1. Vincent William Wine

An Intimate, Boutique Winery with a Stunning Lakefront View

Why We Love It: A visit to Vincent William Wine is more than just a tasting—it’s an experience. Nestled in a beautifully restored lakeside mansion, this boutique winery, inn, and restaurant blends old-world charm with modern elegance. With handcrafted wines, seasonal cocktails, breathtaking waterfront views, and an inviting atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the best of Ohio’s wine country.

Wine Highlights: Guests rave about their Cabernet Franc, a beautifully structured red that showcases the best of Ohio’s terroir. Their selection of wines reflect a commitment to small-batch, high-quality winemaking.

Ambiance & Unique Offerings: Beyond wine, Vincent William features a seasonal gourmet menu influenced by Italian and Irish-American cuisine. The winery also offers luxurious adults-only inn accommodations, complete with a pool and spa, making it an ideal getaway. For those who enjoy a twist, the wine bar serves Irish cocktails and rare whiskeys, setting it apart from other wineries in the region.

Perfect For: Those looking for a luxurious yet laid-back wine experience with a stunning lakeside backdrop.

2. M Cellars

Ohio’s Bordeaux-Inspired Winery

Why We Love It: A family-owned winery with an uncompromising dedication to quality, M Cellars is known for producing some of the best Bordeaux-style reds in Ohio.

Wine Highlights: The Meritage blend is a must-try, offering rich complexity and depth. Their Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc are also favorites among wine enthusiasts.

Ambiance & Unique Offerings: The tasting room is modern yet cozy, featuring indoor and outdoor seating with beautiful vineyard views. The charcuterie and cheese boards perfectly complement their wines, and the staff’s warm hospitality makes every visit feel personal.

Perfect For: Serious wine lovers who appreciate refined, European-style reds and a welcoming, knowledgeable atmosphere.

3. Laurentia Vineyard & Winery

A Grand Log-Cabin Winery with Napa Valley Vibes

Why We Love It: Often described as feeling like a little slice of Napa in Ohio, Laurentia’s grand lodge-style tasting room, fireplace, and vineyard views create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Wine Highlights: Award-winning Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Cabernet Franc are among the highlights, earning national recognition.

Ambiance & Unique Offerings: With expansive indoor and outdoor seating, Laurentia is ideal for long, relaxing afternoons. Their on-site chef-curated menu features artisan wood-fired pizzas, small plates, and seasonal entrees, elevating the overall experience.

Perfect For: Wine enthusiasts who enjoy estate-grown wines, upscale ambiance, and gourmet food.

4. Ferrante Winery & Ristorante

The Perfect Pairing of Fine Wine & Italian Cuisine

Why We Love It: This third-generation winery is a household name in Ohio’s wine country, known for award-winning whites and authentic Italian cuisine.

Wine Highlights: Riesling and Pinot Grigio are among the best in the country, while their ice wines are a sweet, must-try treat.

Ambiance & Unique Offerings: The Italian restaurant offers house-made pasta, wood-fired pizza, and decadent desserts, making it an ideal spot for a wine-paired meal. Live music on weekends adds to the lively atmosphere.

Perfect For: Food and wine lovers who want a full dining experience with top-tier wines.

5. South River Vineyard

A Historic Church Turned Winery

Why We Love It: Known as the "church winery", South River Vineyard sits in a converted 1892 chapel, complete with original pews and stained glass windows.

Wine Highlights: A focus on old-world vinifera wines means you’ll find elegant Rieslings, Pinot Noir, and their signature “Trinity” red blend.

Ambiance & Unique Offerings: The expansive veranda overlooks rolling vineyards, creating a peaceful retreat. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own picnic to pair with the wines.

Perfect For: Those seeking a quiet, scenic escape with a unique historic touch.

6. Cask 307

A Modern Gateway to Grand River Valley Wines

Why We Love It: One of the newer wineries in the region, Cask 307 has quickly built a reputation as the gateway to Grand River Valley wine country. With a sleek, modern tasting room and a strong focus on wine education, it’s a great spot for both seasoned wine lovers and those new to Ohio’s wine scene.

Wine Highlights: Cask 307 offers a diverse lineup, from classic European-style dry wines to fun, sweet specialties. Visitors often recommend the “Back 9” Concord blend, as well as their ice wines, which showcase the unique flavors of the region.

Ambiance & Unique Offerings: The bright, contemporary tasting room features large windows with vineyard views, providing a stylish and comfortable space to unwind. A small delicatessen serves charcuterie boards, flatbreads, and sandwiches, making it easy to enjoy wine-friendly bites. The winery also hosts frequent events, including wine release parties, food truck rallies, and live music evenings, adding to its fun, social atmosphere.

Perfect For: Those looking for a modern, lively wine-tasting experience with great food, events, and approachable wines.

7. Baci Winery

An Italian-Inspired Escape

Why We Love It: Part of the St. Joseph Vineyard estate, Baci brings an Italian flair to Ohio’s wine scene.

Wine Highlights: A well-rounded portfolio of Rieslings, robust reds, and award-winning blends.

Ambiance & Unique Offerings: A large patio overlooking the vineyards, wood-fired pizzas, and a full bar (beer & spirits included).

Perfect For: Those who want an Italian wine-country feel without leaving Ohio.

8. Hundley Cellars

A Cozy, Lodge-Style Winery

Why We Love It: This small, family-owned winery provides a rustic yet elegant setting with wood-burning fireplaces and vineyard views.

Wine Highlights: Traminette and Firehouse Red are guest favorites.

Ambiance & Unique Offerings: A seasonal menu, live music on weekends, and friendly, personal service make this a cozy yet vibrant stop.

Perfect For: Those looking for a warm, intimate wine-tasting experience.

9. Buccia Vineyards Winery & B&B

A Relaxing Getaway with a Vineyard View

Why We Love It: A charming winery and bed-and-breakfast, Buccia offers a laid-back, scenic retreat.

Wine Highlights: Estate-grown wines, including the rare Rogers 15 Agawam grape.

Ambiance & Unique Offerings: Live music, a casual tasting lounge, and vineyard-view B&B suites with private hot tubs.

Perfect For: A romantic weekend getaway in Ohio wine country.

10. Debonné Vineyards

The Largest Estate Winery in Ohio

Why We Love It: With 175+ acres of vines, Debonné is a wine-country destination featuring estate-grown wines, a brewery, and year-round events.

Wine Highlights: Their Riesling, Cabernet blends, and ice wines are highly praised.

Ambiance & Unique Offerings: Live music, hot air balloon festivals, and wine-pairing dinners keep things exciting. They also house Double Wing Brewing Co., offering craft beer alongside their wines.

Perfect For: Social drinkers looking for a lively, entertainment-filled winery experience.

Final Thoughts

The Grand River Valley is filled with incredible wineries, each offering a unique experience. Whether you prefer the lakefront elegance of Vincent William Wine, the Bordeaux-style reds of M Cellars, or the cozy, rustic charm of Hundley Cellars, there’s something for every wine lover.

Of course there are so many other great wineries. Check out our map here

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1K6eatcOC5LJGo7peO1ZaBkVYl0Q2MhTv&femb=1&ll=41.778520201742225%2C-80.99606435328006&z=13

So, which winery will you visit first? Cheers to discovering the best of Ohio’s wine country! 🍷