fruits at K & B Elderberry Acres. Find their booth at the Defiance Farmers Market on Saturdays.

***

Appalachia Region: Explore Hocking Hills State Park and nearby wineries with waterfall hikes, canopy tours, live music and award-winning wines.

Day One

Start a full day exploring one of the state’s most beloved outdoor destinations, Hocking Hills State Park (below) outside of Logan, with your choice of adventures: visit the stunning gorges and waterfalls of Old Man’s Cave, trek through the ancient sandstone recesses of Rock House, or take in the majesty of Cedar Falls.

Then head to Logan to refuel at Brewery 33 Hocking Hills. Order The Jack sandwich, a BBQ pulled pork marinated with ale, alongside a glass of homebrewed mead, wine, cider, or craft beer. Their bar offerings change frequently. Try the Starr Route Red — a blend of Merlot and Shiraz aged in Hocking Hills Moonshine barrels.

Take in the beauty of Cantwell Cliffs in Rockbridge, one of the most picturesque areas in the Hocking Hills. Hike through rocky gorges and valleys for colorful views of wildflowers, sandstone cliffs, and a waterfall. 

End the day taking in the sunset from the patio at Le Petit Chevalier Vineyards and Farm Winery in Creola. Pair their award-winning Norton dry red and Best of Ohio 2025-winning Chambourcin with a panini or hummus before turning in for the night in their on-site loft or cottage.

Day Two

Kick off the morning with a high-flying zip-line adventure at Hocking Hills Canopy Tours in Rockbridge to get a bird’s-eye view of the area’s stunning hills and valleys. Looking for an extra-big thrill? Try out the SuperZip, a quarter-mile dual zip line that races two riders side-by-side at speeds up to 50 miles per hour!

Take time afterward to chill out with a wine slushie or a spicy pepper-infused fruit wine at Revolution Rockbridge Winery in Rockbridge, before traveling to Logan for lunch at 58 West (top). Pair a hearty muffaletta, mushroom sage flatbread, or shareable hot honey barbecue brisket chips with a glass of their Sauvignon Blanc. Make your own s’mores for dessert. 

Spend the afternoon in Athens checking out the exhibits at The Dairy Barn Arts Center, housed in a stunning Georgian Revival barn. Stop into nearby Dutch Creek Winery (above) to sample from an innovative lineup of house-made meads, ciders, and fruit wines in flavors like Booty Blue (honey blueberry lemon) and Royal Affair (Earl Grey tea and bergamot spice).

Relax with an evening of live music, homemade pizza, and a wine slushie or wine flight at Hocking Hills Winery. Their gold-medal Trillium white and Zinfully Sweet table wines are standouts. 

Ohio Proud Pick: Wake up and smell the freshly roasted fair-trade coffee beans from around the world at local favorite Hocking Hills Roastery in Logan. 

***

Ohio River Valley Region: Visit the Cincinnati area to discover wineries, incredible museums, a historic market and memorable dining experiences

Day One

Start your day at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and meet two of the Queen City’s biggest celebrities: Fiona and Fritz the hippos, along with hundreds of other animals from around the world. Check the animal encounters schedule for keeper talks and up-close-and-personal opportunities (including feeding the giraffes) and take a zoo train ride around the vast grounds.

Find out why the Montgomery Inn has won awards for its ribs, served slathered in their world-famous barbecue sauce. Sip from a curated selection of wines at the legendary restaurant on the scenic Ohio River.

Spend the afternoon at the American Sign Museum, a visual feast for the eyes that showcases colorful and historic vintage signs dating back more than 100 years. Watch as flashy neon signs are made.

For dinner, take in the view of the rolling southwest Ohio hills and enjoy a steak cookout and live music at Vinoklet Winery & Restaurant. Your meal includes a half bottle of your choice of wines.

***

Day Two

Explore multiple museums under one roof at the stunning Art Deco Cincinnati Museum Center, home to an OMNIMAX theater and five museums, including the Museum of Natural History & Science, The Children’s Museum, and the Cr(eat)e
Culinary Studio, which offers cooking classes and workshops.

It’s just a short drive away to bustling Findlay Market, Ohio’s oldest continually running public market. With more than 50 vendors, including Market Wines, it’s the perfect lunch stop for every palate. Take an afternoon stroll or a guided tour through the surrounding Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and check out trendy boutiques, historic architecture, and personality-filled pubs, followed by a light dinner and a seasonal flight at The Skeleton Root, operated by a woman vintner who specializes in wines made from forgotten American heritage grapes.

Ohio Proud Pick: Soothe your soul with a bar of lemongrass and mint soap and heavenly natural scents like lavender and patchouli at The Tree Hugger Soap Company, located in the Hyde Park Farmers’ Market year-round.

Sip Magazine is for Ohio wine lovers and is produced by Great Lakes Studios in partnership with the Ohio Grape Industries Committee. View a digital version of Sip Magazine 2026 here.