Ohio Wineries & Ohio Vineyards




Uncorking the Spirit of the Wine Trail

Let the Good Times Flow in Coshocton, Ohio
By Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide To Fun!

Over the rivers and hills to spirited places you shall go, all along the Three Rivers Wine Trail. But it’s not just wine on the menu; there is a brewery and a distillery too. So, whether you want a stem, stein or shot, follow the ribbons of country road connecting vineyards, woods and farms to villages and towns, all ripe with homespun tales and drinks in the making.

It isn’t only the desire to wet your whistle that makes a wine trail worthy of trekking, although this is an essential ingredient. Perhaps just as important are the strangers who become friends along the way.

There’s nothing like a familiar smile and a, “Hey, we just saw you back at…Come join us!”

This journey isn’t always about the destinations. You’ll sense sweet Mother Nature breathing open the essence of a blooming joy across this unique wine country. See a hawk soar overhead. Pause before century barns and all their charm. Pass an Amish horse and buggy. Get passed by a motorcycle. Oh, and then there are the mom-and-pop shops with storefront windows straight out of Yesteryear.

The best part of the Three Rivers Wine Trail is its diversity. …READ MORE…

Click here to read the rest of the story

Brothers Drake Meadery

brothers-drake-meadery-columbusBrother’s Drake Meadery in Columbus, Ohio is open Wed – Fri from from 5pm – 12am, Sat from 1pm – 12am,

Brothers Drake Meadery is an urban producer of wines made from honey.  Sourced from local wildflower honey and only sold in Ohio, it is not only delicious but a modern take on an ancient tradition, and a building block in strengthening the local economy.  The Meadery also serves as a bar hosting community events and live music.  Visit the website above for a tour of the production facility or to book an event.

Camelot Cellars Winery & Bistro in Columbus Ohio

camelot-cellars-columbus-ohio-wineryCamelot Cellars is open Tuesday – Thursday 4:00pm – 10:00pm; Friday 4:00pm to 11:00pm; Saturday 11:00am – 11:00pm. Closed Sunday. Monday closed for private parties.

 

  • Location: (Map It) 901 Oak Street in Columbus, Ohio
  • Phone: 614-441-8860
  • Web: click here

Camelot Cellars is an award-winning Urban Boutique Winery, handcrafting their own wines sourcing premier juices from vineyards all over the world. Offerings include retail wines by the bottle, wine tastings, flights, and event spaces. They also have beer on tap, hard ciders and an Italian Bistro featuring hand-made pastas, scratch-made sauces, flatbreads, cheese boards and more. Saturday Brunch from 11-2 is always a busy time, so it’s best to make a reservation. Their Wine-making Lab allows guests to handcraft or adopt their very own wine and personalize bottles with a custom label. The Winery can accommodate up to 125 guests.

After spending many years in the Short North, Camelot Cellars moved to Olde Towne East in 2016 for more space to accommodate for demand. The new location has 20 bar seats, comfortable seating for more than 70 people, and an interactive customer wine-making area. The surrounding community is a perfect fit for the locally made, wine-is-art vibe at Camelot.

Their juices come from vineyards around the world. They’ve become nationally recognized winning 41 medals in national and international wine competitions. It’s their attention to detail that ensures that their wine is of high quality. They also dedicate themselves to their customer’s guidance and education, ensuring great customer services.

Janine Aquino took over Camelot Cellars in 2011. She’s originally from the Hudson Valley area of New York (her family-owned John Aquino Sons, Inc.) making her a fourth-generation wine professional. She grew up in the vineyard, worked at several of them, and studied food and wine pairings at Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York.

Camelot Cellars regularly host events such as corporate team building, social networking, Wedding rehearsal dinners, bachelorette parties, birthdays, anniversaries, and themed nights including a wine & psychic night, painting night, book clubs and more. They offer free Winery Tours (reservations required) available on Saturdays at 12:30, 2:30, 4:30 and 6:30pm.

Copper Whale Winery

Welcome to Copper Whale Winery!

  • Open: March thru October
  • Location: (Map It) 1734 E McPherson Hwy in Clyde, Ohio
  • Phone: (419) 765-1015
  • Web: click here

Copper Whale Winery is the home of many festivities, including live music performances every week from Friday to Sunday. The winery also hosts a variety of creative events and shows. These events can range anywhere from fine art to comedy, comics, and more. Whether visitors come for wine, music, events, or all of the above, there is always fun to be had. The many different selections of wine flavors and events give Copper Whale Winery a one-of-a-kind sense of charm. 

Bardwell Winery Mt. Orab, Ohio

bardwell-winery-2The Bardwell Winery Mt. Orab, Ohio serves food  Thursday – Friday from 4-10pm and Saturday 2-10 pm.

  • Location: (Map It) 716 N High Street in Mt. Orab, OH 45154
  • Phone: 513-309-0781
  • Web: click here

Bardwell Winery Mt. Orab, Ohio:  Located in the historic Moon Buggy Factory in Brown County, it is their pleasure to offer hand-crafted, small-batch wines with ample varieties sure to please every taste.  Their menu includes numerous appetizers and made to order pizza.  All sauces and dips are home-made.

Darke County Whiskey, Wine, & Ale Trail

Welcome to the Darke County Whiskey, Wine, & Ale Trail.

  • Open: Year-round
  • Location: (Map It) Darke County, Ohio
  • Phone: 937-548-5158
  • Web: click here

The Darke County Whiskey, Wine, & Ale Trail is the only trail in Ohio that combines whiskey, wine, & craft beer. The trail takes you to the oldest distillery in Ohio at Indian Creek Distillery. Sip award-winning wines at a former Ohio Magazine “Best Winery” winner at The Winery at Versailles. Visit the “Land of the Cross-Tipped Churches” on your way to Moeller Brew Barn. Swing through Arcanum and play fetch with Fuel, the logo namesake of A.R. Winery, the newest winery in Darke County. Enjoy a spectacular country sunset on the back porch of Tailspin Brewing Company, in what was once an old dairy barn. Tap your feet to live music on the patio of Kennedy Vineyard. Enjoy the ambiance of an old schoolhouse at (you guessed it) Olde Schoolhouse Winery. This and more are found throughout the picturesque rural setting of western Ohio’s Darke County.

Harmony Hill Vineyards & Estate Winery Bethel, Ohio

Harmony Hill Vineyards & Estate Winery Bethel, Ohio is usually open from the end of May to early October on Fridays from 5-9pm and Saturdays from 2-9pm plus summer holidays (Entertainment Daily).

  • Location: (Map It) 2534 Swings Corner Point Isabel Road in Bethel, Ohio  45106
  • Phone: 513-734-3548 Alternate Phone: 513-315-8786
  • Web: click here

Harmony Hill Vineyards & Estate Winery is southwest Ohio’s premier winery destination. It is a small boutique winery nestled in the quiet village of Bethel, just miles from the historic Ohio River Valley. Harmony Hill features a picturesque country setting surrounded by a 70-acre Nationally Certified Wildlife Refuge farm. Their underground wine cave is one of only six similar structures in the country. Sample premium award-winning wines among the fermentation bins in the working winery or view vineyards from the covered outdoor patios. Miles of walking trails, pristine flower gardens, and manicured grounds make Harmony Hill the perfect destination for those who yearn for a taste of the country, with daily entertainment as an added benefit. Picnicking in the vineyards or under the shade of the hundreds of trees surrounding the winery is encouraged. Harmony Hill is an adult-only venue with a minimum age of 18. Harmony Hill has been featured in Ohio Magazine, Wall Street Journal, and PBS America’s Heartland television series, in addition to major newspapers across Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky.

Meier’s Wine Cellars in Silverton, Ohio

The Meier’s Wine Cellars in Silverton, Ohio is open Tuesday – Thursday from 9am – 5pm and Friday – Saturday from 10am – 7pm. Closed Sunday-Monday and holidays.

Meier’s Wine Cellars in Silverton, Ohio is the oldest and largest winery in the state dating back more than 100 years. Award winning table wines, dessert wines, vermouth, sparkling wines, and sparkling non-alcoholic grape juice. Tastings, video tour, gift shop, groups welcome by appointment.

The Winery at Versailles

The Winery at Versailles in Versailles, Ohio is open Mon – Wed from 10am – 6pm, Thurs from 10am – 8pm, Fri & Sat from 10am – 9pm.

The Winery at Versailles in Versailles, Ohio:  Small family winery, serving award winning wines.  Over 30 different wines to select from.  Tastings available.  Tours are free.  Cafe area, loft, outside picnic area.  Can accommodate small parties and events.  Snacks available.

Woodstone Creek Winery Cincinnati, Ohio

The Woodstone Creek Winery in Cincinnati is open most Saturdays from 2pm – 7pm.

The Woodstone Creek Winery & Distillery in Cincinnati:  Built as a bank in the 1930s, the sturdy structure was saved from the wrecking ball to house Ohio’s first microdistillery. All made on-site, Woodstone’s extremely small batch bourbon, whiskey, single malts, vodka and gin have garnered international attention. Woodstone also produces award winning grape varietals, blends, port, specialty meads (honey wine) dry to sweet. Welcoming tasting room with beautiful restored art-deco maple and mahogany bar. Convenient to downtown and expressways. Lots of free parking. Retail sales, gift shop, art gallery, handicap accessible.

Terra Cotta Vineyards New Concord, Ohio

The Terra Cotta Vineyards in New Concord, Ohio is open from Mid-February – December on Fridays and Saturdays (Thursdays too Apr – Dec). 

Terra Cotta Vineyards is a family owned and operated vineyard that started as a dream. With approximately 2 acres of vines planted with help from family and friends the dream became a reality.  They celebrated their 5th anniversary September 2004. They have outside porches and a shelter building where visitors can enjoy their wines in addition to the gorgeous view and spectacular sunsets! Cookouts are held during the months of May through October by reservation.  Motorcoach tours are welcome. Wines range from dry to sweet and include Chambourcin, Seyval, Vidal, and Concord in addition to some blended wines.  Visitors can also enjoy wines from the inside tasting room.  Snacks, soft drinks, cheese and crackers are available for purchase.  Terra Cotta Vineyards welcomes groups for a unique wine tasting experience and also have a gift shop. At Terra Cotta Vineyards, they create a memorable experience for you!

Unicorn Wine Guild Belpre, Ohio

The Unicorn Wine Guild in Belpre, Ohio is usually open Monday – Saturday 11am – 7pm (Call to confirm).

  • Location: (Map It) 1816 Washington Boulevard (In Washington Square Plaza), Belpre, Ohio
  • Phone: 740-423-1300 or  (866) 979-TEAS( 8327)
  • Web: www.unicornwineguild.com

Unicorn Wine Guild in Belpre, Ohio is an urban winery, tea room and coffee house, Unicorn Wine Guild offers over 40 wines,  Storehouse Non-GMO organic loose leaf teas and Silver Bridge  coffees. A Home Winemaker’s Center and  wine and beer supplies assist the hobbyist. Custom made gift baskets are available as are facilities for small meetings or events up to 40 people upon reservation. Free secure wireless internet access. Handicapped accessible. Afternoon tea by reservation. Close to Blennerhasset Island access. Vintner with some courses from UC Davis, Professional Registered Parliamentarian, certified etiquette instructor and experienced event planner on staff. Check the website for schedule of events.

Rainbow Hills Vineyards Newcomerstown, OH

The Rainbow Hills Vineyards in Newcomerstown, Ohio is open Monday-Saturday from 11am-6pm (January-March) Monday-Saturday from 11am-9pm (April-October) Monday-Saturday from 11am-7pm (November-December).

Rainbow Hills Winery in Newcomerstown, Ohio is Coshocton County’s first and oldest winery. It offers some of Ohio’s finest wines and is home to a beautiful bed and breakfast nestled in the rustic rolling hills where nature and wine unite to create a fun and relaxing experience. Whether socializing with friends or looking for a romantic getaway, Rainbow Hills has the perfect setting for any occasion. One visit and you’ll know why its known as “The Hidden Gem” of East Central Ohio!

Every Friday and Saturday from June through October, starting as early as 4pm, be sure to come for the outdoor cookouts featuring your choice of New York strip steak, ribeye, or boneless chicken breast that you can grill the way you want it. Staff will bring the prepared sides to you, which include baked potato, layered salad, rolls, and cake for dessert. Along with this you get your table for the night to eat, drink and enjoy the company of friends and of course mother nature. Come rain or shine. Reservations required.

 

Ravens Glenn Winery Lafayette, Ohio

The Ravens Glenn Winery in Lafayette, Ohio: The restaurant, tasting bar & gift shop are open Tuesday thru Saturday 10am – 8pm and Sunday brunch 11am- 2pm.  Tasting room and  wine sales available Monday from 11am- 4pm, Tuesday – Saturday from 11am – 8pm and Sunday from 11am – 4pm.

  • Location: (Map It) 56183 CR 143 West Lafayette, Ohio
  • Phone: 740-545-1000 

Ravens Glenn Winery in Lafayette, Ohio:  Known as Ohio’s Crown Jewel of Wineries, Ravens Glenn is located on the banks of the beautiful Tuscarawas River. It is without a doubt, one of Ohio’s most picturesque family-owned wineries. It is open year-round, motor coach friendly, delightful casual Italian dining, step-on greeting. Winery tours for groups of 12 or more by appointment. Group size California-style tasting bar. Banquet facility seats up to 200. Large gift shop . Easy access from I-77 . Sunday Champagne Buffet

Yellow Butterfly Winery Newcomerstown, Ohio

yellow-butterfly-wineryThe Yellow Butterfly Winery in Newcomerstown, Ohio is open Feb – Mar from Wednesdays to Saturdays and April – December from Tuesdays to Saturdays.

  • Location: (Map It) 11661 Blue Ridge Rd. in Newcomerstown, Ohio
  • Phone: 740-492-1216

The Yellow Butterfly Winery is nestled in one of Ohio’s most beautiful country settings not too far from Amish country. Enjoy the enchantment of sipping fine wine in the century barn or relax on the deck taking in a rare view of great natural beauty and alpacas grazing on the hillside not too far away. From June to September the Yellow Butterfly Winery offers delicious country style meals on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations requested.

Wyandotte Winery Columbus, Ohio

wyandotte-logoThe Wyandotte Winery in Columbus, Ohio is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1pm to 7pm with extended hours on most Friday evenings. (Special & private events scheduled outside regular hours).

Wyandotte Winery in Columbus, Ohio:  Free Winery Tours – Saturday 12:30 and 3:30 PM. Please call for reservations. Winemaker:  Robin Coolidge & Chief Whiner: Valerie Coolidge.

Established in 1976, Wyandotte Winery is located in northeast Columbus just minutes from Easton Town Center. Owners Robin and Valerie Coolidge purchased the winery in 2006 producing a variety of fine handcrafted wines ranging in styles from dry to sweet. A wine tasting at Wyandotte Winery is a fun and educational experience and has a cost of only $5 for 5 different wine samples. Reservations are not required for tastings for groups under 8 people and are available during open hours; please plan to arrive no later than 6:15 PM for tastings. Small plates are available while you enjoy your tasting or a bottle of wine. The intimate tasting room and gift shop feature a wine themed décor that is warm and inviting. Wyandotte Winery also offers unique home-baked gourmet wine cakes available by the slice or packaged in a decorative gift tin perfect for gift giving. Wyandotte Winery’s wine labels were created from a series of original watercolors by a local artist and depict various landmarks around Columbus presenting a local appeal for tourists as well as natives. Personalized custom labels are available for your special occasions: weddings, anniversaries, graduations etc… After hours the winery can be reserved for private parties or corporate events. Special events scheduled regularly include: Murder Mystery Dinners, Euchre Nights, Women Who Wine, Summer Sizzlers Cookouts, Food and Wine Pairing Dinners, Wyandotte Wednesdays (Hump-day Happy Hour) Haunted Wine Cellar and more! Check out their website for complete schedule of events.

Three Rivers Wine Trail Coshocton, Ohio

Click here to enjoy numerous photos and video clips

Ohio Wineries have become a popular destination for Midwest travelers and residents alike. Let the good times flow at the Three Rivers Wine Trail in Coshocton, Ohio. But it’s not just wine on the menu; there are a couple of breweries and a distillery too. So whether you want a stem, stein or shot, follow the ribbons of country road connecting vineyards, woods and farms to villages and towns, all ripe with homespun tales and drinks in the making.

Lodging is also available at Heritage Vineyard Winery & Guest House (740) 824-4314, Indian Bear Lodge (740) 668-2100, and the Inn at Rainbow Hills (740) 545-9305. Several other unique overnight accommodations are also available in the area and can be found at www.VisitCoshocton.com.

D&D Smith Winery Norwalk, Ohio

dd-smith-wineryThe D&D Smith Winery in Norwalk, Ohio is open Wed 1-5pm, Thur 1-9pm, Fri 1-10pm, Sat 12-11pm, Sun 12-6pm (Be sure to check website for seasonal schedule).

  • Location: (Map It) 401 West Main St. (Old West Main Street off Rt 61 by the Norwalk Armory-National Guard) in Norwalk, Ohio
  • Phone: 419-577-0242
  • Web: www.ddsmithwinery.com

D & D Smith Winery in Norwalk, Ohio operates from an 1870 Victorian style house in a peaceful setting along the Norwalk Creek, where a mature grove of pine trees stretch across the Southern portion of the property. Guests are welcome to try samples, buy a glass of wine, or buy the bottle and relax at the winery with a small menu of food items to choose from.  Wine ingredients and small wine making equipment are available for purchase.  Buses are welcome along with other small or large groups.  Where family and friends come together, guests are welcomed to celebrate birthday parties and other special occasions on premise.  Call ahead to advise of larger parties of 20 or more to ensure preparation for your arrival. Indoor and outdoor seating is provided. Grills and picnic tables are available for guest use.  See website above for the weekend entertainment and special events schedule.

Stoney Ridge Winery Bryan, Ohio

The Stoney Ridge Winery in Bryan, Ohio is open year-round. Visit the website below for their days and hours vary.

stoneyridgewineStoney Ridge Winery in Bryan, Ohio:  Tucked away in the far northwest corner of Ohio, Stoney Ridge Winery offers visitors a relaxing atmosphere away from the hassles of everyday life.

Enter into the serene country vineyards traveling a narrow drive nestled among the rows and rows of manicured vines.  Approaching the uniquely designed winery, visitors are enchanted by the beautiful one-acre pond.  Upon entering the winery, guests are delighted by the rustic wood interior and cozy fieldstone fireplace.  Meander up to the tasting bar to sample the award-winning handcrafted wines sure to please most everyone’s taste.

Stoney Ridge Winery offers Vinifera, French Hybrid blends and seasonal fruit wines. Browse the gift shop including Amish cheeses, crafts, and gift baskets.  Feel free to leisurely enjoy a glass of wine or juice and a cheese appetizer on the patio overlooking the pond or beside the warm fireplace.

Debonné Vineyards Madison, Ohio

Debonné Vineyards in Madison, Ohio is open daily, year-round. Visit the website below for current hours.

Debonné Vineyards is a winery and estate vineyard located in the heart of the Grand River Valley. The winery offers a diverse selection of wines from sweet native varieties to premium European dry varietals grown right on the estate. Wines are available by individual sample, tasting flight, glass or bottle. A casual menu is offered daily with grilled sandwiches, appetizers and cheese plates. Inside the winery, you will also find the tap room for the onsite craft beer brewery, Double Wing Brewing Co. The beer bar offers samples, tasting flights, pints, pitchers, and carry-out. A gift shop and carryout wines are located inside the main building.

Live entertainment is scheduled every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. The entertainment schedule is available on their website. An expansive outdoor seating area with live music pavilion, outside bar and Grille is open during warmer months. The grassy hillside picnic tables are dog-friendly!

Debonné Vineyards hosts many special events throughout the year, including a Hot Air Balloon festival, wine trails, music festivals, car shows, tours, craft shows, classes and much more. Visit the web site for upcoming events.

The winery offers a number of venue rentals for hosting special events, such as wedding ceremonies and receptions, parties, corporate meetings, reunions, showers and other celebrations. Contact the winery for pricing and availability.

Debonne does not take table reservations, but groups of 8 or more are required to register before visiting. Tour and tasting packages are available for groups of 25 or more by appointment.

Gervasi Vineyard Canton, Ohio

Gervasi Vineyard is open year-round.

Gervasi Vineyard an upscale Tuscan-inspired winery resort is located in the heart of Canton. This destination winery features over 30 varietals of award-winning wines including three estate-grown wines, state-of-the-art winery, and distillery, tours, tastings, pairings, culinary classes, and events. The stunning 55-acre estate offers a coffee house, craft cocktail lounge, and three distinct restaurants featuring exceptional cuisine.

Spend the night in “Tuscany” in a luxury suite. The Villas, and the new boutique hotel, The Casa, offer a total of 48 luxurious suites, offering high-end amenities and are custom designed to feel like you have escaped to Tuscany.

Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant Madison, Ohio

Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant is open year round. Mon & Tue 12-6pm, Wed 12-8pm, Thr 12-9pm, Fri & Sat 12-11pm, and Sun 12-8pm.

Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant is located far off the main road, which presents a very exclusive setting.  The winery is nestled in the woods allowing for afternoon shade on the hot summer days and a tranquil setting during the winter months.  It’s the perfect setting for family and friends to gather.

Inside you will be welcomed by a warm and inviting atmosphere that includes a beautiful fireplace, many hand-painted murals, and a large bar area for friends to gather.   Wine tasting is always available and wines are easily selected in the store.   A gift shop includes fun and festive wine related items.

The winery is landscaped with water features, beautiful seasonal flowers, and grapevines.  The outside patio hosts a variety of entertainers all summer long and smooth jazz on Sunday afternoons.

An extensive menu features a variety of appetizers, grilled sandwiches and entrees including steaks, chicken, ribs, shrimp, and lobster.  The restaurant is always open when the winery is open.

The winery also features two separate private rooms for parties that can seat up to 60 guests.  Its newest feature is the Wine Cave.  This exclusive room is downstairs in the cellar and can seat up to 20 guests for a very intimate, private event.

Grand River Cellars prides itself in producing quality wines from grapes grown in the Grand River Valley Wine Region.   Its Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Grigio all benefit from the care taken in the vineyard to produce a quality Ohio wine.

John Christ Winery Avon Lake, Ohio

The John Christ Winery in Avon Lake, Ohio is open year-round. Visit the website below for their days and hours vary.

John Christ Winery in Avon Lake:  This winery features tours, a tasting room and picnic area overlooking a golf course. There are acres of vineyards, a wine bar and hospitality room for hosting special events. It is named after a Macedonian who started it in 1946.

Klingshirn Winery Avon Lake, Ohio

The Klingshirn Winery in Avon Lake, Ohio is open 10am – 6pm Monday – Saturday.

  • Location: (Map It) 33050 Webber Road in Avon Lake, Ohio 
  • Phone: 440-933-6666

Klingshirn Winery in Avon Lake:  This winery was founded in 1935 by the Klingshirn family, is now operated by the third generation of Klingshirns. Back in 1935, due to the large grape surplus, Albert Klingshirn began producing wine commercially from the cellar of his home. Within five years, he was operating a small winery from the home. In 1955, his son, Allan, bought and expanded the operation. By 1978, it was four-times larger. Today, Alan’s son, Lee, serves as the winemaker. Lee has a degree in Viticulture and Ecology from Ohio State University.

Old Firehouse Winery Geneva-On-The-Lake

The Old Firehouse Winery at Geneva-On-The-Lake is open daily year-round. Visit the website below for their days and hours vary.

Old Firehouse Winery Geneva-On-The-Lake:  This quaint and enticing winery is located right in the heart of the Resort town of Geneva-on-the-Lake, situated in the Village’s first fire station. The name, Old Firehouse Winery, summarizes the atmosphere; an eclectic collection of fire paraphernalia and the fact that this was indeed the first Firehouse in Geneva-on-the-Lake. Besides its historic charm, much of the enjoyment in visiting the Old Firehouse is in its setting: the Lake Erie Shoreline.

The three partners in the Winery, Dave Otto, Joyce Otto, and Don Woodward never thought twice about their decision to start a new winery in Northeast Ohio, an area long known for outstanding wines and home to over a half-dozen wineries.

“The area’s reputation for fine wines, singular grapes, and the extraordinary wineries is precisely why we chose Northeast Ohio,” stated Dave Otto, managing partner.  “Without quality grapes readily available, you are not going to have a quality wine.”

But why The Old Firehouse Winery?  “You can thank my partner Don Woodward for that”, answered Dave.

A third generation volunteer firefighter, Don is now retired as a firefighter and EMT with the Geneva-on-the-Lake Fire Department and was the Assistant Fire Chief for a number of years.  His grandfather was one of the original seven firemen who started the Fire Department in 1924.

“It really is an engaging story as to how this came to be the first firehouse,” explains Woodward, one of the partners in the Winery. “After fruitlessly battling blazes with a “bucket brigade,” several local businessmen chipped in and ordered a 1924 Graham Brothers firetruck. They now had a truck on the way, and had two immediate issues to address: a place to put the truck and who was going to be fire chief.  Emery Tyler offered the use of his barn.  Everyone was so grateful they promptly made him chief,” Woodward continued.

“So in 1987, Dave, his mom Joyce, and myself looked at an old run down barn and a rusting, 1924 Graham Brothers firetruck, and decided we had our Winery,” Woodward said.

The firetruck still silently stands guard at the front of the Firehouse.

During the Summer months, the large, meandering patio and gazebo overlooking Lake Erie features a full service menu with dishes ranging from sandwiches to ethnic foods, to Barbecue chicken and ribs.  Old Firehouse is known not only for its fine food; almost of the eighteen wines have at one time won medals in statewide competition.  Nightly entertainment is featured seven nights throughout the summer.

Lake Erie wines, such as Raspberry Reflections, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, White Catawba, Pink Catawba, Grape Jamboree, Merlot, Sweet Concord, Firehouse Red, Lighthouse Niagara, Reflections of Lake Erie, Chambourcin and Port are made right on premises. Two different fruit wines are also featured, such as Spiced Apple and Peach.   There are special events and nightly summer entertainment. Its location in a marvelous resort town makes this a popular Northeast Ohio attraction.

Special events are featured throughout the year.  The most popular events include the Lake Erie Wine Fest in June, Firemen’s Roundup in June, the Celtic Feis in August, the two day Clam Bake and Food Extravaganza in September and the three day Christmas Party in December.  Call for dates and details.  Free tours are offered for groups of 20 or more, reservations are appreciated.

One of the major attractions in this region is the Lake Erie resort Village itself, a rare melange of shops, nightclubs, public parks, lake front cottages and amusements.

Virant Family Winery Geneva, Ohio

The Virant Family Winery in Geneva, Ohio has seasonal hours updated at their website below.

Virant Family Winery in Geneva:  Situated in the vineyards of the Grand River valley, Virant Family Winery offers 14 great wines, a warm, relaxing atmosphere, good food, and the feeling of being with family.  Steak, rib, and chicken dinners along with musical entertainment is offered on Saturday nights.  Virant Family Winery, where you’re treated like family!

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