Ohio is the sixth highest wine-producing state in the country. We boast an abundance of wineries (109) and a vast crop of grapes that can withstand even the most fickle of seasonal patterns.

Our “cool climate viticulture” is similar to many Australian, European and even Californian growing regions. The resulting wines have full fruit flavors, and are crisp, clean and compatible with most entrée choices.

Ohio wines have a full history as well – tracing back to the early 1800s, when Nicholas Longworth saw wine production potential in the Ohio River Valley. The first Catawba grapes – which are hearty enough to endure bitter winters – were planted in the 1820s. By 1860, Ohio was producing the most wine in the country, and Cincinnati was the national wine industry’s top destination.

But Ohio’s lead dwindled with crop disease and a Civil War-dissipated workforce. Soon, the majority of wine production in the state shifted to the north shoreline later nicknamed the “Lake Erie Grape Belt.” By the 1900s, thousands of gallons were being produced by dozens of wineries in the area.

The Ohio market was affected deeply by Prohibition, and the grape-driven economy took a major hit. When Prohibition was lifted in 1933, the effects still lingered and Ohio officially lost its status as the country’s top wine producer.

But we Ohioans are persistent and resilient and, in the 1960s, the Ohio State University’s Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center encouraged the planting of French-American varieties in the southern part of the state to stimulate the industry. The idea was a success, and motivated Lake Erie plantings. Since, more than 40 new wineries have been established, and continue to sow the French-American hybrids.

Also because of the center’s breakthrough research, Ohio grape growers now have access to an extensive assortment of grapes, including European vitis vinifera, hybrids and heritage Labrusca grapes. We’ve come a long way from the days of just having the native Concord, Catawba and Niagara choices.

Other Ohio milestones occurred in 1975, when the Ohio Wine Producers Association was founded, and in 1981 when the Ohio Grape Industries program was created.

Although the state is no longer considered the national standard for wine production, Ohio has recovered sufficiently in the market, holding its own among more prominent wine regions. Ohio has even received many national awards, including in a turning point moment (or sacrilegious, depending on your allegiance …) in the 1990s when Ohio Riesling won the best of show award in the heart of California’s wine country.

The Buckeye State features five official viticultural regions, including the Lake Erie Appellation (grapes grown near the shores of Lake Erie in Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania), which boasts two appellations within, Isle St. George and Grand River Valley; the Ohio River Valley Appellation (along the river, from West Virginia to Indiana); and the Loramie Creek Appellation in Shelby County.

In Ohio, the grape harvest begins in mid-August in the southwestern part of the state, and continues through October along Lake Erie’s shores. Most wineries harvest for about eight weeks.

Because of its diverse geographical climates, Ohio’s wines are certainly complex, perhaps with a character found nowhere else in the world. Though Ohio has a similar climate to Germany or northern Italy, conditions at their best can produce fragrant and acidic wines, such as those from France, or ripe and rich varieties, such as those from California. The state’s white varieties can definitely hold their own with wines from around the country and maybe even the world.

More than 200 wines are submitted each year to the Ohio Wine Competition. (For a complete list of Ohio wines, visit http://wine.appellationamerica.com/wine/list/Ohio.html).  If the gold medal winners from 2008’s event excited even the most polished oenophiles, then they’ll certainly be worthy of your attention. Have a taste, and chalk one up for the home team.

2008 Ohio Wine Competition Gold Medal Winners
Breitenbach Wine Cellars, Red Raspberry NV (non vintage), American
Breitenbach Wine Cellars, Blueberry NV, American
Breitenbach Wine Cellars, Vidal Blanc Ice Wine NV, American
Chalet Debonne Vineyards, Pink Catawba NV, Lake Erie
Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Rosato NV, American
Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Pinot Grigio Signature Series 2007, Grand River Valley
Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Vidal Blanc 2007, Grand River Valley
Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Pinot Grigio, Signature Series 2006, Grand River Valley,
Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Riesling Signature Series 2007, Grand River Valley,
Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Golden Bunches Dry Riesling 2007, Grand River Valley
Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Gewurztraminer Signature Series 2007, Grand River Valley
Grand River Cellars, Chardonnay 2006, Grand River Valley
Heineman Winery, Niagara NV, Lake Erie
Henke Winery, Vidal Blanc 2007, Ohio
John Christ Winery, Special Blend NV, American
John Christ Winery, Vidal Blanc NV, American
John Christ Winery, Labrusca NV, American
John Christ Winery, Merlot NV, American
Meier's Wine Cellars, Inc., Marsala NV, American
Ravens Glenn Winery, White October 2007, Ohio
Ravens Glenn Winery, Vidal Blanc Ice Wine 2007, Ohio
St. Joseph Vineyard, Shiraz 2006, Grand River Valley
Thorncreek Winery and Gardens, Cabernet Sauvignon NV, California
Valley Vineyards, Honey Mead NV, American
Valley Vineyards, Valley Blush 2007, Ohio River Valley
Valley Vineyards, Chardonnay 2007, American
Valley Vineyards, Traminette 2007, Ohio River Valley
Vinoklet Winery, La Dolce Vita NV, Ohio River Valley