Ohio’s Wine Industry Is Uncorked
In partnership with: Ohio Department of Agriculture
In the past decade, the number of licensed winemakers in Ohio has nearly doubled, moving the Buckeye State into the eighth spot nationwide in quantity of wineries. Yet, many Ohioans aren’t aware of the wine industry’s magnitude, says Christy Eckstein, executive director of the Ohio Grape Industries Committee (OGIC), which works to improve the profitability of grape growing as an agribusiness.
That’s changing as more Ohio residents encounter winemakers’ passion for producing quality wines. “With an unpretentious attitude, we ensure all wine drinkers feel welcome, educated, and included in the Ohio wine industry,” Eckstein says. “When you explore with us, you’ll find a wide variety of unique options and experiences.”
Gervasi Vineyard
Step onto the grounds of Gervasi Vineyard in Canton and you may wonder if you’re still in Ohio.
The 55-acre site looks and feels like a Tuscan village. That’s intentional. The aesthetic pays tribute to founder Ted Swaldo’s Italian heritage and sets the expectations for visitors, making them feel as if they’ve traveled to a getaway destination, according to general manager Scott Swaldo, Ted’s son.
In just 10 years, Gervasi has grown from a tasting room serving food to a winery resort with three restaurants, luxury lodging, a distillery, meeting rooms, and a range of guest experiences from yoga classes to car shows, in addition to producing award-winning wines. Swaldo says their range of offerings is so unique, even the most prominent California wineries don’t offer all that Gervasi does.
“People say to us all the time, ‘We can’t believe this is in Ohio,’ and our take has always been, ‘Well, why not Ohio?’” Swaldo says. “There’s no reason why you can’t do a world-class operation here. You just have to think big and deliver. And people will come.”
Dragonfly Vineyard & Wine Cellar
If you’re not careful, a hobby can take over your life – just ask Kent and Connie Eichenauer.
About 10 years ago, they began growing grapes as a hobby. Over time, Kent started making wine for loved ones. “People kept saying it was so good, you need to sell this,” Connie recalls. In 2019, the couple took the leap, opening Dragonfly Vineyard & Wine Cellar north of Urbana.
Most of the 20 or so wines they make are produced from grapes grown on their property. “Four acres isn’t much,” Kent says, “but people come here and say, ‘Wow, this is Napa.’ They seem to enjoy seeing the vines that produced what’s in their glass.” Dragonfly has already won an Ohio Wine Quality Award for its Estate Cabernet Franc.
See more: Drink Up With These Winning Wines from Ohio Quality Wine
As new vintners, Kent and Connie say they’ve found tremendous support from OGIC, The Ohio State University’s viticulture experts, and fellow winemakers. “There’s so much cooperation with everybody working together,” Kent says. “At the same time, it raises the bar for everyone in the state’s wine industry.”
French Ridge Vineyards
Scott Buente grew up on a vineyard in western New York, but swore he’d never look at another grapevine when he left the area.
Fast forward to 2001, where it seemed life had other plans. Scott and his wife, Kathy, planted 3,000 vines on their rocky, hilly property outside Killbuck.
Today, they operate French Ridge Vineyards, the oldest winery in Holmes County. The Buentes grow 14 different varieties of grapes, from Baco Noir to Vidal Blanc, and produce several wines, all of which are processed on their 23-acre property. “It’s a true mom-and-pop farm winery,” Scott says. “We produce what we sell.” Visitors who want to stay longer than an afternoon can sleep overnight in one of the winery’s guest cabins.
An industry leader who sits on the OGIC and chairs the OGIC research subcommittee, Scott advises Ohioans to explore the state’s wineries. Wine, he says, is an experience. “Anyone can pick up a bottle of wine at a big-box store,” Scott says. “It’s the experience of buying the bottle that makes it that much better.”
Ohio Wine by the Numbers
332: Licensed wine manufacturers in Ohio
$1.3B: Grape and wine industry’s annual contribution to Ohio’s economy
1.23M: Gallons of wine produced in Ohio annually
80% of Ohio’s wines are sold in winery tasting rooms vs. retail and grocery stores
Source: Ohio Grape Industries Committee