Ohio is one of the top 10 wine producing states in The United States of America. In fact, it has over 100 wineries that produce more than 700,000 gallons of high-quality Ohio state wine per year.
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Therefore, plan an Ohio state wine tasting tour to visit the following scenic Ohio wineries and enjoy delicious Ohio state wine as it should be!
Ohio State Wine and Wineries
Laurentia Winery
Gary and his brother Leonard Blackie partnered to establish Laurentia winery in 2010. Their love of fine wine and the local wineries of the Grand River Valley inspired them to set it up. To produce wine, the brothers bought grapes from other vineyards and blended with theirs. But, today the estate owns more than 50 acres of vineyards and grows various grape varieties. Including, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Noir grapes.
The estate practices rigorous viticulture management to ensure they get the best grapes despite the challenging terroir of Ohio. Also, to produce the delicious and complex wine Laurentia winery is famous for aging wine in concrete tanks, American oak barrels, and French oak barrels. Because of the hard work and meticulous winemaking processes at Laurentia winery, their wines receive top awards. For example, the 2015 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Stoltz Block received a Double Gold award in the 2017 Texas international wine competition.
Enjoy a drive off-road through the vines to make your way to the extraordinary log cabin that houses Laurentia winery. On a warm sunny day, guests can taste some of the best Ohio wine while taking in the beautiful scenery from the open terrace. Furthermore, on a cold chilly day, guests can get cozy inside with a warm fireplace and beautiful interior and feel right at home. As well, for an authentic Ohio wine tasting, have it at the grand cellar surrounded by concrete tanks, oak barrels, and stone pillars.
Tastings
Laurentia offers guests an opportunity to experience an authentic Ohio state wine tasting daily, from the open terrace of the winery. Also, during the fall and winter, guests can visit the winery for the live entertainment events, featuring fine wine and live music.
As well, it received a Double Gold award in the 2013 and 2016 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competitions.
Learn more about Sustainable Organic Wineries!
The Winery at Wolf Creek
Andrew Wineberg founded the winery in 1980 on his parents’ property and sold its first wine in 1985. The vineyard first had Vidal, Seyval, Cayuga White, Chancellor, Leon Millot, Vignoles and Dechaunac grapes. However, Andy Troutman introduced European grape varieties like Muscat, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Riesling, after buying the estate in 2002. The winery specializes in producing award-winning wines from the estate grapes.
The Winery at Wolf Creek is family-friendly, with various indoor games and outdoor activities that the entire family can enjoy. For example, guests can sit indoors and play board games, or take a stroll through the acres of wildflowers and vines. Alternatively, guests can enjoy a picnic on the beautiful grounds, while drinking amazing great Ohio state wine. The winery also has events throughout the year, including Yappy Hours, a charity event where guests indulge in amazing wines accompanied by their canine friends.
Ferrante Winery
Nicholas and wife Anna Ferrate founded the Ferrante winery in 1937. Later, in the 1970’s, their sons built a state-of-the-art winemaking facility. In 1980, the estate built an exquisite Italian restaurant. This well-rated restaurant was created to serve delicious Italian cuisine perfectly paired with the estate’s fine wines.
Ferrante winery produces delicious Ohio state wine from premium estate grown Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Chardonnay grapes. Also, the estate makes excellent Ice Wines from Cabernet Franc and Vidal Blanc grapes.
Ferrante wines are among the most popular Grand River Valley wines. Moreover, their popularity grows with each passing year. For example, the Vidal Blanc Ice Wine received a Gold award in 2013. As well, it received a Double Gold award in the 2013 and 2016 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competitions.
Although the winery is a hidden gem, it’s always bustling with patrons. Most people visit the winery to enjoy Ohio state wine or to have a delicious Italian meal at the restaurant. The winery has a beautiful patio overlooking the beautiful vineyards, from where guests can enjoy wine during the summer. Alternatively, in winter guests can enjoy an amazing variety of wine flights next to the fireplace in the tasting room. Also, Ferrante hosts various events such as the “Behind the vine barrel tasting”. Events like these allow individuals to taste the new release wines.
Conclusion
Ohio wineries have something for everyone, from the Oenophile to someone discovering their wine palette. Therefore, explore all that the Ohio wineries have to offer, including the annual events held at the wineries. It is the only way to discover one of Ohio’s best-kept secret–wine.