Food Writer Nick Dekker Shares His Winery Faves

During the warmer months, we love visiting Geneva-on-the-Lake, a summer getaway where you’ll pass crowds in flip flops and music venues with tunes spilling out into the streets. Right in the center of town is Old Firehouse Winery (pictured), with sprawling patios that offer views of Lake Erie. They specialize in sweeter sippers like wine slushies, the fruity Firehouse Red, and the crisp Lake Erie Riesling. The craziest thing about Old Firehouse is that they have a fully working Ferris wheel on site! While in town, we can’t resist a stop for fresh goodies at Madsen Donuts or burgers and root beer at Eddie’s Grill — a fixture since 1950. 

A short drive from Geneva-on-the-Lake is Debonné Vineyards in Madison. The family-owned spot holds the distinction of being Ohio’s largest estate winery, spanning 175 acres. I love visiting because there’s just so much to take in! In addition to their spacious restaurant, they feature expansive patios, live music, and a food bar. And if for some reason I’m not in the mood for a glass of wine, I’ll visit their in-house brewery, Double Wing Brewing Co.

Just north of us is the Richland County Wine & Ale Trail featuring 10 local wineries and breweries. We’ve loved tasting wines in a renovated bank at The Vault Wine Bar in Shelby or pairing sangria with flatbreads in Bellville at the Wishmaker House — a cozy B&B that serves some of the best cheesecake we’ve ever tasted. Our favorite stop, though, is Cypress Hill Winery, located underneath the excellent Hudson & Essex restaurant in downtown Mansfield.

With so many wonderful wineries across Ohio, there are endless reasons to get out and explore. Even just around us
in Columbus, my wife and I can stop into Firefly Winery in Hilliard
or Wyandotte Winery on the northeast side of the city.

One of our favorite wine destinations, no matter what time of year, is Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa outside Canton. When you roll through the gates, you won’t believe you’re still in Ohio! They have luxurious villas, big patios, and multiple dining options. My favorite hangout is The Still House, which starts as a coffee shop in the mornings and transitions to a bar in the evenings.

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.