Summary
Like the area at the eastern shore of Lake Erie in Lake and Ashtabula Counties, where wineries abound, the central Ohio Lake Erie coastline and Lake Erie Islands offer excellent soil and climate for growing wine grapes. During the summer, the lake keeps the temperature mild; however, in the winter, the lake and the snow it brings act as a blanket to protect crops. Below are just a few of the wineries you’ll find in this region of Ohio.
Firelands Winery
Firelands Winery, located just outside of Sandusky off of Route 2, is the largest winery in Ohio. Founded in 1880 as Mantey Winery, it produces a variety of red, white, and sparkling wines. They have won numerous awards, including the double gold, best of show award at the 2009 Pacific Rim competition for their 2008 Gewurztraminer. Firelands Winery is open year-round (except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day) for tastings and tours.
Address:
917 Bardshar Rd
Sandusky, OH 44870-1507
Phone: (419) 625-5474
Heineman’s Winery
Founded in 1888, Heineman’s is a staple for vacationers on South Bass Island and Put-in-Bay. As a family-run winery, it is open from mid-April to late October for tastings and offers tours from early May through September. It is the only surviving winery of the 17 that once dotted the island and is renowned for its off-dry wines, including the award-winning Pink Catawba and Niagara wines. The patio at Heineman’s provides a delightful setting for an afternoon on the Lake Erie Islands.
Address:
978 Catawba Avenue
Put in Bay, OH 43456
Phone: (419) 285-2811
Kelleys Island Wine Company
The Kelleys Island Wine Company, established in 1982, is another popular Lake Erie Island winery. Nestled in a traditional island-style dwelling with a wrap-around porch, this winery offers six different wines, comprising both whites and reds. Moreover, the company serves pizzas, salads, cheese and meat platters, and a variety of meat and seafood skewers, making it a great spot for a culinary experience.
Address:
418 Woodford Road
Kelleys Island, OH 43438
Phone: (419) 746-2678
Mon Ami Restaurant and Historic Winery
A sister company to Sandusky’s Firelands Winery, Mon Ami boasts the ambiance of a French country estate. Situated on Catawba Island (actually a peninsula) near Port Clinton, Mon Ami features a French restaurant as well as a wine and gift shop. Founded in 1872, the winery produces a diverse collection of red, white, and sparkling wines, utilizing both French and Lake Erie varietals. Tasting tours of its wine cellar are periodically offered, enhancing the experience for visitors.
Address:
3845 E Wine Cellar Road
Port Clinton, Ohio 43452
Phone: (419) 797-4445
