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If you are looking for the best wine bars in Cleveland, Ohio, you are in the right place! While my first choice to drink wine is on my couch watching Netflix, the below places are good enough to get me to leave my cozy living room once in a while. This article focuses on locations on the west side of Cleveland, because the west side is the best side.
5 Best Wine Bars in Cleveland, Ohio
Rozi’s Wine House – Lakewood
Of all the wine bars in Cleveland, Ohio, Rozi’s tops my list even though it’s officially more of a beer and wine store that also has a bar. However, it is one of my favorite places and my hubby and I are basically regulars there.
They have been in business for three generations, and have one of the best wine and craft beer selections in the area. Plus, their staff are so friendly and knowledgeable, so we always know we can ask them for good wine recommendations. We love to grab a quick beverage on their patio for happy hour, especially when the windows are open in summer.
Rozi’s also hosts amazing beer and wine tasting events featuring beers from Ohio breweries and wines from all over. Two particularly exciting ones are their annual Jackie O’s beer tasting in January and the Wine Extravaganza in October, which features over 150 wines.
Humble Wine Bar – Lakewood
Humble Wine Bar is such a cute place with simple but modern décor. The moderate price points and easily drinkable wines tend to draw a younger crowd. The main food featured here are a variety of delicious pizzas. Your best bet is to visit during happy hour for a selection of $5 wines and a discount on the pizzas.
Rocky River Wine Bar – Rocky River
Rocky River Wine Bar is one of the larger wine bars in Cleveland, Ohio. It’s slightly upscale, but the type of place you can wear jeans to for a casual date night. The Rocky River Wine Bar has a big wine selection and large patio filled with ambiance. Their dining room also has a section with a fireplace that’s begging for you to enjoy a glass of merlot on a cozy winter evening.
Market Avenue Wine Bar – Cleveland
This cozy low-lit little corner of Ohio City’s main street is generally quiet and never too crowded. It’s simple and casual with good wines and small snacks. I also don’t find it as overpriced as other wine bars, and the setting feels very calm and relaxed. It’s a great place to start your night with a drink or two before a nice dinner or an evening out on the town.
Wine Vault – Vermillion
So this wine bar is actually a bit outside of Cleveland, Ohio, but is so good that I had to include it. As far as wine bars go, Wine Vault is possibly the best one I have ever been to for so many reasons.
First off, the owner is a classy fellow with a lot of experience working for high-end restaurants, having formerly been a server at the highly esteemed Chez Francois. You can tell he loves what he does, as you can always find him working hard behind the bar while chatting away with guests. He treats everyone who walks into the restaurant like family, and really knows his wines.
Then there is the restaurant itself. Wine Vault is a cozy and intimate little space in a converted old bank in the city of Vermilion’s charming downtown. However, don’t let the very small space fool you. Their full menu is upscale and delicious, filled with tons of great wines and all sorts of fine-dining goodness.
My husband and I were actually here very recently, and had the most incredible meal. During your visit, you must try the sea scallops with gnocchi and the lobster ravioli, finished off with the pecan tart. Also, my new favorite wine there is the #511 Zinfandel. Of course, I recommend always drinking wine with one of their amazing cheese plates.
Bonus Wine Stops
Heinen’s – Rocky River
I’m not sure how everybody I talk to misses this one! Yes, this is a grocery store, but Heinen’s regularly hosts wine tastings on most weekend days. Each taste is just a quarter, and the wines are always very good quality. I definitely recommend the Rocky River Heinen’s location. The staff here have amazing wine knowledge, and a couple of them are even sommeliers. Heinen’s downtown is worth checking out as well, as you can drink your wine under the huge rotunda of what was originally the Cleveland Trust Company building built in 1908.
Chez Francois – Vermilion
Chez Francois is a little fancy and definitely on the pricey end. However, if you are a serious wine drinker, their incredible wine dinners are something you should definitely experience!
Vermilion Valley Vineyards – Vermilion
It is a lovely country drive out to Vermilion Valley Vineyards, especially on a gorgeous summer day. I recommend the chardonnay, which is best enjoyed on their lovely patio.
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As you can see, we’ve got a nice amount of wine bars in Cleveland, Ohio to fill the needs of all types of wine lovers like myself. As we like to say to visitors in Cleveland: “It’s not that bad; have a drink!”. If we have nothing else to offer this great country of ours, we’ve got plenty of alcohol to share with our guests. Now tell me: have you had the pleasure of drinking wine out and about in the Cleveland area before?
