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A GUIDE TO OHIO WINES
VINE WINE
BEHIND THE BOTTLE MEET WINEMAKERS FOLLOWING THEIR PASSION
MORE THAN A GLASS WINE PAIRED WITH THE FEELING OF ALTRUISM
WHAT IT TAKES TO GO FROM THE VINE TO YOUR GLASS
ALWAYS IN SEASON FOR EVERY SEASON, THERE’S A REASON TO VISIT
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Always in Season Sip a cool white on a summer day or toast with a hearty red by a cozy fire on a chilly night.
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Behind the Bottle Meet winemakers from around the state who are following their passion.
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Cheers to a Good Cause Discover Ohio wineries pairing philanthropic efforts with their wine.
26 Vine to Wine It’s both a science and an art to transform grapes into the wine in your glass.
Find your way to Ohio’s wineries using this guide.
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A Growing Success Learn how growers are planting more grapes through Ohio’s Vineyard Expansion Assistance Program.
COVER PHOTO: THE SKELETON ROOT
PHOTO BY MATTHEW ALLEN
Toast to friendship at Cherry Road Winery in Massillon.
Discover your favorite wines at Ohio’s wineries and find out why Ohio wines are irresistible to Sip. Stroll through beautiful vineyards, relax over a glass of wine with friends, and hear the passion of winemakers as they talk about their craft. —
OHIO GRAPE INDUSTRIES COMMITTEE
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Sit and relax by the vines at Kosicek Vineyards in Geneva.
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LAURELLO VINEYARDS
THE WINERY AT WOLF CREEK
CRYSTAL CAVE, HEINEMAN’S WINERY
THE SKELETON ROOT
Behind the
Play a round of golf and then sip on a glass of wine at Rhonemus Cellars.
Bottle
Ohio is blessed with nearly 430 licensed wineries in every corner of the state, scattered across seven distinctive regions. Behind each one of those wineries, there’s a compelling story, oftentimes of an individual who’s pursued a passion for winemaking and has followed his or her dream to start their own business. In other cases, the operation of a winery is a family affair, with several individuals pitching in together to ensure the success of their winery or aspiring to pass their family business to the next generation.
BY RICH WARREN
Jennifer and Barry Rhonemus relax with a glass of their wine.
On Course
Just opened in November 2024 in Lancaster, Rhonemus Cellars has quickly become a destination for wine lovers. Soaring plate glass windows and spacious outdoor decks and patios overlook a lake and golf course. Proprietors Barry and Jennifer Rhonemus prefer to call their new facility a visitors center since it also incorporates a fine dining restaurant and lounge, in addition to the winery and tasting room.
Barry and Jennifer were high school sweethearts who reunited 13 years ago. When they decided to return to their hometown, they learned that the Valley View Golf Club — a Lancaster fixture for more than six decades — was for sale, and they decided to purchase it. Inspired by visits to wine regions in Virginia and California, they decided to establish a winery and incorporate it into The View Golf Club. Currently using fruit from California and New York’s Finger Lakes, Rhonemus Cellars’ wine offerings will eventually be supplemented by grapes from 2,200 vines planted on the property in 2024, with 1,800 more planned in 2025.
To achieve their vision, the Rhonemuses have surrounded themselves with experts. Their principal winemaker, Nova Cadamatre, is one of only 58 Masters of Wine in the U.S. and the first female to achieve that distinction. She’s assisted by resident winemaker Nico Felice, with formal education in enology, and vineyard manager Kenzie Salyers. Executive Chef Nic Lombardo has more than 20 years’ experience in the culinary industry.
The family’s three children — daughter Morgan Carpenter and husband George, son Connor Smith and wife Olivia, and son Drew Smith and wife Ruth — also offer substantial support to the business, including the arduous task of planting the winery’s first vines. Even their five grandchildren were enlisted for help with this work. “We paid each of them a nickel for every rock and golf club they pulled out of the soil,” Barry says.
CENTRAL
ABOVE: The entire Chevalier family works at Le Petit Chevalier Vineyards and Farm Winery. BELOW: Rolling hills create a gorgeous setting for the winery.
Off the Beaten Path
APPALACHIAN
Mark and Margit Chevalier, owners of Le Petit Chevalier Vineyards and Farm Winery in Creola, like to say their winery is “conveniently located in the middle of nowhere.” But what a picturesque corner of nowhere it is. The hilltop location offers an astounding vista of rolling forested hills as far as the eye can see, not to mention the winery’s eight acres of vines where the Chevaliers allow their flock of Southdown sheep to graze. Guests are encouraged to stroll the vineyards, glass in hand, often accompanied by a friendly border collie named Alexander. In addition to the scenery, the Chevaliers offer multitudes of reasons for their guests to make the four-mile detour off St. Rte. 56. The wine itself is of course a powerful draw, a suite of entirely estate-grown native heirloom and cold-hardy hybrids. As they’ll happily tell you, “If you find a wine you really like, you can
go out and hug the vines that produced it.” Guests can enjoy their wines in a rustic tasting room or on outdoor porches and decks. Those so inclined to linger longer can stay overnight, either in a spacious loft just above the tasting room or in the brand-new Winery Cottage, a two-bedroom, ADA-accessible structure tucked between the vineyards and a pond. Hiking is available in the adjacent Bison Hill State Nature Preserve, complete with a sandstone gorge with rock outcrops and waterfalls.
The Chevaliers raised their four children in the 1880 farmhouse located on the property. Their older son Andreas works at the winery on weekends, while their daughter Clarissa helps with marketing and social media. The two younger children, Lilly and Adrian, also assist in the family enterprise when they visit from their homes in Columbus and Oregon. “We really feel like we’ve put our roots down deep here,” Margit explains. “Our children feel the same way.”
Come Sip, Sit, and Relax at Gallia County’s first Winery. Take in the picturesque views of the countryside, and stroll through the vineyard. Sample handcrafted wines and try our homemade root beer soda. With so many great varieties to choose from you are sure to find something you’ll love!
Tied Up in Vines
The family ties associated with Five Vines Winery, located outside of Wapakoneta, are embedded within the name of the business. In 2011, Don and Dottie Krieg’s daughter, Becky, brought home five grapevines from a trip she’d made to upstate New York. The Kriegs planted those vines and have never stopped planting — currently they’re up to 2,500 vines on just under three acres.
The Kriegs began by selling their grapes to other producers, but in 2018 decided that starting their own winery would be a good idea. They transformed an old barn that stood adjacent to their 1880 farmhouse where their daughters had once raised horses as a 4-H project. Today, the horses and their stalls are long gone, but the rustic feel remains with the barn’s original beams still in place, as well as a beautiful bar with striking copper flashing. The winery’s origins are depicted in Five Vines’ logo, a horse leaping over a wine barrel.
Currently, Dottie and the Kriegs’ other daughter, Stacey Brackney, serve as Five Vines’ winemakers. Brackney learned the craft by taking oenology courses online and by serving an internship with the late Jim Brandeberry of Brandeberry Winery.
“He was so incredibly patient and had such a wide breadth of knowledge,” Brackney recalls. The mother and daughter use the French hybrid vines just outside the winery to produce wines such as Vidal Blanc, Traminette, Chambourcin, and Frontenac wines.
Don takes care of everything in the vineyard, from pruning to harvesting, while Brackney’s husband, Dan, works behind the bar on weekends and helps with bottling and harvesting.
“As a family, we seem to work well together without much tussle, and in fact, working side by side every day has brought us even closer,” Dottie says.
VINO
TOP: The entire Krieg family works side by side to produce their wine.
ABOVE: Cool off with a wine slushy.
LAKE ERIE SHORES & ISLANDS
Grape Farmers
Tending vineyards has been a life-time passion for Joe Juniper of Vermilion Valley Vineyards near Wakeman. Joe, the former president of the Ohio Wine Producers Association and a native of Sandusky, started working at a winery at age 13, getting hands-on experience in the vineyards about how what happens to the grapes during the growing season impacts what ends up in the glass and bottles of wine. He looks after the vineyards and assists in the making of wine at Vermilion Valley Vineyards, but insists that it’s his wife Kristi who has the superior palate. The bulk of what they grow is Europeanstyle vinifera grapes like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Riesling. Juniper explains that the winery’s position near the southernmost part of Lake Erie protects it from the harsh lake effect snows and temperatures.
TOP: Joe Juniper tends the grapevines at Vermilion Valley Vineyards.
ABOVE: The beautiful tasting room was designed to resemble a barn.
The Junipers have created a scenic destination at Vermilion Valley Vineyards. The tasting room and production facility were built to resemble an old tobacco barn, complete with a peaked roof resembling a cupola. Although it appears quite old, it was constructed in 2009.
Juniper says that another thing that distinguishes their business is an emphasis on sustainability — the structure at Vermilion Valley Vineyards, for example, is LEEDcertified and they use a special sprayer that recaptures overspray.
“Our name, Vermilion Valley Vineyards, is a reminder that every agricultural practice we undergo in the vineyards has an impact on the Vermilion River watershed and on Lake Erie,” Juniper says. “I like to think of ourselves primarily as grape farmers who place an emphasis on environmental sustainability.”
Sip your way through Southeast Ohio’s Appalachian foothills with the new Wild About Wine trail which features 14 stops across three neighboring counties for craft beer and local wine lovers, including two must-experience stops in Guernsey County: Georgetown Vineyard, a relaxed, hilltop winery and pizza stop with stunning views and Guernsey Brewhouse, a full service craft beer facility with a range of locally themed brews. Special overnight packages are available. Book your tour today at VisitGuernseyCounty.com/wild-about-wine/
winery and craft brewery
ABOVE: Kim and Chris Rohr have created a relaxed setting at Lost Trail Winery and Vineyard. BELOW: Try several varieties of Lost Trail’s Adirondack themed wines.
CANAL COUNTRY
When Chris and Kim Rohr purchased vacant land in Stark County’s Marlboro Township just outside of Canton, they envisioned using the property as a place where people could meet and relax in a wooded setting. They opened Lost Trail Winery and Vineyard, which combines their deep love for nature and good wines. The family is fond of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, a frequent hiking destination on family trips and a place with a strong family history. The labels on their bottles feature Adirondack scenery, and even the names have significance, like “Kienuka,” which is the name for Kim’s family’s Adirondack Camp on Tupper Lake.
The tasting room patio offers views of the nearby five-acre pond and wildlife. Fruit trees grow throughout the property, including apples, pears, and peaches. The Rohrs plan to incorporate them in fruit wines.
Chris is the primary winemaker at Lost Trail, but Kim and their four young sons, ranging in age from two to 12, are also involved in the family enterprise, assisting in harvesting the grapes and in bottling and corking the wine. Chris stresses that the family atmosphere also extends to the winery’s visitors. “When we connect with our guests, they become like family to us,” he says.
Chris also honors his former military service in the U.S. Marine Corps. They have wine sleeves designed to look like military flak jackets — a great gift for veterans.
Trail Mix Indulge
Truly Trumbull, Truly You.
Plan a Wine Weekend in Trumbull County
Country Porch Winery – A cozy country escape featuring small-batch, handcrafted wines served with a warm, hometown welcome. Sip on fruit-forward favorites or classic varietals while enjoying the peaceful setting of this family-owned gem.
CharBenay’s Wine on the River – A sophisticated yet relaxed riverfront wine tasting room downtown Warren, offering a curated selection of wines, gourmet bites, and a vibrant atmosphere. Whether on the patio overlooking the river or inside their stylish tasting room, every visit is a toast-worthy experience.
Hartford Hill Winery – Tucked away on a scenic hillside, this rustic-chic winery inside a barn pairs breathtaking views with rich, handcrafted wines. The laid-back vibe, live music, and cozy indoor-outdoor spaces make it a favorite for unwinding with a glass in hand.
Indulge
Greene Eagle Winery – Sip and savor some history at this colonial-inspired winery, where award-winning wines and old-world charm create an experience like no other. Enjoy a glass by the grand fireplace, sip beneath the stars, or explore the beautifully landscaped grounds.
HARTFORD HILL WINERY
CHARBENAY’S WINE ON THE RIVER
COUNTRY PORCH WINERY
GREENE EAGLE WINERY
ABOVE: The Skeleton Root is designed to feel like a living room. RIGHT: Kate MacDonald returned home to Cincinnati to open her winery.
THE SKELETON ROOT, KATE MACDONALD: MATTHEW ALLEN
Rooted in Ohio
Kate MacDonald, owner and proprietor of The Skeleton Root in Cincinnati’s trendy Over-The-Rhine neighborhood, will tell you she wants her wine to be an expression of a place, “particularly of this place,” she emphasized. She’s passionate about using grapes that have historic roots in the Ohio River Valley clear back to the mid-19th century, when Nicholas Longworth turned the region into the wine capital of the entire country, the Napa Valley of its day. MacDonald uses native American grapes like Catawba, Norton, Delaware, and Isabella, as well as other varietals like Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Vidal Blanc, to produce dry wines distinctively different from the sweet wines those grapes often are used to make.
MacDonald’s journey into winemaking was a long one. She began her career as an aviation engineer, her work sending her away from her native Cincinnati to places like northeast Pennsylvania, where she was within easy reach of New York’s Finger Lakes wine region. It was there she says she had her first “Aha!” moment and found herself falling in love with wine. When she returned to Cincinnati, she started engaging with other Ohio winemakers, particularly with Greg Pollman, now retired from Valley Vineyards.
She pursued studies in oenology and eventually transitioned to California to immerse herself in the wine industry there, experimenting with new wine styles. She developed a passion for cool climate vines, which drew her back to Cincinnati, where she could develop relationships with Ohio grape growers to begin producing the distinctive dry wines The Skeleton Root is now known for. As MacDonald says, “it was wine that brought me home.”
MacDonald’s partner, Josh Jackson, was by her side every step of the way. In 2016, she opened The Skeleton Root in an old warehouse in a light and airy loft area complete with couches and armchairs arranged as though they were in someone’s living room. There’s even a mural dating back to Nicholas Longworth’s day depicting terraced vineyards overlooking the Ohio River.
Family Business
Few wineries in Ohio have the storied family history that Ferrante Winery & Ristorante does. In 1937, Italian immigrants Nicholas and Anna Ferrante opened a winery in Cleveland’s Collinwood neighborhood using grapes from a family vineyard in Geneva. In the 1970s, their son Peter moved the business out to this site and built a winery and tasting room. That structure burned in the 1990s but was replaced by the larger facility standing today, which includes an Italian restaurant overlooking the vineyard that draws almost as many visitors as the winery itself.
Today, five of Peter’s children are still integrally involved in the family business. Managing the winery’s extensive 40-acre vineyard is Anthony Ferrante, while his brother, Nick, serves as chief winemaker. Sisters Carmel and Mary Jo work in the restaurant, while another sister, Lisa, keeps the company’s books.
And now, more than 80 years after the winery’s founding, a member of the family’s fourth generation has joined the business. Dominick Ferrante, a 2021
TOP: Multiple generations of the Ferrante family work together. ABOVE: Stay for an elegant meal.
graduate of Ohio University with a degree in chemistry, has taken on the job of assistant winemaker.
“Winemaking is all about chemistry,” Dominick says. “In the winery, we’re constantly checking the wines’ pH and acidity levels. Even outside, it’s the chemistry in the soil itself and the minerals in it that give the grapes what they need to grow.”
Dominick supplemented his formal education by earning a winemaking certificate from Cornell University.
A lifetime of exposure to the family’s wine business has also given him a leg up, not to mention working side by side with his Uncle Nick, who’s been making wine for 40 years. “I’m proud to be a part of a family business that goes back to 1937,” he says.
“The
Art of Summer, Poured to Perfection”
From Vineyard to Barrel— ideally situated upon 48 acres of estate vineyards which cultivate our abundant varietals. Laurentia’s award winning wines, such as our Double Gold Stoltz Block® Cabernet, may be perfectly paired with a variety of boards, shared plates, and artisan flatbreads.
Please visit our website for hours of operation, events, menus, to Join the Club, tours and tasting experiences, and to shop our wines.
TOA GOOD CAUSE
When you support a local business, the impact radiates into the surrounding community — that’s especially true at these Ohio wineries who pair wine with philanthropy.
BY ALEXIA KEMERLING
Say cheers to helping others, like the Northeast Ohio Autism Group, when you sip at Grand River Cellars.
At Brandeberry Winery in Enon, dogs are a vintner’s best friend. Join the winery for their annual Dogtoberfest held every October, benefiting the Clark County SPCA, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting animals and finding safe, loving homes for the community’s fourlegged friends. At Dogtoberfest, you can bring your pup for a professional pet photo session or adopt your perfect match on-site from the SPCA. Enjoy food trucks, new wine releases, and a dog costume contest while giving back to a worthy cause.
Nestled in the rolling valleys of northeast Ohio, Grand River Cellars in Madison produces a variety of reds, whites, and rosés, that are both dry and sweet. Order a flight in the cozy dining area or sip a glass on the patio overlooking the vineyards. Sip with purpose when you purchase Austin’s Red or Austin’s Blush. For each of these bottles sold, $1 is given to the Northeast Ohio Autism Group.
Taste handcrafted wines, from crisp whites to bold reds
Brandeberry Winery
your dog for a professional pet photo session at Brandeberry Winery.
From the fruits of our vines to your table.
From our scenic Amish Country vineyard to your table - enjoy a glass of our award winning wines at Breitenbach. We have dry wines to sweet fruit wines (even dandelion), and you can experience the relaxing atmosphere with seating available inside or outside. Enjoy shopping, wine tasting or dine in our Cafe featuring specialty salads and wood fired pizzas. Be sure to check our website for special events and live music dates!
BREITENBACH WINE CELLARS
5934 Old Route 39 NW, Dover, Ohio 44622
330-343-3603 | breitenbachwine.com
WINERY & TASTING HOURS
Monday-Saturday, 9am to 6pm – 40 Varieties to choose from!
CAFE | Monday-Saturday, 11am-3pm
Serving fresh salads & wood-fired pizzas.
BREITENBACH BARBECUE & LIVE MUSIC Saturdays, May through October
Family-owned and -operated Lincoln Way Vineyards in Wooster rings in the holiday season with a community toy drive and Christmas Handbell Concert to raise money for local groups. Past events have benefited the OSU Cancer Center and Disabled American Veterans.
Plum
in Grove City, you’ll find everything from dry reds like Cabernet Franc to dessert wines made with Ohio-grown apples and honey. The emphasis on supporting local isn’t just found in the winery’s ingredients. The winery also regularly gives back
Plum Run Winery
At
Run Winery
Lincoln Way Vineyards
ABOVE: Choose from a wide array of varieties at Lincoln Way Vineyards.
BELOW: Order a bottle of wine from Plum Run Winery and sit on the patio at their sister operation, Grove City Brewing Co.
to central Ohio charities focusing on animal rescue and ending human trafficking. They also accept donation requests for community-driven causes. When you sip and dine on their patio or at their bar, you can feel good that your dollars are going further.
CRAFTED ARTISAN MEADERY: DISCOVER AN ANCIENT WINE
Mead, also known as honey wine, is the oldest alcoholic beverage to exist. Nestled in canal country in an historic 1800’s church, we showcase our international awardwinning meads for visitors from around the country. Get a flight and experience something new while learning about how our meads are crafted. Explore our guest beer list or a curated cocktail while enjoying a pizza served on our house made dough. If you think you know what mead is, think again…experience Crafted Mead.
South River Vineyard
/ śaůth ri-vǝr ˈvaɪnjərd / noun
1. A historic agricultural wine estate located in the Grand River Valley characterized by its rich land and extensive vineyards spanning 41 miles and symbolizing a century of farming tradition and alcohol production in Harpersfield, Ohio.
2. A cultural landmark comprising an abandoned Methodist church, a Minister’s summer residence, a Bootlegger’s Stillhouse, & his Wife’s Brothel.
3. John Whittene’s “well-known establishment on the South River Road West”…Geneva Free Press 1927.
SOUTH RIVER VINEYARD
— A Century of Farming the Grand River Valley —
Vine TOWine
It’s a science and an art to transform grapes into the wine in your glass.
BY MICHAEL PRAMIK
Taste the craftsmenship in your bottle at Laurello Vineyards in Geneva.
What does it take to transform grapes on the vine into the wine in your glass? The winemaking process — harvesting grapes, crushing and pressing them for juice, fermenting, and aging — follows well-known steps. In Ohio, however, this journey is fraught with its own set of unique challenges, including unpredictable weather, soil conditions, and the threat of disease pressure on the grapes.
Ohio is home to five — and hopefully soon to be six — viticultural appellations, designated and regulated geographic areas that specify the origin of a wine’s grapes. The Lake Erie appellation enjoys the lake’s moderating influence, which allows the vineyards there to cultivate cool-climate varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, French-American hybrid, and native grapes. The Grand River Valley, covering portions of Ashtabula, Lake, and Geauga counties, is known for good soils, allowing its wineries to perfect vinifera wines such as Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.
Isle St. George is found on North Bass Island, where more than half of the island was previously planted with grapevines. The shallow Lake Erie is warmer than the other Great Lakes, providing a warming effect on the local climate and crops. The Ohio River Valley, in southern Ohio, is one of the oldest wine-growing regions in the country and the second-largest wine appellation of origin in the U.S. The final appellation is Loramie Creek in Shelby County.
To better understand the challenges and opportunities of winemaking here, we spoke with some of Ohio’s leading vintners. They shared insights into the intricate process of planting and harvesting grapes, and then crafting wine — highlighting both the challenges they face and the rewarding moments that make it worthwhile.
“An outsider may only be able to imagine about a quarter of the work that goes into that bottle of wine,” says Lee Klingshirn, winemaker at Klingshirn Winery, a third-generation winery in Avon Lake.
ABOVE: Tending to the vines is a labor of love at Klingshirn Winery.
The most important thing to consider when picking varietals of grapes to grow is the climate.
ABOVE: Rows of vines flourish at Buccia Vineyards.
IT STARTS WITH THE GRAPES
The process begins with growing the grapes — or perhaps sourcing them, as some grape varieties do better outside the Buckeye State. The choices are based in part on what can grow in the vineyard and which grapes are suited for the style the winemaker wants to pursue.
While vinifera varieties such as Chardonnay and Riesling can be successful here, Ohio’s wineries also grow hybrids, such as Seyval Blanc and Chambourcin, and cold-hardy varieties, such as Marquette La Crescent, Frontenac, and Petite Pearl, which are more suited to the state’s finicky weather. It takes three to five years for new vines to bear consistent fruit, vintners say.
“We bring in grapes like Merlot because we just like these wines,” says Connie Eichenauer, who with her husband, Kent, owns Dragonfly Vineyard & Wine Cellar in Urbana. The winery produces most of its wine though using the grapes it grows on its four-acre vineyard. “You have to have grape varieties that can do well in Ohio’s temperatures, and you want to make sure you like the wine they make.”
FINICKY CLIMATE
Then, there’s the unpredictable Ohio climate, which can vary widely in a short period of time. Suddenly changeable weather can cause grapes to ripen unevenly. Late frosts in the spring can kill shoots while the buds are typically still enclosed and protected from the spring freeze. Fall rains are problematic during harvest for disrupting schedules and causing disease issues rather than cold temperatures. Northeast Ohio has the added issue of late-ripening fruit and harvesting prior to the first fall freeze.
“The most important thing to consider when picking varietals of grapes to grow is the climate,” says Sandy Marsh, owner of Ugly Bunny Winery in Loudonville, which makes several varieties of wine with grapes grown on the property. “We determine the right time to pick grapes based on ripeness, taste, feel, and Brix (sugar content). Ohio’s rainfall and overall weather are also deciding factors on when we pick.”
KEEPING THE VINES SAFE
Winemakers must remain vigilant throughout the growing season to protect grapes from various threats. Regular vineyard scouting is essential to prevent unexpected infestations and diseases. Common concerns include fungal infections such as black rot, downy mildew, powdery mildew, and Phomopsis, which require consistent, preventive measures. Early in the season, the grape flea beetle poses a risk by feeding on tender, swelling buds. As the vines continue to develop, additional challenges arise from invasive species such as Japanese beetles
ABOVE LEFT: The team harvests grapes at Ugly Bunny Winery.
ABOVE RIGHT: Grapes await processing at Dragonfly Vineyard & Wine Cellar.
of wine.
machine, picking grapes at the right time is crucial. to release the juice of the fruit after it’s been de-stemmed, crushed and converted to alcohol after yeast is added. solids and filtered providing a clear wine free of turbidity. tanks or wooden barrels, a lot of magic happens in this step. final filtered, it’s put up in bottles — some receive additional bottle aging,
BigBusiness OHIO WINE IS
Ohio’s vineyard owners generate big business for the Buckeye State. The state ranks seventh in the country in wine production, says the Ohio Grape Industries Committee. The 428 licensed wine manufacturers here produce more than 1.2 million gallons of wine and contribute $6.6 billion annually in economic activity. They created more than 40,000 jobs and generated nearly $2 billion in wages in 2022. So, the next time you sip a great Ohio wine, you’re helping to boost our state’s economy.
“The wine industry is global, but also an intensely local industry,” says Mike Veseth, editor of The Wine Economist “When you put it all together, the economic impact is surprisingly large and a lot of fun.”
and the spotted lanternfly, both of which can cause significant damage if left unchecked.
“If we did nothing, the [Japanese] beetles could eat up our whole vineyard in a week,” says Kent Eichenauer of Dragonfly Vineyard. “Our spray program does a good job of keeping everything healthy.”
HARVESTING THE GRAPES
Once those hurdles are overcome, it’s time to make wine. The harvesting process begins with carefully monitoring grape maturity based on sugar-to-acid ratio, pH levels, and taste. Each grape variety has an optimal point for these attributes, and selecting varieties that reach these characteristics before the growing season ends is crucial for quality wine production.
“Generally, we pick about the same time each year within a week or so,” says Laura Rufenacht, co-owner of Majestic Oak Winery in Grand Rapids, which hopes to soon add a cidery and restaurant on its property. “We test the sugar content to determine the best time to pick.”
However, grapes may sometimes be harvested before reaching full maturity if disease or insect damage has significantly affected the foliage. This approach ensures that the grapes remain usable before further deterioration occurs.
“Climate has everything to do with obtaining optimal parameters and then determination of the best time to pick,” says Klingshirn, who has a degree in viticulture and enology.
Many small wineries, such as Buccia Vineyards in Conneaut, harvest grapes by hand — removing entire clusters from the vine and transporting them to the crush pad for processing. Buccia specializes in cool-climate grapes with its location near Lake Erie and Conneaut Creek, which also attracts visitors to its four bed-and-breakfast suites.
LePetit Vineyards AND CHEVALIER
farm
winery
It's a family thing: the kids, a couple of friends, a flock of sheep, and a border collie. Mom is the head winemaker, dad has the palate, the sons do the heavy lifting, and the daughters are the media pros. We started planting vines in 2009, added a winery and lodging in 2020, food in 2024, and well, we never looked back. Come visit us. We think you'll like it. Just seven miles from Ash Cave on top of Locust Grove Ridge. Open M-F 4-8, Sat 11-8. Call us at 740-988-6150 or visit lepetitchev.com for more details. Family friendly, of course.
Bottling our wine isn’t just the final step — it’s the moment we get to seal in all the time, patience, and love we’ve poured into it.
“Depending on the grape variety and desired wine style, the fruit may be crushed and destemmed, then pressed into juice immediately after crushing,” says Buccia owner and winemaker Bill Holden. “For red wines, rosés, or whites where skin contact is desired, pressing is delayed until the color, tannins, and other factors are where the winemaker wants them.” Red varieties are further fermented on the skins to extract the anthocyanins (color pigment) from the skins providing their deep rubyred color until fermentation is complete.
THE FINAL REWARD
After all the grower’s efforts in the vineyards, crushing, pressing, fermenting, aging, blending, and filtering, it finally comes time to bottle the finished product.
“Bottling our wine isn’t just the final step — it’s the moment we get to seal in all the time, patience, and love we’ve poured into it, ready to share with others who appreciate it as much as we do,” says Gabryella Tucker, the new co-owner with Ashlee McElwain of Merry Family Winery in Bidwell.
NEW! Craft beer coming soon!
Located in rural Wayne County, we invite you to Find Your Wine Time® with us. Come sit relax and enjoy our wine, hard cider, real fruit based wine slushies and more.
See our website or Facebook for upcoming events, as well as food trucks and entertainment on weekends year-round plus Thursdays in summer. Firepit, igloo (winter), meeting/event space rentals available see website. Harvest Host member site.
www.lincolnwayvineyards.com
lincolnwayvineyards @lincolnwayvineyards 9050 W. Old Lincoln Way • Wooster • 330-804-WINE (9463)
Ticketed Guided Vineyard and Winery tours available.
Year round hours: Th/Fr 12-9 • Sat 11-9
Others by appt.
Summer hours: Above plus Tu/Wed 12-6
The pizza pairs well with the wine at Merry Family Winery.
Always in Season
Fall is a lovely time to take a stroll at French Ridge Vineyards & Winery in Killbuck.
There’s a certain satisfaction in enjoying a glass of wine in the perfect setting. Whether it’s sipping a light, refreshing white on the patio on a hot summer day or toasting with a hearty, comforting red by a cozy fire on a snowy night, Ohio’s varied network of wineries help you soak up the spirit of every season. To help find your next winery destination, the amenities filter on findohiowines.com makes it easy to customize your search. Here are just a few seasonal stops to get you started.
BY ANN FAZZINI
Think Spring
AS NATURE’S RENEWAL BEGINS TO PUSH AWAY THE SNOW COVER , there’s no better place to see nature come alive than at Sarah’s Vineyard Winery, located inside the breathtaking Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Sample from a range of red and white wines or try the sweet red sangria while enjoying a stroll through the vineyards or the fresh blooms in the butterfly garden. While wine with friends is great, bringing your best furry friend along is even better. Ashville’s Mirabelle Farm & Vineyard specializes in sustainable grape varieties well-suited to central Ohio’s growing conditions. They welcome canine companions to their winery’s patio where guests can take in their eight-acre farm that includes a free-range flock of chickens and resident vineyard pup, Winnie. Benfield Wines, located in Swanton’s historic Pilliod Opera House, also welcomes dogs and offers up a full dining experience. Pair a glass of wine with a tasty flatbread or crispy panini. Looking to welcome the spring season with some sparkling sips and a piping hot pizza or a fresh salad with all the toppings? Stonegait Winery in Madison fits the bill. Don’t miss the creamy Mexican sweet corn dip appetizer.
TOP: Sip amid the spring blooms and growing vines at Mirabelle Farm & Vineyard. ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT: Stonegait Winery is perfect for date night. Take in the views outside at Sarah’s Vineyard Winery.
ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT: Relax outside at Paper Moon Vineyards & Winery. Try the charcuterie board at Three Oaks Vineyard.
PICTURED: Take in the sunset with a glass of wine at Stoney Ridge Winery.
SOAK UP THE LONG HAZY SUMMER DAYS AND WARM SUMMER NIGHTS outdoors with good friends, live music, and cool sips. Paper Moon Vineyards & Winery in Vermilion — named after the Ella Fitzgerald song — personifies summer vibes with its breezy patio, live tunes, and lakeside-hewn sips. Try a wine-based pink lemonade and blackberry sangria for a new twist on summer staples. In Bryan, Stoney Ridge Winery delivers an ideal summer experience on their 60-acre property that includes a scenic pond and full calendar of live music performances. Stroll the lush vineyards and sample homegrown whites, reds, rosés, fruit wines, and their famous Slap Happy Cider. Admire the beauty of the gently rolling hills and country tranquility of the Granville area at Three Oaks Vineyard. Relax outdoors on the covered and uncovered patios and listen to weekly open-mic nights that showcase local talents. Take in the tunes from live performances on the indoor stage or enjoy a tranquil evening on the wraparound porch at Black Sheep Vineyard in Adena. Try a flight of the 12 distinctive wines for only $6.
Summer
Stunners
LEFT TO RIGHT: Relax on the patio at French Ridge Vineyards & Winery. Go pumpkin picking at Maize Valley Winery and Craft Brewery. Grapes fresh from the harvest at Harpersfield Vineyard.
Fall for Autumn
THE COLORS OF THE SEASON are on full display at French Ridge Vineyards & Winery, located in Killbuck in the heart of Amish Country. Try a bright apple or blueberry wine on a warmer day or a robust red for chilly evenings. The grapes at Harpersfield Vineyard in Geneva are harvested between late August and early October, leaving a distinctly sweet scent in the air. Take in the scent as you sip on their Clos mes Amis Pinot Noir with its dark cherry, chocolate, and oak flavors. Pick your own apples and peaches and sample homegrown whites, reds, and fruit and dessert wines at Quarry Hill Winery in Berlin Heights. The entire family is invited to pick pumpkins, take a wagon ride, wind through the corn maze, and soak up the fall fun at Maize Valley Winery and Craft Brewery in Hartville. Grab a juicy burger from the restaurant and enjoy tastes of their awardwinning wines.
Winter Warmers
FROSTY AND FRIGID EVENINGS CALL FOR GREAT FOOD, DRINKS, AND CONVERSATIONS by the comfort of a warm fire. The rustic stone fireplace in Shade Winery’s enclosed pavilion creates the perfect cozy setting for a meal paired with one of 15-plus varieties. As the nights grow longer and the indoors are calling, it’s a treat to hunker down in a comfortable bed for a good night’s sleep. Savor a slice of homemade cheesecake and a glass of wine at the Wishmaker House in Bellville, a bed-andbreakfast with an on-site winery and restaurant. For something a little more rustic, the Green Eagle Winery & Brew Pub in rural Cortland offers The Eagle’s Nest Cabin located on the 55-acre country property behind the winery. And for a truly unique winter weather experience, try an award-winning ice wine from Laurello Vineyards in Geneva, including the pear- and apricot-flavored Sweet Genevieve or the habanero-infused Simply Mad.
SIP with US!
Whether you’re looking to unwind with a new favorite glass of wine, or pick up a bottle (or two!) to enjoy at dinner, you can find it in Findlay. Sip from locally made wine at Gillig Winery, or shop the diverse selections at Findlay Wine Merchant and Hull’s Trace Wine & Gathering House - there is something for every palate. Pair your visit with a trip to the Findlay Art League, a show at Marathon Center for the Performing Arts, or a luxurious stay at one of our beautiful hotels. VisitFindlay.com
Winery
Gillig
Fill up with the charcuterie board at Shade Winery.
LEFT TO RIGHT: After dining in their restaurant, stroll to your room at Wishmaker House. Try varieties of ice wine at Laurello Vineyards. See snow clinging to the grapes — part of the ice wine process.
Holiday Vibes
Enjoy a memory-making holiday season at Ohio’s wineries. The Headley Inn Winery & Vineyard in Zanesville — located in a National Road-era inn and tavern — goes all out for the holidays with seven Christmas trees and a miniature Charles Dickens village. Thousands of twinkling lights, holiday garlands, and ornaments decorate Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa in Canton each holiday season. It’s the perfect
Celebrate the holidays at Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa.
one-stop shop for holiday events, unique wine-themed gifts, and family gatherings. Have a jolly time trying festive flavors in Madison at Debonné Vineyards’ Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer-themed pop-up holiday bar, featuring specialty drinks. Bring a personal touch to a special gift by creating a live holiday centerpiece at the annual Wine, Pine, & Roses workshop at Hanover Winery in Hamilton.
RAISE A GLASS
Come and enjoy our outdoor patio. We feature a woodfired pizza oven serving pizza and more!
Hours: May through October Closed Mondays; Tues & Wed: Noon - 7; Thurs: noon - 8; Friday & Saturday: noon - 10; Sunday: noon - 6 November through April Closed Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday; Open Thursday: noon - 8 Friday & Saturday: noon - 10; Sunday noon - 6
4275 Bates Rd. Madison, OH 44057
T: 440-307-9571
E: info@stonegaitwinery.com www.stonegaitwinery.com
Follow us on: Facebook @facebook.com/stonegaitwinery Instagram @stonegaitwinery
Nestled on the scenic shores of Catawba Island, Gideon Owen Wine Company blends historic charm with modern elegance. Savor our award-winning wines, crafted from Lake Erie AVA grapes, in over a 150year-old winery
Grape to Bottle Events
Discover more than just hand-crafted beer at Twin Oast Brewing on Catawba Island. Enjoy seasonal menu offerings and unforgettable experiences, including year-round events and festivals Come for the beer, stay for the experience!
A GROWING
Success
BY KRISTINA SMITH
For years, Shamrock Vineyard’s signature wine was its red hybrid Chancellor, created with grapes that founder Thomas Quilter had lovingly planted and tended with meticulous care.
Quilter, who started planting in 1971 and opened the winery in 1984 in Waldo, was well-known for the hybrid red. The winery made the popular hybrid until a plant disease wiped out the vines that produced the Chancellor grapes Quilter used to make it.
When Quilter passed away in 2006, his grandson, Van Creasap, who had been working at the winery with his grandparents since college, took over Shamrock Vineyard with his wife Emily.
Thanks to a grant from the state of Ohio’s Vineyard Expansion Assistance Program (VEAP) two years ago, the Creasaps planted 1,200 additional grape vines, including the Chancellor grapes that will allow them to bring back Quilter’s signature red. The other varieties they planted will produce types of wine new to Shamrock Vineyard like the Aravelle grape, a Cayuga White/Riesling hybrid.
“He would sign every bottle that left the winery,” Van says of his grandfather’s signature wine. “I can’t wait to bring that back.”
Funded by the Ohio Grape Industries Committee (OGIC), the VEAP grants encourage new and existing Ohio vineyards to invest in planting high-quality vines instead of buying grapes from other states.
It takes three to five years for vines to start producing grapes that are ready to harvest for wine. Without the VEAP grant, Shamrock would not have been able to afford to increase its vineyard acreage and try new types of grapes. Now, the Creasaps envision serving additional varieties of wine.
Similarly, Weymouth Farms in Hinckley has expanded its vineyard and planted varieties of grapes that are disease-resistant and better able to withstand extreme winters, say owners Paul and Brenda O’Neill, who have lost vines in past years to polar vortexes. Through the program, Weymouth Farms planted three acres of vines and extended their vineyard to 14 acres.
In addition to the grant funding, the VEAP program’s viticulture experts offer advice and support for selecting where to plant vines and how to care for the soil.
“I’m a small grower,” Paul says. “Everything is hand-picked. If we didn’t get the grant, we probably wouldn’t have done new plantings.”
Troy and d’Linda Adams do not have a winery yet, so VEAP has enabled them to create their dream business on their property in Crooksville. Since 2014, they have grown grapes at d’Vine Delights Vineyard. They sell the grapes to wineries, but are hoping to grow enough to open a restaurant, run by d’Linda, who is an executive chef, and winery with wine made by the couple.
Through VEAP grants awarded in the past two years, Troy and d’Linda planted nearly 2,000 vines of five different grape varieties and quadrupled the size of their vineyard, taking it from one acre to four acres. In 2024, they harvested 6,000 pounds of grapes, which would make an estimated 2,400 bottles of wine. They also kept some of the harvest to work on their own wines and bottled some dry reds that Troy made with Chambourcin grapes. “I would not be at the level I’m at if it weren’t for the VEAP grants,” Troy says, “because I wouldn’t be able to afford it.”
TOP TO BOTTOM: The Creasaps family is continuing the traditions of the Shamrock Vineyard’s founders (inset). Paul O’Neill tends the grapes at Weymouth Farms. Opening their own winery is the goal for d’Linda and Troy Adams.
Hours: W 1-6, Th 1-9, Fri & Sat 1-10
• Visit Preble County’s first winery located in an original 1890’s one-room brick schoolhouse
• Experience the beautiful tasting room featuring internationally award winning wines made on-site
• Events throughout the year
• Relax and enjoy Preble County’s finest winery
152 State Route 726 Eaton, OH 45320 937-472-WINE (9463) www.oshwinery.com
Salute’
Vino di Piccin
5515 National Rd. Lansing, OH 43934 (740) 738-0261 vinodipiccin.com
Tasting House Hours Thursday 3–9 Friday 3–10 Saturday 3–10
Scan the QR code to purchase our wines, facility rentals & more!
Vino di Piccin
For the love of Family and Wine
Vino di Piccin believes in utilizing the best available grapes in our wine making process. We believe that the quality of the wine that we drink today, starts years prior in our partner’s vineyards.
At Vino di Piccin we have applied the knowledge and understanding of the wine making process bestowed to us from the generations of family and friends and have made it our own. A process that is founded on quality, consistency, and the love of family and wine.
Ohio Wineries Fine Wine, Festivals, Wine
Trails, and Fun
Join us for the Vintage Ohio Wine Festival, Kirtland, the first Friday and Saturday in August
Winter Wine Affair, Youngstown, March, Vintage Ohio South, Hamilton, April, Ohio’s Island Wine Festival, Put-in-Bay, June, & V.I.N.O. Wine & Food Festival, Bowling Green, October
Take a Day Trip and discover the wineries in your own backyard or join us for wine & food pairing dinners
Thoughout the year, watch for wine trail events: Chocolate Trails, Tannenbaum Trail, Deck the Wreath Trail, and the Wine n’ Bloom Trail
To be the first to learn about these and other events, sign up for our e-letter or visit OhioWines.org/events
Visit our military-themed winery today.
As a former Marine, our family proudly labels our wines after a slogan, name, rank, or saying that is used in the USMC. We support all branches of the military and ask that if you are serving or are a veteran that you please let one of our staff know. Thank you for your service!
Embark
