Ohio Wine Month: Explore Wineries Across the State
Published by: Ohio Magazine
Original article found here.
Brunch
Gervasi Vineyard & Resort • Canton
This 55-acre Tuscan-inspired vineyard and resort in Canton hosts a Jazz Brunch at its on-site restaurant, The Bistro, every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy live music on each level of the beautifully restored 19th-century barn and choose from a curated brunch menu to pair with Gervasi wines. Try the quiche Lorraine with a mimosa featuring Gervasi prosecco and your choice of juice. There’s also the option to dine family style on dishes such as house-made sausage and rosemary ham, and parmesan breakfast potatoes. Reservations are recommended but not required. 1700 55th St., Canton 44721, 330/497-1000, gervasivineyard.com
Gideon Owen Wine Co. • Port Clinton
Take in the charming history at this Port Clinton property that offers a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. “It’s not only the food that’s great, but the ambiance,” says general manager and director of events Lorraine Karl. The original stone wine cellars here date to the 1870s, and that winemaking heritage serves as the backdrop to a brunch menu that has shareables for the table and entrees you’ll want to keep all to yourself. Karl recommends the Short Rib Breakfast, with smash browns and a braised short rib topped with eggs your way and gravy. Pair it with a mimosa made with Gideon Owen’s Bubbly Chardonnay. 3845 E. Wine Cellar Rd., Port Clinton 43452, 419/797-4445, gideonowenwine.com
Ferrante Winery & Ristorante • Geneva
This family-run vineyard and restaurant in northeast Ohio’s beautiful Grand River Valley offers a selection of sweet and savory brunch items every Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., along with its regular menu. The later start and end times let diners ease into their day. Menu favorites include the Filet and Hash, which features sliced filet mignon with roasted potato hash, roasted garlic aioli, two sunny-side-up eggs and toast points. Ferrante has a variety of bubblies and juices for those looking for an afternoon mimosa. 5585 St. Rte. 307, Geneva 44041, 440/466-8466, ferrantewinery.com
Live Music
Revel OTR • Cincinnati
This urban winery in Cincinnati’s Over-The-Rhine neighborhood contains a lot of life inside its cozy, industrial space, and live music has become a large part of that social atmosphere. Revel OTR hosts performers on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with a variety of acts taking the stage. “What we do is curate unique, positive experiences to tie to our brand,” explains founder and co-owner Anthony Maieron, “and one of the best ways of doing that is through music and art.” Wednesday evening brings the blues, featuring local musicians playing from 7 to 10 p.m. and half off all Revel bottles. 111 E. 12th St., Cincinnati 45202, 513/579-9463, revelotr.com
Debonné Vineyards • Madison
Spanning 175 acres, this Grand River Valley favorite features live music four days a week. The rotating lineup of local musicians are featured at Debonné Vineyards on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with actsranging from country duos to classic rock cover bands. Founded in 1972, this estate winery is known for varietals ranging from its sweet, award-winning vidal blanc ice wine to robust reds like the cabernet franc. The popular blend Threesome combines riesling, sémillon and chardonnay for a great summer sipper. 7840 Doty Rd., Madison 44057, 440/466-3485, debonne.com
Hocking Hills Winery • Logan
Tucked along the Hocking River about a 20-minute drive from Old Man’s Cave, state park explorers will find a peaceful escape after a day on the trails. Hocking Hills Winery in Logan hosts live music Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in the summer on its pavilion stage, with acts ranging from upbeat rock and country groups to acoustic-based musicians. Order from the selection of charcuterie, pizzas and handhelds, and order a glass of the pinot grigio to pair with the music and summer air. 30402 Freeman Rd., Logan 43138, 740/385-7117, hockinghillswinery.com
Unique Events
Cote Winery • Mount Gilead
Every bottle at this boutique winery in Mount Gilead bears label art derived from one of owner Brittni Hall’s original oil paintings. “I’m the owner and the winemaker and also the artist. Sometimes a plumber. You never know,” she says. The walls of the winery display many of those original artworks, and Hall teaches visitors how to paint with acrylic and oil paints during monthly events. Beyond classes, line-dancing nights and themed markets have also been offered alongside the winery’s 10 varietals. 5102 U.S. Route 42, Mount Gilead 43338, 419/210-3639, cotewinery.com
Good Vibes Winery • Westerville
Good Vibes Winery has been around since 2012, but Tonjia Coverdale became owner in 2025. From hosting book clubs to calligraphy classes, this spot in Uptown Westerville offers experiences alongside its 20 varietals. “The goal for Good Vibes is to be a community space,” Coverdale says, “where the wine is an accessory but not necessarily the vibe. … You’re the vibe as the person.” Get creative at monthly events, such as the ever-popular paint-and-sip held with the Westerville Arts Council or find your Zen during Soul Sundays with offerings that range from yoga to a drum circle. 2 S. State St., Westerville 43081, 614/392-2202, goodvibeswinery.com
Urban Pine Winery• Maumee
Feeling competitive? Check out the game nights at Urban Pine Winery in Maumee. Choose from over 60 wines and hard ciders to sip on while participating in competition-focused events that occur monthly. The popular jigsaw-puzzle competition sees groups of four go head-to-head. (Your entry fee covers a bottle of wine for your foursome and winners receive a special surprise.) “Doing these game-type nights will fill the winery on that night,” says owner Jen McAlear, If you want something a bit slower, Urban Pine hosts free bingo every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m., which pairs perfectly with the watermelon sangria. 3415 Briarfield Blvd., Maumee 43537, 567/703-1281, urbanpinewinery.com
Historic Spots
Baltic Mill Winery • Baltic
Housed in a former turn-of-the-century flour mill, Baltic Mill Winery offers visitors a look into the structure’s past, with many of the original pieces of milling machinery displayed on the second and third floors. The mill began operation in the mid-1800s, but the current structure was built in 1908 after a fire destroyed the original one. The building served as a bulk food and gift shop before owners Judy and Dan Garver bought the place in 2013, renovated it and opened the winery the following autumn. Their son, Matt Garver, makes the winery’s 13 varieties. 111 E. Main St., Baltic 43804, 330/365-0524, balticmillwinery.com
Olde Schoolhouse Winery • Eaton
Built in 1890 and formerly known as Oklahoma Schoolhouse No. 4, this building welcomed students for 30 years and later housed a seed company. Today, it’s the home of Olde Schoolhouse Winery, which offers a taste of a slower era alongside its over 30 wines. “There’s nothing else like it around,” says co-owner and winemaker Mark Zdobinski. “A lot of wineries are new and are ground‑up projects, but this one has character and history.” Though modernized and renovated, Olde Schoolhouse Winery exudes historic charm with stonework meant to mimic the original and a vintage grain elevator in the tasting room. 152 St. Rte. 726, Eaton 45320, 937/472-9463, oshwinery.com
Pleasant Hill Vineyard • Athens
Take in countryside views at this family-owned winery on land that was used as a horse farm in the 19th century. The property’s original 1832 American chestnut log cabin houses Pleasant Hill Vineyards. Co-owner, Sandra Corder, along with her husband, son and daughter-in-law, worked to restore and renovate the property before opening in 2014. Many of the cabin’s original features were preserved, such as the poplar and oak plank floors. Corder recommends a glass of the soft, red De Chaunac while taking in a sunset on the ridge. “You are looking at a big sky and a lot of nature,” she says. 5015 Pleasant Hill Rd., Athens 45701 740/502-3525, pleasanthillvineyardsllc.com