Local Cleveland Winery Creates a Space for Wine Lovers and Animal Enthusiasts

CLEVELAND, OH — In Cleveland’s Old Brooklyn neighborhood, the Cleveland Winery, formerly known as Vino Veritas, blends its passion for winemaking with a unique community experience. Established in 2011 by vintner Anthony Insana, the winery at 4103 Memphis Ave is not just a destination for wine lovers. It has also become a family-friendly spot, offering an animal sanctuary, live music, food trucks, and outdoor activities that draw locals and tourists alike.

Insana, who grew up in Cleveland and had long dreamed of starting his own winery, has poured over a decade of work into perfecting the wines offered at the Cleveland Winery. His flagship creation, the red blend “Sicilian Stallion,” is one that he holds particularly dear. “It started with three grapes,” Insana shared during a recent tour with Cleveland 13’s Nikkie Brown. “I kind of just wanted to create something great.” Today, the blend includes eight different grape varieties and has become a customer favorite.

Guests at the Cleveland Winery can enjoy wine by the glass or bottle, with seating for 35 people indoors and room for 200 outside. Every weekend, live music and food trucks set the stage for visitors to relax while sampling wines. The winery also offers food trunk events, creating a lively atmosphere in Cleveland year-round. In addition, a bocce league meets weekly on Wednesday evenings, and there are plans to add cornhole as another leisure activity.

Spanning 2.4 acres, the property is more than just a winery. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called the Memphis Avenue Animal Sanctuary operates on-site, providing a home to rescued animals. The sanctuary started when Insana and his son rescued two potbelly pigs. It has since expanded to house a wide variety of animals, including a 300-pound potbelly pig named Pendleton, chickens, ducks, goats, rabbits, and more. The sanctuary is open to families and kids, offering a chance for children to interact with the animals while parents enjoy their wine. “We wanted this place to be somewhere everyone could enjoy—kids, families, anyone who loves animals and good wine,” Insana explained.

In addition to welcoming guests to its winery and sanctuary, Cleveland Winery is part of Harvest Host, a platform that connects campers traveling between wineries, breweries, and distilleries across the country. Campers can park overnight at the winery, enjoy the atmosphere, and are encouraged to explore Cleveland’s local attractions, such as the West Side Market and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. “It’s amazing,” said Insana. “People go to concerts, ballgames, the parks—and they get to enjoy our wine and this city.”

Insana’s connection to the community goes beyond the wine and animal sanctuary. The Cleveland Winery also operates a community garden, offering neighbors the chance to garden on-site. A vocational program for adults with disabilities is in the works, continuing the winery’s mission to serve as a pillar of the community. “We want to give back to the community and fuel the economy here in Cleveland,” Insana said. “It’s not just about wine; it’s about creating a space for everyone.”

The winery has faced its share of challenges, including ongoing disputes with a neighbor and local council members who have expressed interest in converting the property into housing. However, Insana remains committed to preserving the winery and its contributions to the Cleveland area, noting the positive impact it has had on the local economy by drawing visitors from out of town.

For those interested in learning more or planning a visit, the Cleveland Winery is active on social media and hosts updates on its website at www.vinoveritascellarswinery.com. It remains open year-round, offering a unique blend of wine, community, and animal care, just seven minutes from downtown Cleveland.