A Perfect Day Trip to Buckeye Lake Winery
If you’re from Columbus, you’ve probably heard of Buckeye Lake but did you know that the area is home to a California-style winery?
In the summer of 2018, one of my best college girlfriends and I made the trip of a lifetime out to the Sonoma Valley in California and since then I’ve been on the hunt for some of the same awesome flavors we (over) indulged in there. Little did I know they were in my own state!
Buckeye Lake Winery is an elegant, yet casual haunt and I can 100 percent say it is THE place to be this summer. Here’s what you need to know about Buckeye Lake Winery:
The View –
We came for the wine, but we stayed for the view! Situated on the banks of Buckeye Lake, the back patio of Buckeye Lake Winery is a b s o l u t e l y beautiful and incredibly big. Our favorite spot to sip were the Adirondack chairs right by the water and the dock nearby. They also have an outdoor bar and standing room barrels with great views of the water if you don’t feel like sitting down. Can you say #LAKELIFE?!
The Service –
We were immediately greeted with a smile and welcome from the Buckeye Lake Winery staff, most of whom are friendly locals. We visited during COVID-19 but felt super safe as all staff was masked and we were seated outside. During our visit we had prompt and knowledgeable service making us feel right at home.
Rotating Menu from a Renowned Chef –
“So the wine is great, but have you tried the food?!” - Chef Steve brings more than 20 years of experience Buckeye Lake Winery. We found out that during COVID, the Chef would try new menu items each week and the popular ones made their way onto the seasonal menu. There’s a large variety with a rotating menu of seasonal, fresh selections including the Wagyu Burger (my husband loved it) and the pan-seared Salmon. Also, try the Honey Bourbon Wings for your appetizer and don’t forget the Flourless Chocolate Torte for dessert.
A Taste of California –
If you’ve ever tasted Napa Valley wine, then you’ll feel right at home at Buckeye Lake Winery. That’s because all the grapes are sourced from Napa, Sonoma, the Russian River Valley and the Lodi Regions of California. I was surprised to learn that each year, owners Tracy & Laura Higginbotham make a trip to the West Coast to assess their grapes for the upcoming harvest.
Pro Tip - Get the full experience by ordering their large tasting featuring eight of their best wines. Our favorites were the Sauvignon blanc and the Zinfandel - no surprise there.
Short Drive From Columbus –
If you are looking for the perfect day trip – look no further than Buckeye Lake. Just 45 minutes outside of the Columbus area, you can drive up for the afternoon and be home at dinner time!
P.S. Make sure you grab a couple of your favorite bottles to-go!
Buckeye Lake Winery located at 13750 Rosewood Drive Thornville, OH 43076 and is open daily from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm. Be sure to stop by for brunch every Sunday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
We loved our day trip and we will 100 percent be back, especially for the brunch! Which Ohio Winery should we head to next?