The Struggles and Triumphs of Ohio Wineries

The history of Ohio wineries dates back to the early 1800’s when Nicholas Longworth, who was a lawyer from the Cincinnati area, began planting Catawba grapes in the Ohio River Valley. This variety was capable of withstanding the harsh Ohio winters and produced a light, semi-sweet wine that was a welcome change from the taste of other American wines from the time. By 1845, over 300,000 gallons of wine were being produced from the Cincinnati area. Winemaking in southern Ohio soon met its demise, however, when it was hit by a bad case of black rot and mildew and workers were sent off to fight in the Civil War.

The Rise of Lake Erie Ohio Wineries

After the southern Ohio wineries met an ill fate, the area around the Lake Erie Islands began to become established in winemaking. The unique climate of the area combined with the surrounding area provided a longer growing season and insulated the vines to help prevent the spreading of disease. By the 1900’s, dozens of wineries had become established and thousands of gallons of wine were once again being produced from Ohio wineries. The narrow strip of land along Lake Erie’s southern shore soon became known as the 'Lake Erie Grape Belt'.

Prohibition soon brought an end to the winemaking industry and the Ohio wineries, which were the top growers in the United States at the time, were ruined. When prohibition was lifted, the Ohio wineries had a difficult time reestablishing their once great empire. It wasn’t until the 1960’s, when a French-American hybrid grape was introduced, that Ohio began to reemerge as one of the top wine producing states in the country. Since 1965, more than 40 new wineries have appeared once again along the Lake Erie Grape Belt and across the state. A multitude of wine trails are available throughout the state and are easy to follow on a self-guided tour.

Ohio Winery Appellations

There are five viticultural appellations in the sate of Ohio. The Lake Erie Appellation represents those grown near Lake Erie’s shores and covers the state of Ohio, as well as Pennsylvania and New York. Two additional appellations, Isle St. George and Grand River Valley, can be found within the Lake Erie Appellation. The Ohio River Valley Appellation runs along the Ohio River and includes the states of Ohio, West Virginia, and Indiana. The final appellation is the Loramie Creek Appellation, but there are no Ohio wineries currently in operation in the appellation.

Things to Do and See While Visiting Ohio Wineries

Lake Erie is home to many fantastic islands that provide beautiful scenery, as well as shopping opportunities. A variety of water sports can be enjoyed while visiting Ohio wineries, as most are close by to either Lake Erie or the Ohio River. Canoeing and kayaking are popular choices in the river, while sailing and water skiing are often enjoyed in the lake.