Great wines aren't confined to the West Coast — Ohio has its own vineyards, the first of which was founded in Cincinnati in the early 1800s. If you're looking to continue the tradition of appreciating grapes grown close to home, we've got you covered.
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top wineries in the Cincinnati area, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to sip and savor.
1. Revel OTR Urban Winery
Topping the list is Revel OTR Urban Winery. Located at 111 E. 12th St. in Over-The-Rhine, the space doubles as a wine bar and events venue. It is the highest rated winery in Cincinnati, boasting 4.5 stars out of 60 reviews on Yelp.
The vibe at Revel is relaxed, with a vast variety of locally-produced wine, including their own, as well as cocktails and local draft beer. There are two floors of space, with couches and chairs throughout to provide a comfortable setting.
Customers can also order from the food menu of small bites, including almonds, olives and cheese, and sandwiches and soup. To view the drink and food menu, click here.
Yelper Megan M. noted, "The service was excellent. I was unsure what drink to order and the bartender let me sample some house cocktails to decide. I had an amazing cinnamon drink. Each table had a box of cards for conversation starters, which was fun to go through with my friends."
2. The Skeleton Root
Next up is Over-The-Rhine's The Skeleton Root, situated at 38 W. McMicken Ave. With 4.5 stars out of 54 reviews on Yelp, the wine bar, winery and venues and event space has proven to be a local favorite.
The Skeleton Root describes itself as a "working winery housed in a historic warehouse in the northern part of Over the Rhine. Our wines are inspired by the deep heritage of the region, paying homage to the roots that were once here."
Since all of its wine are produced at the winery, the wine list is continually changing. It hosts tastings and tours of the facility are available upon request. The business also sells snacks, meats and cheeses.
Yelper Mary Grace S. wrote, "[The] wine here is incredible, and the atmosphere is even better. I can't describe a better place to be on a chilly fall or winter evening - they have warm lights, comfy seating, big tables, and huge windows to watch OTR go by all around you."
3. Henke Winery
Westwood's Henke Winery, located at 3077 Harrison Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving it four stars out of 39 reviews. It offers wine tasting in a tasting room or with a meal in its restaurant.
Although Henke Winery does not grow its own grapes, it uses grapes from the Ohio Valley, and all of its wine is produced in the cellar. It also serves a full menu, with an array of appetizers, soup, and entrees such as Mediterranean lamb, yellowfin tuna and chicken linguine carbonara. Check out the full menu here.
"This quaint little urban winery is a hidden gem, tucked away in the West Side of Cincy," Yelper Dana W. said. "Wine is made here in the basement; the Cabernet Reserve is very good. ... Moderate prices, they have live music on some nights and the staff was as good as you can ask for. We will be back!"
