SIP 2023

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wine & wind

MEET WINE INSIDERS TIPS ON BOTTLES THEY LOVE

OHIO’S MADE FOR WINE GEOGRAPHY FAVORS DIVERSE VARIETIES

WINE AMBASSADORS LEARN THEIR FAVORITE SPOTS

Discover Ohio Wine Country

COVER PHOTO: STONEY RIDGE WINERY IN BRYAN. PHOTO BY LAURA WATILO BLAKE. Copyright© 2023 by the

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM

Your feedback is important to us as we plan upcoming issues of Sip magazine. In an effort to make sure that you have all you need for your next Ohio winery visit, Great Lakes Publishing, the publisher of Sip magazine, is conducting a short online survey about the magazine. Our goal is to inspire readers to explore Ohio’s wineries and provide them with the tools to plan their trip. The survey will only take six minutes to complete and will automatically enter you in the Sip Reader Survey Sweepstakes*, where three lucky respondents will win Ohio wine and food gift baskets, valued at more than $150 each.** To participate, visit glpublishing.com/ohwine We look forward to hearing from you!

*No purchase necessary to win. **The sweepstakes, offered by the Ohio Grape Industries Committee, begins June 1, 2023, and ends on May 31, 2024. Winners will be randomly drawn at the conclusion of the survey period. For official rules and regulations, visit glpublishing.com/ohwine.

ohiowines ohiowines

FIRST ROW: Blue Barn Winery in Wooster @bluebarnwinery, Raven’s Glenn Winery and Restaurant in West Lafayette @threeriverswinetrailohio, Gideon Owen Wine Company in Port Clinton @gideonowenwinecompany SECOND ROW: Baltic Mill Winery in Baltic @balticmillwinery, M Cellars Winery in Geneva @visitashtabulacounty THIRD ROW: Dutch Creek Winery in Athens @meghwingenfeld, Meranda-Nixon Winery in Ripley @heymichelle1, Gervasi Vineyard in Canton @risingstarphoto

FOURTH ROW: Hanover Winery in Hamilton @whitneywhitneymedia, Maple Ridge Vineyard in Madison @mapleridgevineyard

PICTURED: Sip as you explore the grounds at Grand River Cellars Winery and Restaurant.

RIGHT: Get together with your friends at Breitenbach Wine Cellars.

WINERIES ACROSS THE STATE OFFER A VARIETY OF REASONS TO MAKE A VISIT IN ADDITION TO THE OPPORTUNITY TO SAMPLE THEIR MANY FINE WINES. SOME OFFER FINE DINING OPTIONS, WHILE OTHERS REGULARLY FEATURE A WIDE VARIETY OF ENTERTAINMENT. STILL OTHERS HAVE LODGING OPTIONS OR OFFER WINERY TOURS. HERE ARE 14 WINERIES ACROSS THE STATE, TWO FROM EACH OF THE WINE REGIONS IN OHIO, WITH SOMETHING UNIQUE TO OFFER GUESTS FOR A DAY — OR NIGHT — OUT.

BY RICH WARREN

vines & wines

There’s a piano inside the tasting room at Buccia Vineyard Winery and B&B, which lies in a wooded setting near Conneaut, as well as artwork with guitar motifs on the walls, an homage to owner/ winemaker Bill Holden’s former life as board president at the Nashville Jazz Workshop. You’ll find folk, rock, jazz and blues musicians playing the winery every Friday and Saturday with full bands playing on the outdoor stage in the summer months — not to mention singer/ songwriter nights about half a dozen times per year.

Other events include an annual Baco, Blues & Barbecue Festival, a car show, a costume contest at Halloween and occasional multicourse wine pairing dinners. The commute to the winery’s four

LEFT: Sit beside the vines at Buccia Vineyards. RIGHT: Order dinner or appetizers at Grand River Cellars Winery and Restaurant.

OPPOSITE PAGE,

LEFT TO RIGHT: Relax in the charming setting at Dragonfly Winery. Stroll through the vineyards at Breitenbach Wine Cellars.

overnight accommodations couldn’t be much shorter — each one is attached to the tasting room, with features such as kitchenettes, a four-person hot tub and views of the vineyard from private balconies.

There’s a warm atmosphere at Grand River Cellars Winery and Restaurant, on the edge of a forest near Madison. In the cozy tasting room with a stone fireplace and hand-painted murals, you can order entrées such as lobster tail, bourbon salmon and black Angus filet.

Outside, large patios with umbrella-covered tables allow wine sippers to enjoy the tranquil woods, while a covered pavilion accommodates dogs. (Dogs are also welcome in the trails wending their way through the woods.) An especially active event schedule includes an Ice Wine Festival, a harvest wine crush tour and music bingo events. Live music is scheduled frequently in addition to classes in painting, sign making and beach glass.

canal country

Before you visit Dragonfly Winery, right on the banks of the Tuscarawas River in Canal Fulton, make a visit to its charming tea room inside a structure dating back to 1814 that, legend has it, once served as the town’s train station. Sip teas with whimsical names like Coconut Oolong and Sugar Plum Fairy while dining on quiche, paninis or baked goods like scones and stuffed croissants.

Upstairs, a bed and breakfast is available for overnight stays. A wide array of events at the tearoom include a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and an American Girl Doll Lunch, while at the winery, a Paint and Pour event is held monthly along with craft workshops and weekend visits from regional musicians.

You can’t miss Breitenbach Wine Cellars located near Sugarcreek. The exterior is vibrantly colored with a rounded tower. Enjoy distinctively different wines made from dandelions, rhubarb and cranberries, while having lunch at its attached café, or pick up Amish cheeses and meats to take home — along with a bottle or two of wine — at the onsite deli.

Down the road, stay overnight at Breitenbach’s 1890 Guest House, a charming old farm house with four bedrooms and a tunnel of trees leading up to it.

On a nearby hilltop, the Toolshed is surrounded by acres of vineyards and is available for private parties and events like Breitenbach’s popular annual Dandelion Festival, held each May. Summertime concerts are offered at the Roadhouse Amphitheater.

PLACE TO

FIND

yesteryear at historic at the popular of the area’s just day one.

fun and festivities, and relaxation sure to find it in Fulton County.

toncounty.com

THE PLACE TO FIND YOUR PACE

Fulton County’s Wine & Brew trail offers a cheerful unhurried experience of sampling and sipping. Whether its history and heritage, fun and festivities, arts and entertainment, or simply rest and relaxation that’s on your getaway list, sure to find it in Fulton County.

Relive yesteryear at historic Sauder Village. Find family fun at the popular Fulton County Fairgrounds

THE PLACE TO FIND YOUR PACE

Explore one of the area’s wonderful wineries

Relive yesteryear at historic Sauder Village Find family fun at the popular Fulton

Explore area’s wonderful

And that’s just day one. Whether its history heritage, fun and festivities, arts and activities, simply rest and that’s on your getaway list, you’re sure to find it in Fulton County.

visitfultoncounty.com

And that’s one. Whether heritage, festivities, arts simply rest and relaxation that’s list, you’re sure to find it in Fulton County.

visitfultoncounty.com

Knotty Vines Farm & Winery, Wauseon, OH

Benfield Wines Swanton, OH

Red Rambler Coffees & Ramblin’ Red’s Brewing Wauseon, OH

American Winery Wauseon, OH

appalachian

To reach Twisted Vines Family Vineyard in the rugged hills of Gallia County, you’ll travel along gravel roads, traversing onelane bridges. But all will be rewarded at your first glimpse of this remarkably beautiful winery, set on a rise above the road at the edge of the forest and overlooking a lovely pond, acres of freshly planted Ohio wildflowers and the vineyard.

Soak in this tranquil setting seated on a partially covered outdoor deck, watching for the many birds residing in this area — everything from hummingbirds to bald eagles. Trails wend their way through the forest with signage pointing out the hundreds of pawpaw and persimmon trees.

History lovers will swoon at first sight of the Headley Inn Winery and Vineyard, occupying a 190-year-old structure built with massive sandstone blocks and situated right alongside the historic National Road outside of Zanesville. Over the centuries, it’s been an inn, a tavern, a stagecoach stop, a five-star restaurant and now has taken on new life as a winery when the current owners opened shop in May 2022.

Inside, three fireplaces are surrounded by antique tables and leather couches, and the walls are adorned with historic paintings and photos. Outside, the inviting grounds have a covered patio and plentiful seating, including swings and rocking chairs split by a babbling brook.

Stay overnight here either in an upstairs suite above the tasting room or in a log cabin out back that dates to 1777, now with modern amenities like a kitchen, washer and dryer.

central

The acres and acres of blueberry bushes surrounding 1285 Winery outside of Mansfield give a clue to its former life. When it was known only as The Blueberry Patch, it was exclusively a blueberry farm with a gift shop, cafe and greenhouse. But in 2014, the family-owned business decided to branch into winemaking, building a larger tasting room and restaurant that opened in 2021. The gift shop sells baked goods as well as jewelry and clothing. Relax in their spacious area as big as a country barn where you can sip the wines produced onsite (including blueberry and other fruit wines) as well as a diverse menu of food items that include grinders, burgers and pizza along with dinner specials ranging

SIP with US!

from pork chops to filet mignon. Sit on the covered patio and gaze on the sea of blueberry bushes surrounding you.

Since 2001, Folck Family Farm has grown strawberries, raspberries and blackberries on its rural property outside Mechanicsburg. Starting in 2018, the owners began producing wine from their berries. Enjoy the array of sweet, semi-sweet and dry wines, including a popular chocolate strawberry variety, in the winery’s tasting room with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views of towering sunflowers as well as spectacular sunsets.

In season, you can also purchase the fruit itself or even pick your own to take home. The Folcks make their wine in small batches using elements of micro-brewing, and in 2021, they planted a vineyard that will soon allow them to produce wines from their own grapes to add to their mix of flavorful fruit wines.

Looking for the perfect place to unwind with a glass of wine? Trying to find the right bottle for your next dinner? Find it in Findlay. From our local Gillig Winery, to the Wine Merchant and the Gathering Wine there’s 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

OPPOSITE PAGE, LEFT TO RIGHT: The setting at Headley Inn Winery and Vineyard is steeped in history. Take in stunning views of the sunset at Twisted Vines Family Vineyard. RIGHT: Go on a search for blueberries outside 1285 Winery, set on a former blueberry farm.

Honor our veterans at GR8 Vines Winery in downtown St. Mary’s, where members of all armed services are invited to sign their names on the Wall of Heroes. And yes, that proud Marine photographed there in full regalia is owner Andy Liming having his photo taken with President George H.W. Bush. Liming’s Marine service is also reflected in the names of their wines — Semper Fi Red, Leatherneck and Gung Ho Gary.

The many events taking place here include an annual veterans dinner as well as monthly Sip and Paint events that let you flex your creative skills while savoring a glass of their wine. Don’t miss the popular Singo (also known as Music Bingo).

The winery has also participated in a citywide corn hole tournament and invites local musicians to take the stage for weekend entertainment.

Stoney Ridge Winery in Bryan marked its 20th anniversary in 2022 with a big bash typical of the hospitality it offers all year long to its loyal customers. The inviting tasting room features a fieldstone fireplace and a bar constructed by the winemaker. Outdoors, a pond and surrounding woods lure guests to enjoy their wine at picnic tables or on a covered patio.

A perfect spot for a date night or outing with friends, Stoney Ridge hosts a full roster of musicians throughout the year, ranging from solo performers to full bands, and features several annual events, including a lobster boil, music festival and food trucks.

OPPOSITE PAGE, LEFT

TO RIGHT: Listen to live music at GR8 Vines Winery. Watch the sunset outside at Stoney Ridge Winery.

ohio river valley

A.R. Winery, located in the countryside outside Arcanum, is probably the only winery where you can sip wine and watch canines from all over the country compete in Dog Dock Diving, an exciting sport where the pups hurl themselves into pools of water, competing for highest leaps and longest leaps. Both national and world champion dogs have competed here, one of them logging an impressive 33-foot, 6-inch leap. A.R. is also a working brewery in addition to making more than a dozen wines, and they make their own lemonade and homemade chocolates to boot. The Chicago-style brick oven pizzas made on site are huge — the Meatlovers Pizza is so heavily bedecked you may need two hands to carry it!

Old Mason Winery & Vineyard can be found on a ridge just outside of West Milton. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023, the winery makes two dozen distinctive wines ranging from dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet and sweet wines, some with unusual flavor combinations like its Warming Trend, an unfiltered berry and grape port-style wine aged in bourbon barrels.

Before opening their winery, the Clark family began winemaking first as a hobby, but after visiting a number of wineries across the country, they decided to open a business of their own. Enjoy their wines in the two-story tasting room complete with a fireplace, an overlooking balcony or a covered back patio with views of the vineyards. Live music is offered most weekends, and occasional bus tours make stops to enjoy tastings of the distinctive wine.

RIGHT: The two-story tasting room creates a spacious setting at Old Mason Winery & Vineyard.

COME TO COoHOCTON COUNTY AND f ILL YouR QLAOO!

.BALTIC l1!,LLWINERY

111 E. Main St., Baltic, OH 43804 330.365.0524 I balticmilJwinery.com

�LINGIRIEWINERY

16688 Co Rd. 4, Dresden, OH 43821 740.327.6rno facebook.com/ KillingTreeWine1y

RblN.BOW HILLoWINERY & INN

26349 TR 25r., Newcomerstown, OH 43832 740.545.9305 I rainbowhilJswinery.com

RbVEN'o QLENNWINIRY & F!oTAURANT

56183 CR 143, West Lafayette, OH 43845 740.545.woo I ravensglenn.com

6TONE CREoTVINEYARD

rn3rn O'DelJ Rd., Frazeysburg, OH 43822 740.828.9463 I stonecrestwinery.com

WOOLY PIG fARM .BREWERY

23631 TR 167, Fresno, OH 43824 740.693.5050 I woolypigfc,rmbrewery.com

YELLOW .BUTTERfLYWINERY

rr661 Blue Ridge Rd., Newcomerstown, OH 43832 740-492.1216 I yellowbutterflywinery.com

YOLOWINERY

16286 OH-93, Kimbolton, OH 43749 740.545.0766 I yolowinery.com

COoHOCTON VILLAGE INN & 6UITEo

n5 N. Water St., Coshocton, Ohio 43812 740.622.9455

christopherhotels.com/coshocton-viUage-inn

CORK &!AP .QCURolONo

Official lfansportation Se1vice 740-409-4n3 I corkandtapohio.com

Stone Crest Vineyard

lake erie shores & islands

You’ll remember a trip to Quarry Hill Winery & Orchard for its astounding vistas as well as its estate-grown wines. Perched on one of the highest pinnacles in Erie County, the tasting room is surrounded by picturesque apple orchards and vineyards as far as the eye can see, and yes, that’s Lake Erie off in the distance. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide gorgeous views, and a wraparound porch gives a 360-degree view during the warmer months. Be sure to stop at the nearby orchard market to stock up on apples, peaches, cherries, blackberries and pears, all grown on the property by the Gammie family. Named for the song “It’s Only a Paper Moon,” Paper Moon Vineyards in Vermilion carries out a moon motif throughout its soaring tasting room with a huge semi-circular copper-topped bar. You’ll find moons emblazoned on items in the gift shop, on the stone fireplace and even hanging from overhead. Food offerings include pizza, paninis and quesadillas. Not surprisingly, a winery named for a song also offers musical entertainment and, occasionally, comedians and painting classes are also part of the mix. Paper Moon also makes its own hard cider from apples found abundantly in the region’s many orchards.

PICTURED: Admire gorgeous views as you sip on a glass of wine at Quarry Hill Winery & Orchard.

makes a wine

at

The Inside Story

GET TIPS FROM THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE BOTTLES FOR SALE AT NOTED OHIO WINE STORES AND RESTAURANTS.

BY

NICHOLAS DEKKER

with notable wine stores and we caught up with the people ask how they stock their shelves love about Ohio wines. shortage of options for Ohio bottle shops, and sommeliers consider a variety of factors when choices.

owner of The Ohio Wine Kettering, says he bases his personal experience. “I visit every carry and taste every wine wine to stock on my shelves,” he looking for something that is new to whether it is a new varietal, blend finish for a particular grape. I also stories behind the wine that I winery visits. I want to offer the

next best thing to visiting the winery.”

Tatjana Brown, owner of Meza Wine Shop in Westerville, tries to balance out a good variety that appeals to a broad group. “Buying wine for a specialty shop like ours means pushing yourself outside of your own preferences and striking a balance of wines from key regions, a variety of varietals, and having both standard and the more unique varietals represented,” she says.

Likewise, Brian Fife, who’s logged 18 years as a Certified Specialist of Wines and Certified Specialist of Spirits at World Wines & Liquor in Mentor, looks for a mix of price points while also crafting a distinctive selection. “We look for unique wines that are not found in grocery stores,” he adds. “We also consider value. We have an upmarket customer base but try to fill all wine buyer needs.”

PICTURED: Tatjana Brown

recommendation

Meza Wine Shop. BELOW: Doug Kurtz greets guests at The Ohio Wine Company.

Come visit us at Hanover Winery to experience our award-winning wines and beautiful countryside, just far enough to feel like you’ve gone somewhere! We offer a selection of over 27 hand-crafted wines with something for everyone. We also offer food, beer & spirits! Hanover Winery is located in the southwest corner of Ohio, between Hamilton and Miami University Oxford.

• Fun Events, Festivals & Live Entertainment

• International Award-Winning Wines

• Tasting Room & Retail Locations

• Spirits & Beer & Food

• Wine Festival August 4 & 5 2023

• We Ship!

• Find us on Facebook & Instagram

The wines grown right here in Ohio offer a broad appeal to customers. “Ohio wines display a unique profile and are a great example of terroir, showcasing the unique land, climate and viticulture practices surrounding the grapes,” says Taylor Wolf, sommelier at The Refectory, an award-winning French restaurant in Columbus. “I think Ohio’s best features are focusing on East Coast grapes such as Catawba and Concord, especially in sweeter styles. These grape varieties thrive in this area of the country.”

“I like the variety of what I’ve seen across the state as a whole,” adds Donnie Austin, owner of the newly opened Aardvark Wine & Beer in Worthington. “We’ve seen success with vinifera varietals like Riesling and Cabernet Franc, depending on the region and climate exposure. They can often be textbook styles, delicious and broadly appealing.” Fife agrees: “We have numerous producers making stunning Rieslings and Chardonnay. Ohio has a wonderful climate for those styles.”

A FEW OHIO WINE SUGGESTIONS

If you’re new to Ohio wine, the experts also suggest a variety of wineries across the state, calling them out both for their

PICTURED: Taylor Wolf, the sommelier at The Refectory, helps guests make wine selections.

expert wines, as well as their culinary delights and beautiful settings. Nicholas Uroseva, owner of Cork & Cap Bottle Shop & Tasting Room in Warren, shouts out a few favorites: “We like Laurentia in Madison for its rustic surroundings and its wine and food. Also, Stonegait Winery in Madison for wine, food and outside area. We also like Buccia in Conneaut for the wine.”

“Two local wineries we always enjoy are Ravenhurst Champagne Cellars and Heineman’s Winery,” Wolf adds. “Ravenhurst has some really delicious sparkling varieties of wine featuring Pinot Meunier.”

“Laurentia and M Cellars have been making some quality wines in a variety of styles from their own vineyards,” says Austin. “The tasting rooms are a great experience as well.” Brown considers Ferrante Winery & Ristorante in Geneva a favorite. “They make a great spectrum of wines from sweeter styles such as Ice Wine to drier wines like Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay,” she notes.

Kurtz also says now is the time to visit Henke Winery in Cincinnati. “Joe Henke is retiring this year after making wine for many years,” he says. “He is currently bottling his last vintages of wine that will be available for purchase.”

region

Shores & Islands Ohio is more than just a place, it’s a feeling. Make our Cheers Trail part of your next adventure! Download our free Cheers Trail app, then visit, check-in, sample locally-made craft beverages and wines, and earn points for prizes year-round. Find your Lake Erie Love at SHORESandISLANDS.com

Experience our Cheers Trail

is always in season.

BY ANN FAZZINI

Napa Valley, northern Virginia and southeastern Washington are probably the first places you think of as winemaking hotspots in the U.S. But did you know that Ohio is actually the seventh largest wine-producing state in the country, selling 1.2 million gallons or more than a half-million cases a year? That’s thanks to a “geographical sweet spot” of varied weather conditions, soil types and landscapes — and the economic downturn and shutdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic haven’t slowed down the industry’s growth in Ohio one bit.

Dragonfly Vineyard & Wine Cellar

Our countryside vineyard and wine cellar are located in the Mad River Valley in Champaign county. Enjoy our estate wines, from dry to sweet, with a sandwich or other accompaniments while seated in our 4-acre vineyard or in front of a warm fireplace. Thurs 5pm to 9pm and Fri/Sat noon to 9 pm.

In fact, the last six years have seen a massive boom in Ohio’s wine grape production. The number of wineries has increased 22 percent over the last six years from 265 to 323, and growers and winemakers statewide are expanding and starting businesses with plenty of support from state entities. Wine

Ohio Wineries

Fine Wine, Festivals, Wine Trails, and Fun

Join

“Variety” is the key word when it comes to Ohio’s grape-growing strengths. Compared to other states, Ohio’s climate sits comfortably in that sweet spot that doesn’t get too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter, says Dr. Maria Smith, Viticulture Outreach Specialist for The Ohio State University’s Department of Horticulture and Crop Science. “If you divide the state in half, one side gets southern gulf moisture and the other half gets northern Canada and Michigan’s lake-effect conditions,” she says.

The same goes for soil. “Three-quarters of the state is glaciated silt loam soil and the other quarter is unglaciated rocky soil that’s more clay heavy,” Smith adds. Because of that agricultural diversity, about 100 different varieties of grapes are grown in nearly every corner of the state.

Ohio’s wine industry is so promising that The Ohio State University is helping farmers add and expand through the Ohio Grapes Industries Committee’s Vineyard Expansion Assistance Program (VEAP), which awards funding to increase grape acreage in Ohio, reducing reliance on other sources for fruit and juice from outside of Ohio.

The state has a deep history of wine grape production (dating back to the 1800s), and cultivators have traditionally set up shop in the Ohio River Valley and on the shores and islands of Lake Erie. But with the development of new heartier varieties and growing methods, farmers are now planting all over the state.

“We carefully select our grapes based on their tolerance to our climate,” says Susann Brady-Kalnay of Brady Vineyards of Ohio in Wellington, a VEAP recipient. Some of the vines planted are called grafted vines, in which one plant is grafted on top of the heartier root of another. The roots, made to thrive in the clay and sandy soil of Northeast Ohio, support a grape plant that’s disease-resistant and does well in colder climates.

In the prime farmland of Central Ohio, “cold air and water drainage is most important for fruit crops — grapes don’t like wet feet and cold water,” says Ed Jaeger of Five Roots Vineyard in Croton, also a VEAP recipient. “We have weather that goes all over the place. An Arctic blast followed by a 60-degree day isn’t good.” It takes a lot of trial and error to get it right, and cultivators need to understand their site conditions well, he adds. “This business isn’t for the faint of heart. You need to have a good foundation in place to keep roots healthy.”

But with hard work comes rewards, like award-winning wines that are creating buzz in a dynamic industry. And it’s that variety that has people talking. “No two vintages are ever exactly alike because of climate changes and other factors,” says Brady-Kalnay. “They are truly unique from year to year.”

RIGHT: Landscaped grounds add curb appeal at Brady Vineyards.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Grapes on the vine at Brady Vineyards. Tending to the vines at Bethany Ridge Winery. The entire family helps at Bethany Ridge Winery.

Dramatic growth, significant impact

Ohio’s investments in the wine industry have taken root even deeper across the state. More home-grown grapes mean more wineries, tourism, jobs and positive economic impact.

“It’s opened up a lot of employment opportunities, especially for farmhands, sellers and makers,” says Smith. “It’s also attracting a lot of seasonal employment opportunities, like summer tasting room staff.” Areas are establishing more hotels, roadside shops and tasting tours. Ohio’s wine and grape industries provide more than

40,000 jobs

and a direct economic impact of

$6.6 billion

and those numbers are only going up.

Sip in Sip in Stark County Stark County

Discover stops along the Canal Country Wine Trail:

Explore: Explore:

Hike and bike along the towpath trail through the historic Ohio & Erie Canalway national heritage area. Refresh along the way with stops at Dragonfly Winery and Cherry Road Winery.

Dragonfly Winery and Cherry Road Winery

Unwind: Unwind:

Winery & Brewery

Renew: Renew:

Maize Valley

Lost Trail Winery

Vineyard Winery Resort

Sunflower fields, summer car cruise-ins, and the fall festival are just a few reasons to kick back and relax on the farm at Maize Valley Winery & Brewery. Head over to the Adirondack inspired Lost Trail Winery for more fresh air, live music, and wine. Enjoy luxury accommodations, awardwinning dining, and spa treatments at Gervasi Vineyard Winery Resort.

Meet the Ambassadors

OHIO WINE AMBASSADORS SHARE THEIR PASSION AND KNOWLEDGE OF OHIO WINES WITH CUSTOMERS ACROSS THE STATE. THEY COME FROM A WIDE VARIETY OF BACKGROUNDS, FROM FOOD WRITERS TO SOMMELIERS. WE CHATTED WITH THEM ABOUT WHY THEY BECAME AMBASSADORS AND WHAT THEY LOVE ABOUT OHIO WINES AND WINERIES. BY NICHOLAS DEKKER

Mark Anthony Arceno

Westerville

WHY DID YOU APPLY TO BECOME AN AMBASSADOR? My application coincided with wrapping up my dissertation for a Ph. D. in food and environmental anthropology. After having learned about the industry through my fieldwork, I was excited for opportunities to support it by sharing my experiences with others. We have something special here!

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE OHIO WINE? I can’t choose a favorite, but I enjoy wines made from Brianna, Catawba, Frontenac, Marquette, Niagara, Traminette and vinifera that can grow in our region.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT OHIO’S WINERIES? It’s about the people as much as the wine. Ohio winegrowers are great at attracting and cultivating appreciative communities.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PAIRING BETWEEN A DISH AND AN OHIO WINE? As much as I love white wines, I love red pairings with cheese (baked brie, Comté, raclette) and dark chocolate.

PICTURED: Mark Anthony Arceño stands out amid the vines at Three Oaks Vineyard in Granville.

Perched on top of picturesque rolling hills, Vinoklet's glass-enclosed solarium and fresh air gazebo provide a perfect view of the surrounding vineyards and lakes. Located conveniently in Colerain Township. Vinoklet is a beautiful, relaxing place for weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate events and much more.

PLEASE VISIT VINOKLETWINES.COM.

11069 Colerain Ave. · Cincinnati, OH · 513-385-9309 · vinokletwines.com

Tania Meek Athens

WHY DID YOU APPLY TO BECOME AN AMBASSADOR? In the past, I loved to visit local wineries and share about them along the way, but now I have the occasion to engage further into a conversation with each one.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE OHIO WINE? Pleasant Hill Vineyards in Athens. They embody the complete package — breathtaking views, wonderful ambiance, a delightful story, wide variety of tasty wines and delicious food pairings.

PICTURED: Even rainy days don’t stop Tania Meek from exploring Rockside Winery and Vineyards in Lancaster. INSET: Meek and one of her friends warm up by the fireplace at The Caboose at Dutch Creek Retreat in Athens.

WHAT ATTRACTS YOU TO OHIO’S WINERIES? WHAT’S MADE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH THEM?

The more I learn about the art of winemaking and wines, the more I realize how hard Ohio vintners are laboring to change the preconceived ideas of the wine types and flavors our state produces.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PAIRING BETWEEN A DISH AND AN OHIO WINE? I love the Ridge Red Chambourcin from Shade Winery. It is delicious paired with their aged sirloin and a decadent chocolate dessert.

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. From dry wines to sweet fruit wines (even dandelion), experience the relaxing atmosphere of our Wine Cellars and Café. Enjoy wine tasting, take a tour or dine on our café specialty, wood-fired pizzas.

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

Enjoy five local wineries offering scenic outdoor patios, delicious wines and food options. Plan a weekend in Youngstown.

WHAT MADE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH OHIO’S WINERIES?

I really love the variety of options you have from sweet wines to good aged ones. I was normally involved in traditional wine manufacturing, but here in Ohio, they really work to focus on customer likes and creating amazing wines.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PAIRING BETWEEN A DISH AND AN OHIO WINE? Something that I use a lot with pizza is a barrelaged white wine, like Chardonnay.

PICTURED: Gaston Calero loves to share his passion for wine with others.

Hours: W 1-6, Th 1-9, Fri & Sat 1-10

• Visit Preble County’s first and only 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

GASTON CALERO: MATTHEW ALLEN

PICTURED: Shana Lee relaxes at Gideon Owen Wine Company in Port Clinton. INSET: Lee tries a flight of red wines at Gillig Winery in Findlay.

Shana Lee

Toledo

WHY DID YOU APPLY TO BECOME AN AMBASSADOR? I applied to become an Ohio Wine Ambassador to expand my exploration of Ohio’s growing wine scene.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE OHIO WINE? Over the last year, I’ve made my way around wineries in Northwest Ohio, and while I’m still a mostly dry red wine drinker, I’ve come to love some varieties that I hadn’t previously reached for when purchasing wine. I tried Ice Wine at Gillig Winery in Findlay for the first time last year and really enjoyed it. Then there’s the blueberry wine at Majestic Oak in Grand Rapids. Very tasty!

WHAT ATTRACTS YOU TO OHIO’S WINERIES? WHAT’S MADE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH THEM? I love that so many of the Ohio’s wineries are located in small, charming towns. It’s usually very laid back, with a very interesting history behind them.

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COOL CLIMATE, HAND-CRAFTED ARTISINAL WINES

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518 GORE ROAD • CONNEAUT, OHIO 440.593.5976 // BucciaVineyards.com

518 GORE ROAD • CONNEAUT, OHIO 440.593.5976 // BucciaVineyards.com

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Dan and Judy Garver purchased the Old Baltic Mill in 2013 and proceeded to renovate and convert it into a quaint boutique winery in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country.

The Baltic Mill Winery now offers delectable, handcrafted wine and hard cider in a breathtaking historical setting.

in — we look forward to serving you!

for

Varietals ranging from Sweet to Dry Full Bistro menu available for lunch and dinner

OHIO GRAPE GROWERS ARE ACCUSTOMED TO PROTECTING THEIR CROP FROM PESTS LIKE YELLOWJACKETS, BALD-FACED HORNETS, GRAPE PHYLLOXERA AND FRUIT FLIES.

“THERE ARE ALL SORTS OF INSECTS THAT POP UP EVERY NOW AND THEN,” SAYS SCOTT BUENTE, CHAIR OF THE OGIC RESEARCH ADVISORY GROUP. “WE’VE BEEN DEALING WITH JAPANESE BEETLES FOR MORE YEARS THAN I CAN THINK OF.”

AT FRENCH RIDGE VINEYARDS AND WINERY IN KILLBUCK, BUENTE AND HIS WIFE, KATHY, AVOID USING INSECTICIDES AND INSTEAD HAVE INSTALLED BLUEBIRD BOXES AROUND THE VINEYARD TO ATTRACT BIRDS THAT FEED ON THESE PESTS. NOW, THOUGH, BUENTE AND OTHER GROWERS ARE BRACING FOR A NEW THREAT, THE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY.

“Spotted Lanternfly is going to be a problem,” Buente says. “It’s going to be a nationwide concern.”

Native to Asia, Spotted Lanternfly was first detected stateside in 2014 in Pennsylvania, where a 2019 Penn State study pegged its estimated annual economic impact at $42.6 million statewide.

The invasive species arrived in Ohio in 2020, detected first in Jefferson County before spreading to other areas over the past few years, according to David Adkins, who retired in 2022 as Agriculture Inspection Manager with the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

“For the grape industry, it’s a concern because it can damage the plant itself and basically kill the plant,” Adkins says. “It can also cause this sooty mold to develop on the fruit, which makes it worthless.”

Despite their name, Spotted Lanternfly are weak fliers. They take over a vineyard by hopping from plant to plant and spread from one region to another by laying eggs on or clinging to trains and cars.

RIGHT: French Ridge Vineyards and Winery in Killbuck uses nesting boxes to attract birds, which in turn eat insects.

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.

“If you’re visiting the East Coast, don’t bring any hitchhikers back home,” Adkins cautions. “Check your vehicle and make sure that when you close the trunk, you’re not closing it with a bunch of Spotted Lanternfly in it.”

Early detection is key to preventing the pest’s rapid spread. In its nymph stages, Spotted Lanternfly is black with white spots, then changes to vibrant red with patches of black and white. Adults will be about an inch long with gray wings with black spots and a bright red underwing. You may also notice honeydew deposits that promote black mold growth on affected plants and egg masses on trees, rocks houses and more.

Ashley Leach, PhD, an assistant professor of entomology at The Ohio State University, recommends paying close attention to the vineyard edge, where grapevines may be in close proximity to other Spotted Lanternfly hosts, like tree of heaven and other woody trees.

“Scout, scout, scout,” Leach says. “Make sure you’re walking your blocks once a week, checking those vines, the cordons and especially the shoots because that’s where the babies like to hang out.

Then, as the adults come out, they’ll move to colonize the whole plant.”

If growers see signs of Spotted Lanternfly, they should report the infestation to the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

Leach emphasizes that the Spotted Lanternfly’s arrival is not a “doom and gloom” scenario for vineyards — with proper pest management, growers can effectively mitigate the threat and preserve their harvest.

“Keep your eyes peeled. Actively look for Spotted Lanternfly,” she says. “Having more people who consider themselves vested stakeholders in this is incredibly beneficial when we’re trying to calibrate where we need to can slow the spread.”

Make sure you’re walking your blocks once a week, checking those vines, the cordons and especially the shoots because that’s where the babies like to hang out.