Explore Ohio Wineries - one of the oldest and once biggest wine producing state.

Ohio Wineries

Brief History of Ohio's Winemaking

Ohio wineries struggled for survival and prosperity since 1800’s. Having gone though ups and downs, the state is still among the top 10 wine producers in America producing over 500,000 gallons annually. The first vineyards were established in Cincinnati area, and over the two centuries spread out to cover five of Ohio’s recognized virticultural areas.

The Lake Erie Appellation includes grapes grown near the shores of Lake Erie in Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania. Two appellations within The Lake Erie Appellation include Isle St. George, and Grand River Valley. The next is the Ohio River Valley Appellation, which borders the Ohio River from Wheeling, West Virginia to Cincinnati and continues on to Evansville, Indiana. The fifth is the Loramie Creek Appellation in Shelby County, bordered by Loramie and Tuttle Creeks and State Route 47.

Ohio’s grapes vary as do its microclimates, especially around the lake and on the islands. Ohio vineyards are famous for their award winning Reisling, as well as some French venifera varieties. Generally, wineries of Ohio are popular for their lighter semi-sweet wines, although full-bodied wines are also produced there.

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Ohio Wineries and Trails

You can easily plan a trip to a few wineries at a time. There are several dozens in the state, most along highways or scenic routes. This site has the complete listing of Ohio wineries. You can also plan to take a wine trail. There is a handful of those in the state, plenty to choose from. That info can be found at ohiowines.org/winetrails.shtml.

Check the listing of wine events before you deside to hit Ohio wineries to maximize your tasting experience. The listing is found at visitvintageohio.com & ohiowines.org/Events.shtml.

Not a bad site for finding where to stay is ohiolodging.com or win your 2-night hotel stay by completing the poll of the month here.

Another thing you can do if you have some extra planning time is order a visitor's brochure at consumer.discoverohio.com/visitorinformation/requestmaterials.aspx.

Make sure you check out of the state's gorgeous parks. Spring and fall being the best times to go, but summer is okay too. The park's site is ohiodnr.com/parks.

Ever thought of yourself as a Wine Personality? Check out what your wine personality is by taking a quiz here.

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