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Road trip

If you think you need to book a flight to visit wine country, think again! Northwest Ohio has a rich history of winemaking that continues today. While some vineyards on the list stretch back more than a century, others have launched in the past decade, proving winemaking is thriving in Ohio. No matter your wine preferences — from a dry red to a semi-sweet rosé and even some festive sparkling wines — these vineyards have something delicious to offer you. So visit one of these wineries to sit back, sip and enjoy.

CATAWBA ISLAND: GIDEON OWEN WINE COMPANY

Relax around a cozy fire pit listening to live music or order an upscale meal. This historic winery offers everything from prime rib to pizza with the perfect glass of wine to pair. The current owners focus on reviving the legacy. Don’t miss a tour of the breathtaking 1872 European-inspired wine cellar. Learn more: gideonowenwine.com

PUT-IN-BAY: HEINEMAN’S WINERY

Established in 1888, this family-owned and operated winery is now run by the fifth generation of the Heineman family! Since its early days, it has excelled in producing sweet wines. A unique element of this winery is Crystal Cave. Workers digging a well for the winery in 1897 discovered the cave holding celestine crystals. Relax in Heineman’s wine garden then take a tour of this marvel. Learn more: heinemanswinery. com

WAUSEON: KNOTTY VINES FARM & WINERY

What began as a “retirement project” in 2008 soon became a passion for the owners of this winery. In addition to their own grapes, they use other fruit varieties to create their signature fruit wines. Visit their tasting room, and be sure to request the Knotty Blue, one of their most popular. Learn more: knottyvineswinery.com

COLUMBUS GROVE: SYCAMORE WINERY

This winery has only been in business for a decade, but some of Ohio’s tastiest wines come from its vineyards. Relax in the comfortable tasting room, lounge on the patio or stroll through the vineyard surrounded by a 17-acre lake and covered bridge. Learn more: sycamorelakewineco.com

BRYAN: STONEY RIDGE WINERY

Situated on 13 acres of beautiful countryside, this northwest Ohio hidden gem welcomes visitors yearround. This family-run winery focuses on not only offering a great variety of wines but also offering a memorable experience for every guest. Learn more: stoneyridgewinery.com

NEVADA: WHITE SHUTTER WINERY

Once a working farm, this winery is a unique experience. Enjoy a glass of your favorite estate grown wine in the tasting room, a converted 1830s brick farmhouse. You can also venture outdoors, where the fire pit offers views of 1500 grapevines. Learn more: whiteshutterwinery.com

Interested in even more wineries? Did you know there are two wine trails in the Diocese of Toledo? The V.I.N.O Wine Trail includes 11 wineries spread across Northwest Ohio. The Lake Erie Shores and Islands Wine Trail includes ten wineries within the Diocese of Toledo (and a few more beyond). Visit ohiowines.org to learn more.