Top 5 Must-Do Activities in Ohio's Wine Country
If you're looking for a weekend getaway in Ohio, Ohio Wine Country should be at the top of your list! Nestled along the shores of Lake Erie, Ohio’s vineyards offer stunning views, locally crafted wines, and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a weekend escape. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just looking to sip something new, Ohio Wine Country has something for everyone. From award-winning Rieslings to bold, flavorful reds, these wineries showcase the best of Ohio’s growing wine scene, all while giving you a chance to explore the charming towns, scenic trails, and hidden gems that make the region so special.
Below is an overview of everything that we did on a weekend trip to the region! You can find a list of our favorite wineries on our Must Try Wineries post.
Take a Wine Tour
If you’re going to be in Geneva-on-the-Lake then we 100% recommend taking a wine tour with The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake (we also recommend staying with them if you’re still looking for a place to stay while in the area, we did and loved it!). From start to finish, our experience on the wine tour was smooth, fun, and well-organized. Our tour guide was not only knowledgeable about the local wine scene but also super friendly, making the entire day feel relaxed and enjoyable
The Tour will take you to 3 different wineries (we went to Cask 307, Kosicek, and Stonegait Winery) and will vary depending on availability of each vineyard. Each one has it’s own unique atmosphere—from large, well-known establishments to charming family-run vineyards. Not only is each winery a different experience, but on the tour you get a wide variety of wines ranging from crisp whites to bold reds. Throughout your tour you will have plenty of opportunities to learn about the local wine-making process and sample some of the region’s best bottles!
The tour was perfectly paced as well. There was plenty of time at each location to explore, snack, and sample wine. Not having to drive between different wineries or back to our hotel meant we got to indulge a little bit extra in our favorite wines!
The views along the way were gorgeous, each winery bringing its own beauty to the experience. Even if you aren’t a huge wine lover, this trip is worth it for the scenery alone! Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a fun, relaxing outing, we highly recommend the wine tour at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake. It’s a must-do for anyone visiting Ohio’s Wine Country!
2. Visit Old Firehouse Winery at Sunset
We’ve written a full review of Old Firehouse Winery over on our Must Try Wineries post, so make sure you check it out for our full review (spoiler: we loved it!). This winery is nestled right on the shores of Lake Erie! So, it not only offers great food and locally crafted wines, but also some of the best sunsets in the area. So much so that they have a Sunset Patio which has a bar and offers live music, festivals, and craft shows. You can find a list of events on their Event page. If the Sunset Patio doesn’t seem to be your vibe, don’t worry! They also have a ferris wheel to offer stunning views of sunsets along Lake Erie.
Old Firehouse winery is the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and watch the sun dip below the horizon as it paints the sky in shades of pink, orange, and purple. Whether you prefer sipping on a refreshing white or a rich red, the experience is enhanced by the beautiful lakefront scenery. It’s a must-visit for travelers looking to combine great wine with the natural beauty of Lake Erie. Arrive early to grab a good seat by the water, and don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning sunset views!
3. Visit Geneva on the Lake State Park
Geneva-on-the-Lake State Park is a must visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts (like us!) to explore the Lake Erie Shoreline. The park offers a mix of natural beauty and recreational activities, so there is sure to be something for everyone!
The park’s beach is our favorite part, offering a peaceful spot for swimming, sunbathing, or just picnicking along the shoreline. The waters of Lake Erie provide a refreshing escape during the summer months. For those looking to get out on the water, the park also has a marina where you can rent boats or set off for a day of fishing!
If the water doesn’t entice you to visit, then the hiking and biking trails certainly will! They wind through the park, offering scenic views of the lake, forests, and wetlands. Geneva State Park Trail is one of the most popular trails and connects the park to the town of Geneva-on-the-Lake. This makes it easy for visitors to explore not only the park, but also local attractions! Birdwatchers will also enjoy spotting a variety of species, especially during the spring and fall migration seasons.
4. Covered Bridge Driving Tour
If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing way to spend the day, try the Covered Bridge Driving Trail. The charming route takes you through the beautiful countryside, showcasing some of the state’s most picturesque covered bridges. Each bridge has its own character and history, making it feel like you’re stepping back in time. As you drive, you’ll be treated to stunning views of rolling hills, lush forests, and serene rivers that make the trip worthwhile. You can find a map with all covered bridges here.
If you don’t have time to visit them all, then make sure you visit Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge! It’s the longest covered bridge in the United States and as you can tell from the photo above, it has some beautiful scenery as well. The parking is pretty limited for this bridge, so if you want to stop and walk across the bridge (which we highly recommend as the views from the bridge are great!), then we suggest going early in the morning to beat the crowds!
Honestly, the drive itself is super relaxing. The roads are well-maintained, and you can cruise at a leisurely pace while taking in all the sights. Keep an eye out for local wildlife (we saw some deer crossing the road on our drive!).
Overall, the Covered Bridge Driving Trail is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or just looking for a lovely drive with friends or family, this trail offers a bit of everything. So grab your favorite playlist, hop in the car, and enjoy the journey through Ohio’s countryside!
5. Visit Fat Sally’s
Looking for something that isn’t wine or outdoor related? Don’t worry, we have the perfect option for you: Fat Sally’s Warehouse. A short drive from Geneva-on-the-Lake, this charming antique shop is packed with all kinds of treasures for collectors and casual shoppers!
As soon as you step inside, you’re greeted by an inviting atmosphere. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and, though, it’s an antique shop, it’s bright and spacious. We spent the morning here walking through the shop, discovering fun and quirky pieces that we wished we could take home (we did bring home a few items)! Honestly, thats what we loved so much about it, there was so much there you never knew what was going to be around the corner! Make sure you keep an eye on their event page (or pick up a flyer in store) as they have markets and events throughout the year!
Here’s a map for all of our favorite spots in Ohio’s Wine Country: