There are two AVA’s (American Viticulture Areas) located in Northeastern Ohio - the Lake Erie AVA and the Grand River AVA. An AVA is a delineated area for grape production in the United States. It can be as large as “American”, which is anywhere in the United States or as small as a subregion in Napa Valley. Why does this matter? Climate and soil composition is unique to each region and contributes to the wines different expressions of taste around the world.
The climate in Northeastern Ohio benefits from the proximity to both Lake Erie and the Grand River and it allows them to grow high end wine grapes. Grapes were first planted here in the early 1800’s. A large portion of the vineyards were planted to Concord grapes; most were used for juice and jelly. It wasn’t until 1972 that Vitis Vinifera (European grapes) were first planted in the area and the true potential of this wine region was realized.

The Lake Erie AVA, located on the southern shore of Lake Erie, is a several state AVA spanning from Ohio to New York, with over 42,000 acres of vineyard land. As of 2022 there are 23 wineries in New York, 20 wineries in Pennsylvania, and 35 wineries in Ohio. The Lake Erie AVA has a humid continental climate moderated by Lake Erie. The macroclimate of this region protects us from harsh environmental issues (in most years). In spring, the cooling influence of the lake prolongs budbreak. In the later part of the growing season, the warming influence of the lake allows longer hang time for fruit on the vine, before the first killer frost.

The Grand River AVA is an area encompassing 2 miles north and south of the Grand River (in an area 6 to 12 miles off the shore of Lake Erie). The Grand River benefits the vineyards here because it helps to promote air circulation, which helps prevent damage from frost. Between these two bodies of water, premium Vitis vinifera grapes are able to grow. Traveling farther away from these two moderating influences, growing conditions become increasingly more extreme. The Grand River AVA is located within the Lake Erie AVA. There are twenty wineries that fall under this category.

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