It doesn't matter if you're an occasional sipper or an experienced aficionado, wine tasting is a great way to unwind with friends after a busy week. While Central Ohio is a long way from Napa Valley, there's no shortage of fantastic wine tasting options in the area. With so many choices, you are sure to discover several new types of wine you absolutely love.

Whether you're planning an upcoming date night or just hanging out with the girls, below are some recommendations for great wineries and vineyards in and around the Columbus area.

Via Vecchia Winery

2050 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43207

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Via Vecchia calls itself an industrial-chic event center and urban winery. This 6,000-square-foot venue in downtown Columbus allows you to escape the busy city without actually leaving, as the property is equipped with a beautiful mezzanine, covered veranda, large patio, and private courtyard. While it's often used as a wedding venue, the winery itself is open by appointment. Vecchia's fine wines are made from traditional Tuscan techniques using certified organic grapes imported from California. All wines are vegan, keto, and paleo diet-friendly as well as gluten-free.

Wyandotte Winery 

4640 Wyandotte Dr., Columbus, OH 43230

Wyandotte Winery calls itself the first and oldest winery in Columbus.  Here, you can try new wines in a casual "no snob" environment.  Located on a neighborhood street near Blendon Woods Park, this winery has a bar, a tasting room, and a wine shop, and all wine is made onsite. The property has a beautiful outdoor patio that is open when the weather cooperates. While they don't have a food menu, the owners will occasionally host a multi-course dinner with wine pairings. The winery is open Thursday - Saturday. Also, if you're traveling toward the Lancaster Ohio area, be sure to check out Rockside Winery and Vineyards, which is Wyandotte's sister winery.

Camelot Cellars

901 Oak St., Columbus, OH 43205

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A Columbus staple since 2005, Camelot Cellars is a boutique winery offering more than 60 unique, high-quality wines that appeal to first-time consumers, experienced palates, and everyone in-between. Camelot's award-winning wines are made on-premise and are recognized nationally and internationally. In addition to wine, they offer a southern, Creole-influenced menu full of tasty modern comfort foods. If some members of your party prefer other beverages, beer and cocktails are also available. With happy hour specials during the week and winery tours on the weekend, make sure a visit to Camelot Cellars is on your list.

Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant

4230 The Strand, Columbus, OH 43219

What started as a winery in Orland Park, IL in 2005 has now expanded to several dozen locations across 10 states including this spot north of Columbus. Cooper's Hawk's wines have won hundreds of awards and are made with grapes from Chile, France, California, and Washington. Each wine is handcrafted and nurtured "according to its individual needs." With an onsite tasting room and a full dinner menu, Cooper's Hawk is the perfect place for a relaxing night out. Dining is described as modern casual, and they also offer a retail store so you can grab a bottle to take home. The restaurant and tasting rooms are open Monday - Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Good Vibes Winery

2 S. State St., Westerville, OH 43081

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Located north of Columbus in Westerville, Good Vibes Winery brands itself as an urban winery that brings the traditional "wine region" experience to central Ohio. Each of the 20+ wines is named after classic hits and is made in Westerville using grapes from award-winning vineyards from all around the world. With a beautiful tasting room, Good Vibes Winery is a great place to relax. They also have special events throughout the year, so be sure to keep an eye on their calendar. While they don't offer a full menu, they do have a handful of small plates and snacks. Wines are also available for carryout. Hours may vary, but they're generally open Wednesdays through Saturdays.

Slate Run Vineyard

1900 Winchester Southern Rd., Canal Winchester, OH 43110

If you're south of Columbus, head over to Slate Run Vineyard. Named for a nearby creek, Slate Run has over sample 17 proprietary wines available to sample, each one made with grapes from their beautiful vineyard. Using 100% Ohio Fruit, Slate Run makes wines that go beyond simple fruit character. Since they're located about 19 miles southeast of Columbus, they're actually 200 feet higher in elevation which creates a unique mixture of soils and microclimate.  In addition to a beautiful vineyard, Slate Run also has a 2,400-square-foot Winehaus that is perfect for private parties or special events. Don't feel like making the drive? Slate Run also ships wine anywhere in Ohio. Slate Run is open Mondays - Saturdays from 1 p.m to 7 p.m.

Soine Vineyards Winery

3510 Clark-Shaw Rd., Powell, OH 43065

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This beautiful winery vineyard sits on about 6 acres of land about 4 miles north of Columbus. Ten cultivars of grapes are grown within the vineyard and are used to produce a variety of locally-produced red, white, and blush wines. In case you're hungry, they offer a small menu of appetizers and pizza. They often have live music and special events on the weekends, so if you're looking to a quick way to escape the busy city, head to Soine Vineyard where you can sip wine while relaxing on their beautiful property. The winery is opened Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 2 to 8 p.m.

Blend of Seven Winery

1400 Stratford Rd., Delaware, OH 43015

This cozy winery located north of Columbus features a tasting room, event space, and outdoor seating. They also host live music, chili cook-offs, and other special events throughout the year. Each of their unique wines is crafted on-site using grapes from all around the world, and the owners are often available to provide food pairing tips and recommendations. If you get hungry, a small menu of appetizers, pizza, and sandwiches is available. Wines are available by tasting, glass, bottle, or carryout bottle. The winery is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Red or White?

When it comes to wine tasting, the Columbus area is definitely coming of age. With so many options around the city, where will you be sipping wine this weekend?