Just the right growing conditions create a great opportunity for the Fairfield County wineries. Although Ohio’s weather can be fickle, the overall environment, along with excellent soil, lends its way toward great grape production.
Prior to Prohibition, Ohio was the leading wine producer in the United States. Wine making is getting a resurgence as new business owners take on this tried and true art of growing, blending and fermenting. The following farms are all locally owned and operated, creating a personal touch on each bottle and patio that is enjoyed.
It was very pleasurable visiting the various wineries, sampling their sweet wines and talking with the owners. I find it so interesting how different techniques are used, yet all create such great products. I also love how the wineries are a community of their own, supporting each other and promoting one another.
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Fairfield County Wineries
Whether you come to drink the wine, eat the cheese or just visit with friends, Fairfield County wineries make the perfect fall destination. Below you’ll find a list of wineries for you to delight in as you make your way through the county.
Buckeye Lake
The sun setting over the lake, live music and a patio of friends. It just doesn’t get much better than that. Buckeye Lake Winery offers indoor and outdoor seating. There is live music most weekends and a full menu is served daily. Along with wine, they offer locally brewed craft beers, mixed drinks and White Claws.
13750 Rosewood Rd NE, Thornville, OH
Clearcreek Country Vineyard and Winery
Set in the middle of the rolling corn and soybean fields of Central Ohio, the Clearcreek Country Winery welcomes you to their front porch, front yard or indoor seating – whichever suits your fancy. Regardless of where you’re seated, the setting will be cozy and welcoming.
Started by an uncle’s dream to own a winery, this family run business is a blend of teamwork, perseverance and determination to continue that dream. The country setting is not only apparent by the front porch sitting, it is carried over on the wine labels as well. Ruttin’ Buck and Blushing Doe are two of the more comical names you’ll find. What a fun gift for the hunter or nature lover in your life!
Friday nights are Ladies Nights and spots fill up quickly. You can make reservations through their Facebook page. Babysitting next door is available, but also requires advanced reservations. Food trucks are generally available on Saturday nights and you are welcome to bring in your own food at any time.
I sampled their pecan wine that will be released this fall. I loved it! If only I had a slice of pecan pie to go with it.
Volunteer Opportunity
The refractometer has been busy and grape picking is just beginning. Volunteers are needed from now until October, weather permitting. Contact the vineyard directly for times and available slots.
9214 Westfall Rd SW, Amanda, OH 43102
Herrenhaus Elflein Frankish Vineyard and Winery
Inspired by his great-grandmother’s love of German winemaking, Keith and his wife Jennifer have turned their eight acre plot of land into a beautiful vineyard and winery. The vineyard features four types of grapes, all with unique historical and cultural significance.
Elflein is opened by appointment only. The indoor facility and outdoor patio can be requested for small events or personal wine tasting sessions. Outside food can be brought in to be enjoyed with your wine.
As with many other wineries, the pictures on the labels have a story to tell. The little cherub boy, who is also painted on the winery’s ceiling, is a portrait of the couple’s first born. Other pictures, such as the flower or castle, pay tribute to the German roots from which this family’s ancestors come from.
Volunteer Opportunity:
Volunteers are needed to harvest the grapes. Expected harvesting will happen on Saturdays throughout September. Breakfast, lunch and a $10/hour wage is provided for the pickers. Sign up on their website.
800 Winchester Southern Rd. Ashville, OH 43103
Hocking Hills Winery
Crickets chirping, people laughing and live music playing all while being surrounded by the beauty of the Hocking Hills. The Hocking Hills Winery offers an ideal setting for a relaxing evening with friends and family. Once a family cattle farm, it is now a vineyard and winery run by multiple family members.
Indoor or outdoor seating is available. Outdoor options include sitting by the firepit, gathering at picnic tables or enjoying patio seating in front of the stage. Heat lamps are on the ready for cool, autumn evenings.
The menu offers wine, wine slushies (the peach is delicious!), beer and multiple food trays. Pizza Crossing will deliver and food trucks are on site most weekends. Live music adds to the pleasurable ambiance on weekend nights.
30402 Freeman Rd. Logan, OH 43138
Manchester Hill Winery
Tucked away in the small town of Tarlton, just across the Fairfield County line, you will be welcomed by the 1871 home that owners Nicole and Patrick have restored. Behind the home, you will find the winery, patio and yard seating, a small cabin for lodging and rows of grape vines.
If you stop in on a Friday or Saturday evening, you’ll have the fortune of being able to order a smoked BBQ pulled pork sandwich or brisket. There is typically live music from 7-9:00pm as well.
Wines are produced in the traditional French style. Much of the juice comes from grapes grown in the vineyard, but additional juice for various wine varieties come from locally grown grapes, blackberries and apples. Their wine slushies are made straight from the bottle, no added ice or flavorings. Manchester Winery also offers hard cider made from Hughes apples.
The adorable cottage can be rented through VRBO.
13160 Tarlton Rd. Circleville, OH 43113
Rockside Winery and Vineyards
Located on Route 37, just north of Lancaster, Rockside Winery is a great destination for delicious wine. Their vines surround the cozy back patio giving guests a great view to enjoy. Many of their labels pay tribute to something in Fairfield County. My favorite wine has the curved Grandstand that once stood proudly at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds.
Rockside offers light appetizer trays or you can bring your own food.
If you have a membership to Harvest Hosts, you are able to bring your camper and stay at the winery overnight. This is a great program that offers free nights’ stays at over 1000 wineries, breweries, working farms and museums throughout the United States. You can click here to get a 15% discount on your year long membership. We have a membership and have thoroughly enjoyed it.
Volunteer Opportunity:
Grape harvesting has already begun, but you can call the winery to see about additional picking slots.
2363 Lancaster-Newark Rd NE Lancaster, OH 43130
Slate Run Winery
One of the oldest wineries in Fairfield County, Slate Run Vineyard opened in 1997. Some of the vines were actually started in 1985. What began as a hobby has turned into a full blown business providing award winning wines for the patrons as well as juice for some of the area wineries.
Slate Run Winery produces its wine with an Old World style. There are 17 different wines available. If you like sweet wine like me, you will love the Winsome. Ironically, this is the winery’s best seller year after year.
Volunteer Opportunity:
With over 60 varieties of grapes, you can imagine how much work needs to be done. Pickers are needed throughout the month of September. Call the winery directly to see about available spots.
1900 Winchester Southern Rd. Canal Winchester, OH 43110
Fall makes such a great time to head out to the Fairfield County wineries. The grapevine leaves are turning as well as the tree leaves that surround many of the businesses. The cooler temperatures create the perfect ambiance while sitting out on the patios. Supporting these local farmers and business owners is so important. So, the big question is… which one will you visit first?
Here are a few wine related items that I find very useful:
- Carrier
- Bottle Opener
- Bottle Stopper
- Wine Glasses
- Stemless Wine Glasses
- Flight Glasses
- Cutting Board for Cheese and Cracker
- Cork Collector Shadowbox
Fairfield County wineries have your evening drink covered, but Fairfield County also has a complete array of coffee shops for your morning caffeine kick. Click here to find the Best Coffee Shops in Fairfield County.
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Thank you! I hope you continue to be inspired by future posts.