Posts from September 17th, 2021

Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just someone who would like to try different varieties and learn about them, Northeast Ohio is the ideal place to create your own winery tour. Its fertile soil and climate make it a prime location to grow grapes, as evidenced by its many local wineries. They offer a relaxed atmosphere and are often family-owned, so you'll be able to learn about their history and offerings. Some also offer food ranging from small bites to full meals, as well as weekend entertainment.
  
Check out the following nine places to consider as you create your own Northeast Ohio Winery tour.  

Sharon James Cellars

11303 Kinsman Rd., Newbury Township, OH 44065

Try one of several handcrafted wines at Sharon James Cellars, where you'll find reds, whites, and roses named after virtues like vitality and compassion. The property has a tasting room if you prefer to enjoy your wine indoors, as well as an outdoor patio and open-air outdoor pavilion if you like to relax outside with your wine. The winery also has a full-service kitchen and full-time chef, so you can indulge in deliciously fresh meals prepared using local ingredients. Try a pizza or panini, or order a delicious appetizer or two such as fresh hummus and veggies or a cheese plate.

Urban Vintner

37484 N. Industrial Pkwy., Willoughby, OH 44094

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You'll be able to see the entire production process at Urban Vintner, watching the transformation from grape to bottled wine. It's co-owned by award-winning winemaker Ed Trebets, who has won over 1,000 medals in his winemaking career. Sample several with a visit to the Tasting Room, which is open on Fridays and Saturdays. And if you'd like to try even more varieties, the winery offers a wine club that includes selections that are locally produced as well as ones that are globally sourced.

Laleure Vineyards

17335 Nash Rd., Middlefield, OH 44062

This small boutique winery makes most of its wines from vinifera grapes grown right on the property. Schedule your visit for a weekend if possible, when the tasting room is open, but it's also open by appointment if you'd like to visit at another time. The vineyard also frequently hosts live entertainment on Fridays and/or Saturdays, so order a glass of your favorite selection and relax while you enjoy the music.

Blind Squirrel Winery

7918 Pettibone Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023

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Wines are produced and blended on-site at Blind Squirrel winery, and they're selected to appeal to a wide range of tastes. Some additional wines are offered seasonally. The tasting room is open Thursdays through Saturdays from 4-9 p.m., so try some different types and settle on a full glass or two of your favorite.

Stonegait Winery

4275 Bates Rd., Madison, OH 44057

If Stonegait Winery has a rustic barn-like appearance, that's because it once was a barn on a former horse farm. The owners purchased the barn after planting their vineyard and waiting four years, and they then renovated the barn to transform it into a winery. It now offers a full food menu along with an extensive list of wine offerings that you're welcome to enjoy by the bottle, glass, or taste. Fridays or Saturdays are a good time to visit if you'd like to enjoy live music along with your food and wine.

The Winery at Spring Hill

6062 South Ridge Rd. W, Geneva, OH 44041

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The Winery at Spring Hill has a friendly, relaxing feel, and although wine is its centerpiece, it also offers much more. In addition to a selection of handcrafted wines ranging from dry to sweet, their wine bar also serves unique hard ciders, craft beers from local breweries, and cocktails made with liquor from local distilleries. Food is also available, and you can choose a snack, meal, or one of the bakery's delicious desserts.

Virant Family Winery

541 Atkins Rd., Geneva, OH 44041

The Virant family spans 3 generations of winemakers, the latest of whom currently own the winery. Their 11 selections are made to have a crisp grape taste along with a pleasant aftertaste. They pair well with the winery's weekly snack food menu along with their more extensive menu for the weekends, when you can order steak, chicken, or ribs and listen to live music.

Silver Crest Cellars

4511 Bates Rd., Madison, OH 44057

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Silver Crest Cellars uses grapes from their family vineyards that date back to the 1930s, along with grapes from other local growers. Try their wines by the bottle, glass, or taste in a relaxing indoor or outdoor seating area. You'll be able to choose from old-world as well as new-world varieties, in addition to local and historical varieties and blends.

Debonne Vineyards

7840 Doty Rd., Madison, OH 44057 

The largest estate winery in Ohio, Debonne Vineyards has over 175 acres of grapevines. The vineyard is known for its newer varieties and original blends and has also opened its own microbrewery. To learn about the entire winemaking process, schedule a tour that includes four samples of wine as well as cheese and crackers. You can also choose a tasting tray of your favorite type of wine, such as dry red or Riesling, and you'll get a souvenir glass, bottled water, crackers, and chocolate. And if you're ready for a meal, a casual food menu is also available. You might want to time your visit to coincide with one of the many events hosted by the winery, including a home winemaking class, fun run, bocce ball tournament, or motorcycle rally.

Sip, Savor, Repeat

What are some of your favorite wineries in Northeast Ohio?