The Grand River Valley Ice Wine Festival is one of Ohio’s greatest winter traditions. Local wineries come together to celebrate ice wine in all its glory each year! Read on to learn more about this one-of-a-kind event and how to make the most of your trip.
Your Ultimate Guide to The Grand River Valley Ice Wine Festival
What is Ice Wine?
Ice wine is a particular type of wine. Unlike traditional wines made from grapes harvested in the autumn, ice wine comes from frosted winter grapes. Once the grapes lie on their vine just long enough to freeze over, it’s time to pluck them! As grapes freeze, the water content dissolves, but the sugars and solids are preserved. The result is a sweet, delectable dessert wine.
Everything You Need to Know About the 2024 Ice Wine Festival
When it comes to producing a quality ice wine, timing and temperature are everything, and Ohio’s Grand River Valley has the ideal conditions for creating this sweet treat. This is why the Ohio wine region uniquely celebrates ice wine season with The Grand River Valley Ice Wine Festival!
Join seven different wineries throughout the Ohio wine region as they feature fine wines produced from vineyards that grow 50% of Ohio’s grapes. Enjoy samples of ice wine with complimentary appetizers and join in on fun activities like wine bingo, production tours, and marshmallow roasts!
Participating Wineries at the Grand River Valley Ice Wine Festival
The Wineries of the Grand River Valley are getting prepared for the 21st Annual Ice Wine Festival to give you a fantastic wine-tasting lineup! This year, you can look forward to wine tasting, appetizers, and events at the following wineries:
- Cask 307
- Debonne Vineyards
- Ferrante Winery & Ristorante
- Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant
- Laurello Vineyards
- South River Vineyards
- Red Eagle Distillery
During the entire month of March 2024, patrons will visit each of the participating wineries and sample their Ice Wine along with a complimentary appetizer. Many of the wineries will also have featured events. Find more information on winery menus and featured events by visiting the Winegrowers of Grand River Valley website.
Where to Eat After the Festival
A day of wine tasting will likely work up an appetite. Remember to pair your delectable ice wine with an equally impressive meal. At Crosswinds Grille, you’ll find delicious dishes to compliment your wine tasting experience. Our menu changes each season to take advantage of the freshest local produce and ingredients. You can always look forward to savory charcuterie and cheese boards, pickled vegetables, wood-fired pizzas, and premium steaks.
During Ice Wine Festival weekends, our restaurant fills up quickly, so make your reservations in advance!
Wind Down and Wine Away at The Lakehouse Inn
After a day of sipping and savoring the best of Ohio’s Grand River Valley, head home to The Lakehouse Inn. When you book any of our cozy accommodations, like The Lake Erie Suite, you can always look forward to the best amenities, packages, and top-notch service. Indulge in farm-to-table breakfast, a spectacular dinner at Crosswinds Grille, and luxurious spa treatments while you’re here!
We can’t wait to host you at The Lakehouse Inn!