One of my favorite things about exploring Ohio is discovering places I probably never would have found otherwise. That’s exactly why I was excited to kick off the Ohio Hard Cider Trail with a visit to Dutch Creek Winery at 12157 State Route 690 in Athens. I love taking the scenic route, getting off the beaten path, and meeting the people who have poured their hearts into creating something special and this stop checked every box.
Located about 10–15 minutes outside of downtown Athens, the drive alone is part of the experience. Rolling hills, quiet country roads, and beautiful southeast Ohio scenery lead you to a cozy winery that feels like a hidden retreat. It’s one of those places where you immediately want to slow down, grab a drink, and stay awhile.
A Story of Following Your Passion
One of the things that stood out most during our visit wasn’t just the wine or cider, it was the story behind the winery itself. After years of living in Columbus, Paul and Cynthia traded city life for the rolling hills of Athens County, where they began homesteading, keeping bees, and making mead.
What started as a hobby almost didn’t become anything more. At one point, they even considered selling the farm. Their friends, however, had other plans. They weren’t ready to give up the homemade wine they’d grown to love and encouraged Paul and Cynthia to stick with it and dream a little bigger. They listened, and that encouragement helped turn a passion project into the hidden gem that is now Dutch Creek Winery.
They brewed their very first batch of mead in 2009 and officially opened Dutch Creek Winery in 2016. Today, their hilltop tasting room is surrounded by the beautiful countryside of southeast Ohio and has become a destination known for its handcrafted meads, hard ciders, fruit wines, welcoming atmosphere, and incredible food.
More Than Just a Tasting
One of the highlights of our visit was getting a behind-the-scenes tour. Paul walked us through the mead-making process and explained how each batch comes together. You can tell he genuinely loves the science behind fermentation and enjoys teaching others about it. Even if you don’t know much about mead, he has a way of explaining everything that makes it easy to understand and appreciate.
Meanwhile, Cindy brings her own talents to the winery through the branding, design, and overall guest experience. Together they make an incredible team, and their passion shines through in every conversation. It never felt like they were simply serving drinks, it felt like they were inviting us into something they had built together.
What to Try
Dutch Creek Winery specializes in handcrafted honey meads, hard ciders, and fruit wines, so there’s something for just about every taste. If you’re not sure where to start, I definitely recommend ordering a tasting flight. It’s the best way to sample a variety and discover a new favorite. We loved being able to compare the different meads and ciders side by side, and it made it easy to find a few favorites.
One of the things I loved most was the unique selection. From their signature American Mead, crafted with local honey and subtle wildflower notes, to Commonwealth’s Revenge, a bourbon barrel-aged honey wine with rich vanilla flavors, to fruity favorites like Peach Blush and Black Diamond Sangria, every pour has its own personality. Whether you prefer something crisp and refreshing, sweet and fruity, or rich and complex, there’s a drink you’ll enjoy.
They also offer seasonal favorites throughout the year, including refreshing wine slushies in the summer, warm mulled wines during the colder months, and house-made honey sodas in flavors like Lavender Lemonade, Peach Tea, and Mint Ginger for anyone looking for a non-alcoholic option.
Don’t Skip the Food
I have to take a minute to talk about the pizza.
Honestly…I wasn’t expecting one of my favorite pizzas of the trip to come from a winery tucked away in the hills outside Athens, but it absolutely delivered. The crust was perfectly crisp with just the right amount of chew, the toppings were fresh and flavorful, and everything tasted homemade.
They regularly feature creative specialty pizzas (their recent Jalapeño Popper Pizza sounded incredible!), but I ended up going with a classic Hawaiian and I have zero regrets. #teampineappleonpizza It was one of those pizzas where every bite was just as good as the last. If you’re planning a visit, I’d definitely recommend checking their social media to see what specialty pizza they’re serving that week.
They also serve Bavarian-style soft pretzels with house-made beer cheese and honey mustard. Somehow I skipped those this time, which just gives me one more reason to make another trip back!
A Place to Relax
The setting is just as memorable as the food and drinks. Outside, you’ll find a covered patio overlooking the rolling countryside, plenty of green space, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to linger a little longer. Whether you’re catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet afternoon, it’s an easy place to lose track of time.
One of the coolest surprises? They have an original Athens County vintage C&O caboose that’s been beautifully renovated into a one-of-a-kind Airbnb, complete with a kitchenette and a small bathroom with a shower. It’s located just down the road from the winery and would make the perfect home base for a weekend exploring Athens and the surrounding area. While you’re there, be sure to ask Paul and Cindy about delivery day. Getting the caboose onto the property was quite the operationand from the sounds of it, it had the whole town watching! Seeing the photos and hearing the story made me appreciate it even more.
Now, my only request? Add a few Highland cows to the property so I have an excuse to come back and snuggle them.
Bigfoot…and Maybe a Ghost?
One of my favorite conversations of the day started because I spotted Bigfoot and Mothman cutouts around the property. Naturally, I had to ask if they’d ever seen anything unusual. While Paul said they haven’t had any cryptid sightings, he did share that he and another employee believe they’ve encountered a friendly ghost, a woman in a yellow dress believed to be from the mid-1900s. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, it’s a fun story that adds even more character to an already unique destination.
And as it turns out, we happened to visit while they were preparing to host “Mothman and Mead” during Ohio Brew Week, featuring Appalachian folklore scholar and author Ed Karshner. While we didn’t get the chance to meet him, it was fun hearing that he would be speaking the following day about the legend of Mothman and the rich folklore of Appalachia. We also learned he had been spending time writing a chapter for his upcoming book while staying in the winery’s restored caboose Airbnb, which made the whole story even more fitting.
It was such a fun reminder that Dutch Creek is more than just a winery. They’re always finding unique ways to bring people together while celebrating the history, folklore, and stories that make Appalachia so fascinating.
Why You Should Visit
Dutch Creek Winery ended up being one of the biggest surprises of our Ohio Hard Cider Trail adventure. Yes, the drinks were delicious. Yes, the pizza was incredible. But what really made the visit memorable were the people behind it all. Paul and Cindy have created a place that feels welcoming, authentic, and genuinely personal. You can see their passion in every bottle, every conversation, and every detail around the property.
Whether you’re road-tripping through southeast Ohio or checking stops off your Ohio Hard Cider Trail passport, Dutch Creek Winery is absolutely worth the detour. Between the handcrafted drinks, incredible pizza, beautiful setting, and the passionate people behind it all, it’s one of those places you’ll leave already planning your next visit.
Start Your Own Ohio Hard Cider Trail Adventure
If Dutch Creek sounds like your kind of place, it’s just one of the stops along the Ohio Hard Cider Trail! You can download a passport online or pick one up at any participating cidery. Don’t forget to ask for your passport stamp at each stop! Visit six participating cideries to earn a limited-edition commemorative bottle-opener coin celebrating Ohio’s America 250 festivities. Even if you only make it to one stop, you can snap a photo of your stamped passport and submit it to be entered into a raffle for cider-themed swag from participating cideries.
It’s a fun way to discover hidden gems, support local businesses, and explore more of Ohio, one sip at a time!
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