My husband Paul and I love visiting Ohio’s wineries. We enjoy good wines in a beautiful setting. We like hearing stories about dreams coming true. We share fond memories of weekend trips to wineries when I was working on my wineries books (Ohio’s Lake Erie Wineries [2010] and Ohio’s Canal Country Wineries [2015]). The Grand River Valley and Geneva-on-the-Lake were our perfect anniversary escape this year, and many other years.
We headed to Madison and Geneva on a late November afternoon. Our first stop was Stonegait Winery in Madison, where a big fire in the fireplace and music by Amy Varchette warmed us. The building, purchased by the owners in 2015 after years spent dreaming of owning a winery, was originally a horse barn. Owners Bill and Mary Jo have done a great job creating a comfortable place, and we chose to linger longer than planned. A few of the white wines are from local grapes but most of the wines were made from grapes grown elsewhere, which is not unusual. We sampled and enjoyed a variety of red wines, which included Tempranillo, Barbera and Cabernet. The wines were decent, some more complex than others, the depth and nuance of each fully known after the second sip. The winery also sells beer, including Rhinegiest Truth IPA. The impressive food menu of shareables, salads, sandwiches and pizza should please anyone. The winery is open Thursday through Sunday, and after this first visit, we’re pretty sure we’ll go back.
Our second stop was Baci Winery, the former St. Joseph Winery. Dominic and Shelly Piunno bought the property from Art and Doreen Pietrzyk in 2021. Our cameras came out when we saw the recent renovations — the space now feels more like a classy restaurant than a casual wine-tasting room. The pinot noir grapes that went into St. Joseph’s award-winning wines still grow in the Pinot Vista vineyard, and now Baci’s wines are winning awards. We were impressed by the Pinot Noir and Gamay Noir and noticed that most of the customers were there for the wine. Baci also serves beer and cocktails, including Collision Bend beers, Market Garden hard cider and a Limoncello spritz. The kitchen serves thoughtful Italian food ranging from calamari to tiramisu. The winery is open Wednesday through Sunday and live music on some evenings.
Our main destination was M Cellars in Geneva where we maintain a wine club membership because the winery makes exquisite wines. Fire in the fireplace, noted. Vineyards visible through the windows, also noted. Chris at the tasting counter, noted and appreciated. The handcrafted wines made from estate-grown grapes include Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gruner Veltliner, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. After we tasted the newer wine offerings, we sipped complimentary glasses of wine by the fire. We eventually took home a couple bottles of sparkling wine and filled the rest of the case with dry reds, including a blend simply called “Red.” We’re ready for winter at home. The hospitality at this winery reflects the vision of owners Matt and Tara Meineke. Musical entertainment can be enjoyed on most Saturdays and the M Cellars is open every day of the week.
As the sun was setting in a wintery sky, we drove to the Lakehouse Winery and Resort in Geneva-on-the-Lake. Karen and Sam Fagnilli bought lakefront property in 2000 and in addition to the Inn, the property now consists of a winery, the Crosswinds Grille restaurant, and a full-service spa. Our overnight package included the room, a generous cheese board and flights of wine, $50 toward dinner at the restaurant, and a picnic breakfast. The food is always perfect at Crosswinds where chef Nick Fagnilli locally sources the food. For dinner we chose the Butcher’s Ragu (beef and pork) and Coulette (a steak) with blue cheese from Na*Kyrsie Meats, a butchery, artisan-style charcuterie and salumi owned by Nick and his wife Kristen. Soft candlelight, warm wood, windows overlooking the terrace and Lake Erie, and good food . . . we couldn’t have had a more relaxing and satisfying day.
I’m a big fan of Ohio’s wineries. When I discovered how many great wineries we have in Ohio, and people didn’t know it, I started writing about them and haven’t stopped (obviously). Most of the wineries offer a variety of European vinifera-style wines, so if you’re thinking Concord and Niagara, rethink it. The number of wineries is growing, now around 300, and the industry’s rich history began in the 1850s when Ohio was the premier winemaking state. Ohio is now 6th in the nation in wine production.
Claudia J. Taller is the author of two books about Ohio wines and has written dozens of articles about Ohio’s wine industry.
Geneva, OH 44041
One Response to “A Northeast Ohio Wineries Adventure You Can Enjoy This Winter by Claudia Taller”
D Mihelic
Our daughter, and her husband, are entrepreneurs. They found the Geneva area much the same as you did and have built 4 Airbnb’s which they will open in the spring. Our daughter is meticulous so the accommodations will be first class. I had not been to the Geneva area since I was in college over 50 years ago. I loved visiting the wineries and restaurants and found the wines to be enjoyable. Wow, over 42,000 acres of grapes in OH, PA & NY.