Unique Wineries You’ll Find Only in Ohio

Extinguish your thirst at Old Firehouse Winery on the shores of Lake Erie in Geneva. As you’ve probably guessed from the name, it’s situated in an old firehouse – the first firehouse in Geneva-on-the-Lake, to be exact! Old Firehouse also lays claim to being the only winery in the world with its own Ferris wheel, located on the winery’s beautiful sunset patio. The brightly colored 1956 Ferris wheel is open nightly during the summer, offering elevated views of stunning Lake Erie sunsets.

During Prohibition, Heineman Winery in Put-in-Bay managed to survive thanks to a unique underground tourist attraction: the world’s largest geode! Today you can still tour the Crystal Cave 40 feet below the winery. First discovered in 1897, the cave is lined with bluish celestite crystals that range from eight to 18 inches long. All ages are welcome to tour the cave from early May through late September. Enjoy an included glass of wine or grape juice after the tour.

The Merry Family Winery and Old Mill Craft Beer in Bidwell makes its home in a former gristmill once owned by Jewell Evans, wife of restaurateur Bob Evans. The family-run establishment offers a collection of wines as well as house-made craft beers, ciders and sodas. Whatever you choose to sip on, it’s best enjoyed under the vaulted ceilings in the winery’s spacious tasting room or sitting on the chairs out front and gazing over the beautiful vineyards.

At Sarah's Vineyard in Cuyahoga Falls, you can explore the great outdoors after you sip a Blue Heron Blush or Hampton Hills Chardonnay — the vineyard and tasting room are located inside Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

The rustic digs are partially constructed from pre-Civil War barn beams, and include a tasting room, art gallery and an al fresco deck and pavilion offering views of the rolling vineyards. Order hearty bar bites, sandwiches and pizzas to pair with a glass of wine.

Maybe you’re not eager to go back to school, but a schoolhouse that’s now a winery might convince you! School House Winery in Dover sits in a gorgeously renovated 1886 school building. Sip its award-winning wines while taking in pond and vineyard views. Likewise, Olde School House Vineyard & Winery in Eaton makes its home in a one-room brick schoolhouse dating back to the 1890s. Taste a Riesling or Cabernet Franc on the patio and catch the latest live music.