Vermilion sits in the heart of Ohio's Wing Watch & Wine Trail. Come and discover Ohio’s western Lake Erie shoreline region.
Vast marshlands, deep forests and the lake have provided a fertile crescent with diverse habitats for over 300 bird species. The area is home to majestic bald eagles, colorful migratory warblers and graceful great blue herons. Located at the junction of two major waterfowl migratory paths, natural sights change with the seasons.
Spring migrations provide excellent bird watch opportunities as early as March, as birds pile up on Ohio’s Lake Erie shoreline beaches before crossing the lake. When birds have recharged their energy levels by feeding and resting, they move north either by flying west around the lake or by island hopping across the lake.
Summer brings shore birds, gulls, herons, ducks, raptors and others who choose the shoreline for permanent breeding grounds. When the leaves turn to yellow, orange and crimson, the migratory songbirds and waterfowl return. Swans, geese, wintering waterfowl, owls and others winter in the region.
In the nearby farm fields and vineyards, depending on the season, Eastern bluebirds, red winged blackbirds, sparrows, cardinals, woodpeckers of all kinds and other common North American species abound.
This fertile crescent also provides the natural microclimate for vineyard excellence. A wide range of soil types deposited by years of glacial movement and temperatures moderated by the most shallow of all the Great Lakes allows vintners to grow the traditional native varieties, French American hybrids, and the finest of European varietals.
Ohio has a history steeped in wine industry. The first cultivated grapevines in the U.S. were grown in Ohio, making Ohio the oldest wine-producing state in the country. Wines from this region have won medals around the country and produce a range of wines to suit any palate.
Northern Ohio ’s chillier climate is ideal for producing grapes for white Germanic wines like Riesling and fruity wines.
Ohio is quickly becoming one of the top wine-producing states in the country, boasting nearly 3,000 acres of grapes, a yearly production of over 800,000 gallons, and more than 80 wineries - growing from 37 just nine years ago - that bring in an estimated $70 million a year.
Grapevine buds appear about mid-April. Blossoms and fruit development occurs in June. Fruit color and sugars develop in August. Harvest begins in mid-September and lasts though late October.
Discover the beauty of Vermilion's Wing Watch & Wine Trail.
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Local Wineries Vermilion Ohio
- Paper Moon Vineyards
2008 State Route 60, Vermilion, OH 44089Phone: (440) 967-2500Description: Paper Moon sits on 50 acres of cleared and wooded land just west of the Vermilion River in the historic harbour town of Vermilion, OH. Located less than two miles from Lake Erie, Paper Moon benefits from the moderating climate the lake provides. This property lies in a region known for its flourishing vineyards and the remnants of an old concord vineyard can still be found near the entrance. In May of 2008, four thousand vines were planted over five acres of the property. These vines represent a variety of hybrids including vidal blanc, traminette, noiret, marquette and chambourcin. Guests enter the tasting room through a covered outdoor patio area with seating for 60 people. The patio overlooks a grassy courtyard with a fire ring and plenty of room for lawn games. Beyond the courtyard is a view of the vineyard and pond. The tasting room features a stone and stucco décor with a copper tasting bar and a large fireplace. Tables made from oak barrels provide seating for about 45. Behind a massive oak door, the winery has a destemmer/crusher and a press for processing fresh grapes. The production room also includes stainless steel, temperature-controlled tanks that allow the winemaker to control the fermentation process. The lab is outfitted to monitor the winemaking process from grapes to wine. Another large oak door conceals the cellar which is above ground but temperature-controlled for the sake of the wine.
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- Quarry Hill Winery & Orchard
8403 Mason Road, Berlin Hts., OH 44814Phone: (419) 706-8005Description: Open for sales and tastings of grape and fruit wines and fruit during business hours. "Quarry Hill is one of the few wineries that delivers this level of scenery," said Ohio Magazine. During the season we have cherries, peaches, apples, and cider. Guests may enjoy a bottle of their favorite Quarry Hill wine in our lawn-picnic area overlooking the orchards and use our lawn tables or bring a blanket. They may also bring a picnic,or they may purchase (pre-packaged) cheese & crackers, popcorn, etc. from the market. Groups of more than four, please call ahead. Offering, during normal business hours, (outdoor-only) seating during the warmer months.
Open for sales and tastings of estate wines. There will be a $3.00 corkage fee for any bottle of wine consumer brings on-premise. New Spring hours are through June: Thurs.-Sat. 11 am - 5 pm & Sun. 1 - 5 pm. Winter Hours: Jan - Mar 31: Sat noon - 5 pm or by appt. Summer and Fall Hours: Jul - Dec 31: daily 10 am - 5:30 pm; Sun 1 pm - 5:30 pm.
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- Vermilion Valley Vineyards
11005 Gore Orphanage Road, Wakeman, OH 44889Phone: (440) 965-5202Description: Vermilion Valley Vineyards features premium varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Riesling and local wines such as Concord, Niagara and Pink Catawba. The vineyards and winery are located at 11005 Gore Orphanage Road, South of State Route 113. Vermilion Valley Vineyards intends to distinguish itself as a local grower of vinifera grapes and producer of premium wines.
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- Single Tree Winery
12488 Baumhart Road, Amherst, OH 44001Phone: (440) 965-7777Description: New, expanded tasting room. Daily wine tastings where you may bring your own food. Grills are available. Sit by our indoor and outdoor fireplaces. Live entertainment most weekends. Closed Sun-Mon. Tue-Thu 1 pm - 9 pm, Fri-Sat 1 pm - 11 pm.
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- Matus Winery
15674 Gore Orphanage Road, Wakeman, OH 44889Phone: (440) 774-9463Description: Come and enjoy good wine and good company on the 75 year old farmland of the Matus Family. Thu 4 pm - 10 pm, Fri 4 pm - midnight, Sat 1 pm - midnight.
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- E & K Winery
224 E. Water Street, Sandusky, OH 44871Phone: (419) 609-9463Description: Located in the E & K historic Winery Bldg (1863) in downtown Sandusky, E & K was originally Bonded Winery #3 in Ohio. Now a small boutique winery.
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- Firelands Winery
917 Bardshar Road, Sandusky, OH 44870Phone: (419) 625-5474Description: Come by for a visit and enjoy a tour and a tasting. Firelands Winery has been producing fine wines since 1880. European-style to American, these award-winning wines will please any palate. Winery tours, gift shop and winemaking supplies.
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- Heineman Winery
978 Catawba AvenuePO Box 300, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456Phone: 419-285-2811Description: Take a ferry boat to this island winery serving 25 different wines and grape juice. Tour the winery and Crystal Cave which is one of the largest geodes in the world.
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- Hermes Vineyard
6413 S. Hayes Avenue (Route 4), Sandusky, OH 44870Phone: (419) 626-8500Description: Tasting room overlooks picturesque vineyards. Open Mon - Thurs 11 - 6, Fri & Sat 11 - 11, Sun 1 - 6.
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- Hillside Winery
221 Main Street, Ottawa, OH 45875Phone: (419) 456-3434Description: Enjoy a bottle of wine with a cheese platter beside the fireplace in our warm tasting room or relax outdoors with a view of the historical Blanchard River Bridge. Thu - Sat noon-6 pm.
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- J.W. Dover & Heartland Winery
24945 Detroit Road, Westlake, OH 44145Phone: (440) 871-0700Description: Small winery producing 25 delectable wines, mead and melomels. We offer appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages. Go to our website for a listing of events. Sun-Mon closed. Tue 10 am - 8 pm, Wed-Thurs 10 am - 6 pm, Fri-Sat 10 am - 10 pm.
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- John Christ Winery
32421 Walker Road, Avon Lake, OH 44012Phone: (440) 933-9672Description: Producer of fine quality wines. Cozy wine bard with light snack menu or bring your own food. Picnic area, summer cookouts and wine tastings. Great fun. No pretense. Come on in. Retail Hours: Mon - Wed 10 am - 6 pm, Thu 10 am - 11 pm, Fri - Sat 10 am -midnight, Sun 1 pm - 6 pm. Wine Bar: Thu 5 pm - 11 pm, Fri 5 pm - midnight, Sat noon - midnight, Sun 1 pm - 6 pm.
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- Kelley's Island Wine Co.
418 Woodford Road, Kelleys Island, OH 43438Phone: (419) 746-2678Description: Family destination offering award-winning wines in addition to pizza, pasta, and panninis. Acres of outdoor fun with horseshoes, volleyball, cornhole and child-play area. A must see! Apr - Oct: daily 11 am -10 pm.
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- Klingshirn Winery
33050 Webber Road, Avon Lake, OH 44012Phone: (440) 933-6666Description: Klingshirn is a third generation family farm in existence since 1935. A wide selection of wines from viniferas to Pink Catawba assures a taste for everyone. Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m. closed Sundays and holidays.
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- Mon Ami Historic Winery & Restaurant
9845 East Wine Cellar Road, Port Clinton, OH 43452Phone: (419) 797-4445Description: Since 1870, we have produced champagnes using the classical French "methode champenoise." Enjoy our wines and champagnes with lunch, dinner or any special occasion in our beautiful historic restaurant. Mon-Sat 11:30 am, Sun 10:30 am.
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Wing Watch & Wine Trail
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