Life in the Great Lakes region is truly unique, adding to the many wineries in Ohio for one. Not only does the area receive an inconceivable amount of snow each year, but its glacial history allows for rich soil in which grapes absolutely thrive. Ohio grapes have a rich and sweet flavor thanks to our soil structure, and wine enthusiasts adore the richness of Ohio wine country and its uniqueness. In addition, Ashtabula County is the Buckeye State's Covered Bridge Capital, home to 19 covered bridges near Cleveland, including both the longest and the shortest in the country. How about a wine and a covered bridge trip?

Stretching across Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties is the Grand River Valley, an American Viticultural Area that is famous for its 24 unique wineries near Cleveland.

We only covered a few in this article. Download the winery guide to learn about them all.

1. Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Geneva

Since 1937, the owners of one of the best wineries near me have produced a variety of delicious wines that locals love. Find out why on the Ferrante Winery & Ristorante Facebook page.

And since about 1980 they have served a selection of Italian cuisine offering a dish that pairs perfectly with each and every wine, creating a comfortable and indulgent experience for visitors.

We love the fresh Mahi Mahi with Chef Kelly’s black bean corn salsa, Cajun aioli, and cilantro lime rice.

2. Netcher Road Covered Bridge, Jefferson

This vineyard-friendly microclimate just so happens to overlap with Ashtabula County, which has more covered bridges in Ohio than any other region like the lovely Netcher Road Covered Bridge. Each of its 19 bridges is unique, including astonishing landscaping and architecture. Find the entire list, including the covered bridges near Cleveland in this story, on the covered bridge list web page.

3. The Winery at Spring Hill

This entire area was once heavily glaciated, which today accounts for rich, fertile soil that produces super flavorful grapes. Now, it's a countryside escape that's full of charm. Energies run high on Saturday nights at this winery, as a live band is usually playing on-site. Discover more on The Winery at Spring Hill’s website.

This special place has a variety of unique wines in addition to hard cider and craft beer, appetizers, pizza, and other yummy treats all in a laid-back atmosphere.

How about some of the famous Smoke Gouda Dip and a glass of pastel wine on the rocks?

4. Mechanicsville Covered Bridge, Geneva

At 156 feet, it is the longest single-span Covered Bridge in Ashtabula County and the oldest. The bridge stretches over the Grand River where it was built in 1867. The historic structure was renovated in 2003 when it was opened to traffic, and is one of the best covered bridges near Cleveland.

5. Laurello Vineyards, Geneva

Laurello Vineyards was founded in 2002, though it has ties to Cosmo Anthony Laurello's 1944 vineyard. Cosmo closed his vineyard as beer became the more preferred beverage, but his passion for wine and his dreams of operating a vineyard were passed down through the generations.

While fruit is the cash crop of this region, indulgent dining opportunities abound throughout the area. Step aside, Italian countryside; one of the best wineries in Ohio has delicious wine and wood-fired pizzas down to a science.

Read all about it on the Laurello Vineyards website.

6. Windsor Mills Covered Bridge, Windsor

This region is ideal for a lazy drive with the windows down and driving through the wine region. Not only will we encounter lovely views and expansive vineyards, but more architectural gems in this area, such as this beauty spanning Phelps Creek and built in 1867.

7. Riverview Covered Bridge, Ashtabula

One of the newest covered bridges in Ohio was dedicated in 2016, carrying pedestrian traffic only, and stands as one of the county's larger bridges at 150 feet long and 14 feet wide.

8. Kosicek Vineyards, Geneva

This stunning third-generation vineyard traces its grape roots to 1929 when the vineyard was founded. The impressive list includes exquisite bottles locally grown and produced right here.

Did you know that 50 percent of Ohio's grapes come from this one scenic area? This fact, while mind-blowing, makes it unsurprising that the Grand River Valley produces so many award-winning wines.

Read more about one of the great wineries near me on the Kosicek Vineyards Facebook page.

9. Middle Road Covered Bridge, Conneaut

This enchanting road trip through wine country includes this 136-foot Howe Truss bridge built in 1868 over Conneaut Creek and was reconstructed in 1984. It is one of the finest and most photographed covered bridges near Cleveland

10. Doyle Road Covered Bridge, Jefferson

Beauty abounds throughout Northeast Ohio's wine country with the 94-foot-long town lattice bridge built in 1868 spanning Mill Creek. The bridge was renovated in 1987.

This area's sky warmed with the amber and golden sunset is extraordinary.

A rich place indeed, as not only is it home to the biggest cluster of covered bridges, it also produces half of Ohio's grapes, crafting some of the best wineries near Cleveland.

The wineries in Ohio are ideal for a weekend trip in any season. We adore taking in the beauty of Ashtabula County's covered bridges and then relaxing at a local winery that evening. Ready for a road trip?