A UNIQUE Ohio Day Trip Destination: Hocking Hills Winery
Ohio is known for experiencing all four seasons, including Hocking Hills in the southeastern part of the state. No matter the time of year, there is one place that visitors can count on being open and enjoyable — Hocking Hills Winery.
Unlike many places that shut their doors during winter, Hocking Hills Winery keeps going strong. In fact, special winter-themed drinks and events are often on the agenda.
When things warm up, both the vineyard and surrounding countryside spring to life. An astounding backdrop of vibrant green foliage and colorful wildflowers accent the grounds. In autumn, the changing leaves are simply breathtaking — and that’s just the scenery!
An actual visit to Hocking Hills Winery is just as fulfilling, and there are quite a few reasons why that is the case. A lot is going on in this winery and vineyard tucked into the Appalachian mountain region of Hocking Hills. Learn more about it and be prepared to plan a trip.
About Hocking Hills Winery
Hocking Hills Winery has been a wine lover’s paradise since 2015. Located in Logan Ohio, it’s a family-owned and run business that has served as an agricultural base since 1960.
Cattle Farming
The Davidsons have been a mainstay in the Hocking Hills region for decades. Originally, the vineyard grounds were a cattle farm that was established by Loris and Max Davidson. It served as a successful business until the end of the 1990s.
Once the property passed into the hands of the next generation of Davidsons, a decision about what to do with it had to be made. How would acres of land in the stunning Hocking Hills be repurposed?
The family knew that they wanted the property to maintain an agricultural distinction and purpose. Eventually, the idea of turning it into a vineyard was the prevailing winner.
Establishing the Winery
Blaine Davidson came up with a business plan to create what would become Hocking Hills Winery. Once it passed the Davidson family’s muster, that plan was put into action.
Blaine’s wife, Allison, joined the effort, and both of them put everything they had into making it a successful vineyard. Eventually, Drew Davidson, Blaine’s brother, along with his wife Laura, relocated to Logan and began working on the property too.
The fabulous foursome poured money and sweat into developing Hocking Hills Winery. By 2015, those efforts paid off when the winery’s ribbons were cut, and they began receiving on-site customers. To this day, all four Davidsons have active, hands-on roles in keeping the winery going.
Experiencing Authenticity
One of the things that Hocking Hills Winery is known for is its comfortable atmosphere. This isn’t a winery that relies on slick aesthetics and flashy boasting. Part of its appeal is its authenticity.
If you think about it, a tight-knit family that is dedicated to cultivating great wine and making a point to connect with its patrons doesn’t need to be pretentious to make the place great. It just needs to produce great wine and be real. Hocking Hills Winery manages to do both very well.
Things to Do at Hocking Hills Winery
When you’re visiting Hocking Hills Winery, don’t worry about passing the time. There are plenty of fun things to do.
Sample Wine & Charcuterie
A nice feature of the Hocking Hills Winery is that you can sample different wines without having to worry too much about putting food in your system. Various charcuterie boards are overflowing with various meats, cheeses, vegetables, fruits, and sweets.
As you sip on award-winning wines, you can also indulge in a delicious food fest at the same time. So, anyone who wants to visit the winery can keep their meal and wine plans under the same roof, if they choose.
Explore the Vineyard Grounds
While the interior of the main building of the winery has one of the coziest environments of any countryside vineyard, the exterior gives you an opportunity to see a vast vineyard. So, dress for the weather if you plan on exploring the surrounding outdoors of Hocking Hills Winery.
If you want to bring a furry friend along, you can as long as the animal is trained and well-behaved. However, pets are only allowed on the outdoor patio.
Also, people younger than 21 are allowed but can’t drink, of course. Hocking Hills Winery has plenty of beverage options for children and non-drinkers.
TIP: The winery doesn’t accept reservations and prefers to operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so call ahead to make sure there is space for you and anyone who is with you.
Enjoy Patio Celebrations
One way you can relax at the winery is to lounge on the beautiful outside patio with a gorgeous view of Hocking Hills. Sitting beneath the gentle mountain sun or the crisp evening air is a leisurely and lovely experience.
Hocking Hills Winery is a regular winner of many awards because it produces great wine. Sitting beneath the stars while sipping some of the vintages will give you the chance to taste why. If you’re visiting when the weather is chilly, no worries. The outdoor patio is heated and tented.
Have a Party
It’s not unusual for large groups to travel to Hocking Hills Winery to celebrate special occasions. Because there is limited table space for large groups, it is advised that you call ahead to make sure the winery can accommodate a big party.
Keep It Intimate
Wine is also regarded as a beverage synonymous with intimate gatherings. So, if you are interested in a small gathering or romantic meeting, Hocking Hills Winery is a perfect place to pull that off.
Over the years, this place has seen its fair share of breakups, makeups, and even proposals. So, choosing a special person to bring along is a great idea when you need some one-on-one time.
More Things to Do Near Hocking Hills Winery
Hocking Hills is one of the most famous recreational areas in the Midwest. So, there are countless things to do and places to explore if you are visiting Hocking Hills Winery. Here are a few ideas if you’re looking for other places to see.
Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills State Park is a huge national park that covers about 2,000 acres and has 25 miles of hiking trails. Amazing rock formations have developed over thousands of years throughout this ancient land. You will find caves, cliffs, and astounding bodies of water, including Hocking Hills waterfalls.
A trip to Hocking Hills State Park can easily take an entire weekend, but if you love nature, add it to your list of places to check out when visiting Hocking Hills Winery.
Hocking Hills Sauna Pods
The Hocking Hills Sauna Pods give you a unique, immersive experience with nature while relaxing in a sauna. The barrel-shaped wooden pods are situated near the lake and woods.
As you unwind in the sauna, the breathtaking beauty of the Hocking Hills is visible through the glass end. The experience is both modern and rustic at the same time. Soothe your body, mind, and soul before or after visiting Hocking Hills Winery.
Hocking Hills Canopy Tours
If you’re looking for a little more adventure, you can always visit Hocking Hills Canopy Tours. Go zip lining to take a treetop tour of the amazing canopies of Hocking Hills’ forests. Start your trip in the tops of the trees, and wind down with a nice glass of wine at Hocking Hills Winery.
Plan Your Visit to Hocking Hills Winery & Southeast Ohio
Are you ready to taste the heady bouquet of splendid vintages and enjoy the cozy setting of a mountainside winery? If you plan to visit Southeast Ohio, you simply must add Hocking Hills Winery to your to-do list. Wine enthusiasts might even find a new favorite vintage!
Start planning your trip now to experience one of the best places that Hocking Hills has to offer. And to extend your stay, check out the vacation rentals in Hocking Hills.