Ohio has a long history of wine production. As early as the 1800s, settlers were exploring winemaking in Ohio, mostly along the Ohio River, near present-day Cincinnati. They planted Catawba grapes and produced a light semi-sweet wine, distinctly different from the European-style wines, popular during that time. The Ohio wine industry thrived, and by 1845 Ohio was producing over 300,000 gallons annually. Shortly before the Civil War, Ohio was the largest wine producing state in the union. All that changed during the Civil War, however. Manpower was scarce and neglect allowed disease and mildew to destroy most of the region’s grape vines.
At the same time the southern Ohio wine district was floundering, a new wine area emerged – along the Lake Erie shore, in northern Ohio. German immigrants, who were flocking to that area in the late 1800s, brought German winemaking techniques with them, and that, combined with the unique lake climate, produced some excellent wines. Wineries popped up from the Lake Erie Islands, near Sandusky, all the way east to the Pennsylvania border. This narrow strip became known as the “Lake Erie Grape belt.”
The Lake Effect
The nearness of Lake Erie creates a narrow temperate climate, well suited to producing grapes. During the heat of the Ohio summer, the breezes off of the lake cool the vineyards. In the late fall and early winter, the warmer lake helps to keep the coldest temperatures at bay. Lake Erie also acts as a vigorous snow machine during these months before the lake freezes completely. This phenomenon, known locally as the “lake effect,” drops a blanket of insulating snow over the Lake and Ashtabula County wine districts every year.
Ohio Wine Varietals
The Lake Erie coastal climate is well suited to varietals commonly associated with German wines, such as Riesling, Gewurtzmeiner, and Pinot Gris. These grapes thrive in cool spring and fall temperatures. A few wineries have also begun to produce a very good Pinot Noir, another grape that thrives in cool temperatures. Also popular here is the regional favorite, somewhat sweet wines, produced from the native Catawba grapes.
Here are the local ones in the Cleveland area that are worth a visit. I have them hyperlinked for more information on the Discover Ohio site so just click on their name and it will take you to their site.
The Lakehouse Inn Winery
Situated on the shore of Lake Erie, The Lakehouse Inn Winery offers fine wines in a spectacular lakefront setting. Spend a summer afternoon or evening sampling a variety of wines while enjoying fabulous views of Lake Erie and breathtaking sunsets...
John Christ Winery
Founded in 1946 offering varietal, French American, varietal and vinifera fine quality wines. Wine Maker Mac McClleland received 2 gold medals at the 2001 OWPA competition for Riesling and Vidal Blanc. Wine bar party room, as well as out door picnic...
Klingshirn Winery
Klingshirn Winery is a third generation family farm winery in Avon Lake. Established in 1935, Concord vineyards were the mainstay for the first fifty years. The first wines included Concord, Niagara and Pink Catawba.
Laleure Vineyards
Laleure Vineyards is a small boutique winery dedicated to producing high quality wines made primarily from vinifera grapes grown on the property. The varietals offered include chardonnay, pinot noir, riesling, vignoles, cabernet franc, chambourcin,...
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