A Unique Wine Tasting Experience in Ohio: The Kelleys Island Wineries [2025 Guide]

When you think of wine country, Ohio might not be the first place that comes to mind, but maybe it should be higher on your list. From Lake Erie shores to rolling Appalachian foothills, Ohio is full of surprises when it comes to great wine. And tucked away out on the lake, Kelleys Island offers one of the state’s most charming (and unique!) wine tasting experiences.

I spent the day exploring Kelleys Island on a trip hosted by Shores & Islands Ohio, and I couldn’t have been more excited to share all I’ve learned.

If you’re looking for an easygoing day of sipping wines with a lakeside breeze, this remote little spot belongs on your travel list. Let’s dive into how to plan your visit—and why Kelleys Island makes such a standout stop for wine lovers in Ohio.

Why Wine Tasting on Kelleys Island is So Special

It all starts with getting to the island: since there are no bridges connecting it to the mainland, hopping on a ferry is the only choice (unless you have your own boat) and just the beginning of the adventure.

After the 20-minute ferry ride, life slows down. You’re on island time.

Here, you’ll find three friendly wineries, each with its own personality, and a laid-back island atmosphere where golf carts and bikes are the preferred method of transportation.

Lush green rows of grapevines at a Kelleys Island vineyard, each line draped with protective white netting under an overcast sky.

Kelleys Island Wineries to Visit

🍷 Kelley’s Island Wine Co.

A hustling and bustling favorite, Kelley’s Island Wine Co. is part winery, part restaurant, part live music venue, all wrapped up in island charm.

Expect approachable wines (don’t miss their Glacial White!), a menu of crowd-pleasing food (wood-fired pizzas and Lake Erie perch sandwiches are hits), and plenty of space to linger. I absolutely loved the grilled cheese and tomato bisque. The variety of the day was a bacon jalapeno popper grilled cheese. Doesn’t that just make your mouth water?

It’s one of those places where you could come for a tasting and end up staying for the whole afternoon.

Bonus: Dogs and kids are welcome, and there’s usually something happening on weekends during the summer.

A wine flight of four one-ounce samples ranging from red to white at Kelley’s Island Wine Company, set on a wooden tray over a printed wine list featuring ‘Drier Side’ selections and carryout deals.

🍷 Crooked Tree Vineyard

Want a quieter, more intimate vibe? Crooked Tree Vineyard delivers this and more.

This boutique, family-run vineyard run by Steve and Janet Wermuth offers limited-production wines and a peaceful setting tucked away from the island’s main hustle.

Janet makes her own sangria recipes, which you can’t get anywhere else, giving it a personal touch that’s hard to find.

Highlights: I loved the small-batch reds, the Raccoon Red and Eagles Eyrie. The Island Rosé was also fitting for the location, and the vineyard views alone are worth a visit.

Wine flight from Crooked Tree Vineyard on Kelleys Island, Ohio, featuring three glasses labeled Raccoon Red, Eagles Eyrie, and Island Rose, arranged on a branded wooden tasting board.

🍷 Monarch Winery

If you love something a little whimsical, Monarch Winery is a must.

Here, you can sip fruit-forward varieties on a garden patio or out on the front lawn. The butterfly house is a fun and unexpected addition, and the atmosphere is family-friendly.

This spot is perfect for a visit on a hot summer day. Their signature wine slushies will help you cool right down.

Must-Try: Seasonal blends like blueberry or peach, alongside deliciously sweet wine slushies. I can attest that the blood orange was delicious!

Colorful lineup of fruit-themed wine bottles at Monarch Winery on Kelleys Island, with labels including Pearl Crescent Pear, Swallowtail Sweet Plum, Green Comma Strawberry, and Buckeye Blueberry, displayed beneath a glowing Monarch Winery sign.

Planning Your Visit

How to Get There:

Take the Kelleys Island Ferry from Marblehead. It runs regularly from spring through fall (check the schedule ahead of time). You can bring your car over on the ferry, but many visitors opt for bikes or golf carts once they arrive.

Best Time to Visit:

Late Spring & Early Fall offer quieter tasting experiences and lovely weather.
Summer brings live music, food trucks, and bustling patios—fun, but plan ahead if you visit on weekends.

Tips:

Book lodging early if you plan to stay overnight on the island—accommodations are limited and fill up fast in peak season. We’d recommend the Wave at Marblehead back on the mainland instead.
Pack sunscreen! That lake sun can sneak up on you.
Bring a cooler or padded bag for any wine purchases to keep them safe on the trip home.

Front view of Kelley’s Island Wine Co., a rustic green-tan building with a metal roof and wraparound porch, surrounded by grapevines and outdoor seating under a cloudy sky.

Final Sips: Why You’ll Love Wine Tasting on Kelleys Island

The island’s friendly pace, lake views, and unique winery experiences make it a perfect spot for a relaxed Ohio getaway. Wine tasting on Kelleys Island is about more than just the wine. It’s about slowing down and enjoying the moment.

Whether you’re making a day trip or turning it into a weekend adventure, you’ll leave with new favorite pours—and probably a few great stories to match.

Ready to plan your visit? Ferries run regularly in the warmer months, and the wineries welcome visitors from spring through fall. Just don’t forget to pack your appetite and your camera—you’re in for a unique Ohio wine country experience.