Ohio might not be the first place you picture when you think about vineyards, but the shoreline along Lake Erie has been growing grapes for well over a century. The lake keeps the air mild, the soil stays sandy and well drained, and the result is a stretch of countryside dotted with family-run wineries that have quietly been winning national and regional honors.
From the Grand River Valley to the islands off Sandusky, these spots pour reds that surprise a lot of first-time visitors. If you have been meaning to plan a weekend drive with a few good stops, this list is a great place to start.
Each one earns its spot for a different reason, whether it is the history, the scenery, or the awards on the wall. Here are eight worth circling on your map.
1. Debonne Vineyards, Madison, Ohio
Northeast Ohio’s largest estate winery sits in the heart of the Grand River Valley, and the Debevc family has been farming this land since the early 1900s…