A cool-climate wine region on Lake Erie's southern shore.
Vineyards here grow at roughly 42° north latitude, close enough to Lake Erie for the water to materially influence temperatures through the growing season, which helps make them suitable for cool-climate grapes including Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc.
Vincent William CABERNET FRANC
Double Gold winner at the 2025 Ohio Wine Competition.
The Lake Erie effect
Water changes temperature more slowly than land. That seasonal lag turns Lake Erie into a thermal reservoir beside the vineyards.
01
Spring
The lake stays cold.
By early May, Lake Erie is normally only around 40°F. Air moving off the water keeps shoreline vineyards cooler, delaying bud break and reducing exposure to early frost.
02
Summer
Extremes are moderated.
As the lake gradually warms, it tempers the sharp temperature swings that vineyards farther inland can experience.
03
Fall
The lake gives heat back.
By early October the lake is normally still around 64°F. That stored summer heat keeps nearby air warmer and delays the first autumn frost, adding ripening time.
Ohio wine, in numbers
Selected figures that explain where the Grand River Valley sits within Ohio wine country, and why Lake Erie matters.
The grapes
Good wine begins
with good fruit.
We obsess over the fruit. Every cluster is walked, tasted and hand-picked at the moment it’s ready, then sorted again before it goes to press, so only the best of the acre ever becomes wine.
CABERNET FRANC
Vincent William
1300 Belleair Ave.
Madison, OH 44057
(440) 428-1300
info@vincentwilliamwine.com
Opening Hours
Wednesday
12 to 9 pm
Thursday
12 to 9 pm
Friday
12 to 9 pm
Saturday
12 to 9 pm
Sunday
11 to 8 pm · Brunch to 2
© 2026 Vincent William Wine
Madison, Ohio · Lake Erie