Ohio is one of the top 10 wine-producing states with more than 850,000 gallons produced every year. The number of Ohio wineries has grown from 124 in 2008 to 143 in 2010, and wine production increased nearly 500,000 gallons from 2006 to 2008, making wine grape production an economically attractive alternative crop for small and medium size family farm operations seeking high value crop production opportunities or diversification out of tobacco.
Due to OSU field research results and independent grower on-farm trials, Ohio's grape portfolio now includes vinifera, the type of grape from which Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Riesling wines are made, as well as French-American hybrids. Sixty-five percent of Ohio wineries have been established in the past decade. OSU South Centers wine grape research trials and Extension outreach efforts are helping growers to make the proper crop planning and management decisions to profit from the thriving Ohio wine and grape industry.
