Whether you’re planning a bachelorette party, romantic couples getaway or simply gathering friends for a wine excursion, Summit County is a bucket list destination for wine lovers. With numerous award-winning wineries in Akron, Ohio, and beyond, everyone from red wine enthusiasts to white wine aficionados (and even middle-of-the-road rosé fans) can find their perfect glass. Read on for uniquely local wine tasting experiences, winery events and food and wine pairings.
The Winery at Wolf Creek
The Winery at Wolf Creek in Norton, Ohio, offers views for miles and lush, peaceful surroundings overlooking the Barberton reservoir. As one of Ohio’s oldest wineries, its wine tasting menu features locally-produced and West Coast wines, while the food menu includes salty snacks and chocolates as well as local meats and cheeses. Visitors are also welcome to play board games inside or picnic on the scenic grounds while enjoying delicious wine, craft beer and cocktails.
Nauti Vine Winery
Nauti Vine Winery is home to excellent wine tasting in Akron, Ohio, that features something for all palettes, including a merlot, green apple riesling and cabernet sauvignon reserve that visitors can enjoy in a Tuscan-themed tasting room. No matter your preferences, there’s plenty to love at this charming winery situated by the scenic shores of the Portage Lakes. Soak up the warm, inviting atmosphere, or sample one of their tasty brick oven artisan flatbread pizzas.
Prime Vine Winery
Prime Vine Winery is one of Akron’s best kept secrets. Its cozy wine tasting room overlooks its private vineyard and features handcrafted California wines, as well as cheese, meat, fruit, nuts and crackers. Enjoy a variety of events all year long, including live music on Friday nights, wine tasting dinners and even music festivals at this National Register of Historic Places venue.
Michael Angelo’s Winery
Michael Angelo’s Winery appeals to everyone from rosé lovers to cabernet sauvignon enthusiasts. Its award-winning wine roster features in-house wines as well as wines selected from premier U.S. vineyards. Pair them with an expansive culinary menu that blends Italian and American cuisines (we suggest trying a glass of chardonnay with the strawberry caprese salad).
Sarah’s Vineyard
Sarah’s Vineyard is a pre-Civil War farmhouse in Cuyahoga Valley National Park that’s been transformed into a charming and rustic winery and art gallery. Wine and art enthusiasts alike can enjoy quality wine made from nine varieties of grapes paired with wood-fired pizzas. Browse local and national art in the tasting room, which houses paintings, pottery, glass art and more.
The Wine Mill
The Wine Mill, in Peninsula, is a historic winery known for its gourmet shareable foods and expansive wine list that includes 60 varieties sourced worldwide, including locally made Ohio wines. Discover live music several nights a week and one of the best happy hours in town on Tuesdays. This energetic and eclectic venue is a must for fans of acoustic music who also appreciate wine.
Tasting Experience Guide
New to wine tasting? We’ve got you covered. Wine tasting is a sensory experience that engages your sight, smell and taste. It involves observing the color of a wine, swirling it in the glass to release aromas, sniffing the wine and sipping it to savor the flavors.
It’s also an educational opportunity to learn about wine origins, the winemaking process and food pairings. Whether you’re planning your first wine tasting or you’re a winery guru, Summit County is a must-visit destination for wine lovers with its charming and historic local wineries.