Discover The Best Waterfalls And Wineries In Ohio On One Tank Of Gas
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Megan Shute
Author
We absolutely love road trips here at Only In Your State, but there’s something to be said about the simplicity and adventure found on the humble day trip. With the same opportunity for excitement as a long road trip, day trips require little to no planning, less time commitment, and as is the case here, a single tank of gas.
Welcome to Only On A Tankful, our new series that features a slew of themed day trip destination pairings across Ohio. First up: wine and waterfalls. Aside from the alliteration, we can think of no better way than to spend a day than drinking wine and chasing waterfalls. Whether you live in Cincinnati, Cleveland, or anywhere in between, you’ll discover an epic day trip that features both a winery and a waterfall – only on a tankful, of course. So, what are you waiting for? Choose your adventure, hop in the car, and enjoy a picture-perfect Ohio afternoon.
Northwest Ohio
1. Firelands Winery & West Falls
With a rich history that dates back to 1880, Firelands Winery has earned distinction as one of the top wineries in both the Sandusky area and in Ohio. Here you will find a generous selection of regionally-made American wines, some of which are award-winning, and a scrumptious on-site restaurant. Enjoy a flight of wine before embarking on the 45-minute journey to Cascade Park, home of the breathtaking West and East Falls of the Black River. Your best bet is to park in the main parking lot and bring your hiking boots along - the 1.2-mile trail leads to not one, but two gorgeous cascades surrounded by lush greenery.
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If you’re a local to Northwestern Ohio, this this two-in-one adventure is one that you need to try. With an outdoor patio, a slew of seasonal events - including live entertainment and yoga - and a wonderful variety of whites, reds, and blushes, Majestic Oak Winery is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. And after, there's no better spot to visit that the ever-charming Side Cut Metro Park, where you will discover a 2.2-mile trail, plenty of wildlife, and a series of wondrous little waterfalls.
Northeast Ohio
3. Debonne Vineyards & Paine Falls
For one of the most relaxing Ohio day trips, make your way to Debonne Vineyards in Madison before marveling at Paine Falls. With more than 175 acres of vines, Debonne Vineyards in Madison has earned recognition as Ohio’s largest estate winery, making it a must-visit destination, especially for wine connoisseurs. And just fifteen minutes away is the 377-acre Paine Falls Park, home of the gorgeous and easily accessible Paine Falls. This multi-tier waterfall is most striking after rainfall and is gorgeous in every season, but we think you'll especially want to come back for a visit in Autumn.
The Winery at Wolf Creek provides an idyllic starting point for a leisurely day trip – whether you prefer an adults-only day out or you want to bring the kids along. Bring your own snacks, stop by to visit with the goats, and enjoy everything from dry red wines to sweet and fruit wines. Bask in the picturesque surroundings, then head to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, home of Brandywine Falls. Make sure to pack your hiking boots or comfortable shoes, especially if you’re up for a scenic hike. The best part? Travel time between the Winery At Wolf Creek and Brandywine Falls is surprisingly short, so you won’t have to spend too much time in the car - especially if you live in Cleveland!
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For this day trip, we start with traveling to the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, where you’ll find Breitenbach Winery. Offering more than 40 wines, guests will enjoy wine tastings, a delicious meal at the on-site cafe, browsing the gift shop, and enjoying the surrounding landscape. A tasty meal and delicious blueberry or apricot wine is the perfect prelude to your journey to Mohican State Park, and Lyons Falls. The two-mile trail meanders through wooded areas, along Clear Fork Gorge, and leads to two Lyons Falls – Big and Little. With just an hour of drive time between the two, this is one afternoon adventure you're sure to love.
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Southeast Ohio
6. Hocking Hills Winery & Old Man’s Cave
Producing 12 tons of grapes each year, Hocking Hills Winery is well-known for their award-winning wine, but they also offer beer, non-alcoholic drinks, charcuterie trays, and even wine slushies - the perfect treat for a warm summer day. A cozy patio makes this winery a must-visit before visiting the nearby Old Mans Cave. The hike to reach the cave takes under an hour and you'll see some astonishingly beautiful scenery, including this picturesque waterfall that looks almost too beautiful to be real.
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By starting at Shade Winery in Shade Ohio in the late morning or early afternoon and then taking a short drive to Boord State Nature Preserve, you will experience the best of both worlds; good food and drink along with a healthy dose of nature! You will find an array of tasty wines, a delectable food menu, and rolling green hills as far as the eye can see. After you have had your fill, it's time to take a trip to Boord State Nature Preserve, a 125-acre oasis that's home to a handful of picturesque cascades and breathtaking scenery.
Southwest Ohio
8. Wyandotte Winery & Hayden Falls
Just 20 miles apart, a visit to Wyandotte Winery and Hayden Falls make for an awe-inspiring adventure. Sample favorite wines such as Apple Hill, Sweet William’s Sweet Red Wine, White Rose, and Statehouse Cabernet as you lounge on the outdoor patio and embrace relaxation at Wyandotte Winery. You might also enjoy a wine slushie, a pitcher of sangria, or one of their tasty food offerings before heading out to Hayden Falls. Nestled in Griggs Reservoir Park, Hayden Falls is accessible via a short walking path and cascades nearly 25 feet and is particularly gorgeous after a rainfall. If you live in or near Columbus, you'll want to add this day trip to your summer bucket list.
Go ahead and fill up your tank before heading to the family-owned Old Mason Winery, which features a gorgeous back patio, live music, and an epic selection of wines on tap. Not only does Old Mason offer fantastic wines to try, but they also have a great selection of summer sausages and cheeses that go perfectly with their wines! After getting your fill, you'll be ready to explore Charleston Falls Preserve, a 216-acre park that shows off the best of Ohio's natural beauty. The park gets its name from the stunning Charleston Falls, a 37-foot behemoth that eventually empties into the Great Miami River. This is one cascade you won't want to pass up.
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Live near Cincinnati? This wine and waterfall pairing is for you! You'll start your adventure just 40 minutes outside the city at Valley Vineyards, a picture-perfect spot that features both a winery and a brewery as well as an extensive selection of food. From there, you'll head out to Fallsville Wildlife Area, a 1,785-acre park that’s brimming with natural beauty, including ponds, meadows, and Fallsville Falls. The .7-mile trail leads to a stunning 15-foot cascade that is at its prettiest after rainfall.
So, tell us, which of these epic wine and waterfall day trips will you be embarking on first? Check back in the coming weeks to discover our other epic day trip destinations – only in Ohio, and only on a tankful.
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