One of the crown jewels of the Grand River Valley wine region is the South River Vineyards. This estate winery has over 80 acres of vineyards and a gorgeous winery housed in a century old victorian chapel. South River Vineyards was opened in 2002 but the property has been a grape farm for nearly 100 years. The chapel was a Methodist Episcopal Church in Shalersville Ohio that was built in 1892, abandoned in the 1970s it sat vacant for over 30 years. One day the owners of the property of the eventual South River Vineyards just happened to drive by and stop to take a photo of the dilapidated church. The woman who owned the property told them she had plans to eventually demolish the building and informed them they could have it if they moved it off the property. The chapel was painstakingly taken apart piece by piece and moved nearly 50 miles to its current location where it was reconstructed and opened as a winery.

Originally the winery was just the chapel but over the years they have added a patio, wine cave and pavilion with a fireplace. South River Vineyards is located on one of the highest points in Ashtabula County allowing for stunning patio views of the vineyards and some of the best sunset views in northeast Ohio.

South River Vineyards grows over 20 different varietals of grapes from Chardonnay to Cabernet Franc. The vineyard is situated on one of the most optimal sites in the Grand River Valley and is one of the largest growers of vineifera in the area. With proximity to Lake Erie playing a vital role in keeping the vines from getting too cold in the winter.

The wine menu features 15 different estate grown wines, there is something for everyone.

Dry White Wines

Chardonay – Soft, floral notes on the nose with a toasty background. a short finish with subtle hints of pear.

Semillion – Smooth, creamy honey and fig on the palate. Dried herbs and crisp acidity on the finish.

Reisling Vinters Reserve – A crisp and clean dry white with lemony citrus flavors.

Pinot Grigio – A dry white with notes of pear and honey tinged with melon overtones.

Red Wines

Karma – A red blend with sweet blackfruit, plum, and raisins with a hint of dried herbs.

Exodus – Dry blend of Merlot & Syrah, hints of blackberry, vanilla, and dark chocolate.

Trinity – An off dry red blend with flavors of cassis, black cherry and fig, this blend is bright and brilliant on the palate, with acidity and slight tannins on the sides and into the finish.

Malbec – One of the only estate grown Malbecs in Ohio, Medium body wine, with earthiness and hints of blackberry.

Pinot Noir – Lightly oaked with hints of strawberry, raspberry and violet.

Semi Sweet to Sweet Wines

Creation – A semi-sweet white blend with delightful flavors of mature mango, kiwi, orange and pear.

Temptation – Crisp, grassy notes, white peach and juicy tangerine are expressive on the palate, finishing with soft, lingering pink grapefruit.

Reisling Vineyard Reserve – Full, silky mouth feel with peach, apricot, and floral tones.

Ice Wines

Concord – Silky smooth with balanced sugar & acidity, the concord taste is softened and complimented with undertones of honey and apricot.

Blush – Sweet and velvety smooth tropical fruit & honey, with a long, luxurious finish.

Ohio may not be known for their red wines, but South River Vineyards never shies away from a challenge of growing old world varietals in a colder climate.

Tasting flights of 4 wines are available for $9.

Bottles and glasses are available to drink on site, so sit down and enjoy some wine with friends or explore the grounds while sipping a glass of wine in the vineyards.

South River Vineyards produces 2 different Ice Wines, The United Sates is one 4 different countries in the world who have the right climate to produce ice wine. One of the regions where Ice Wine can be produced happens to be right here in the Grand River Valley, Ice wine is a type of dessert wine produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine, grapes are harvested very early in the morning while temperatures plunge to 19 degrees or below. If you enjoy this luxuriously sweet wine be sure to check out the Grand River Valley Ice Wine Festival that happens annually in march.

South River Vineyards does serve a cheese plate, but does not have a kitchen. Picnics are allowed, be sure load up your favorite picnic basket with sandwiches, fruits and cheeses and enjoy a picnic in the tasting room or on the beautiful patio.

If you ever find yourself planning a trip to visit Northeast Ohio be sure to put this unforgettable and unique winery on your itinerary. The Grand River Valley is only 45 minutes from Cleveland and boasts over 30 wineries as well as being a short drive across town to Lake Erie and Geneva State Park.