Controlling Board Approves Funds to Advertise Ohio's Wine Industry

COLUMBUS—Monday, the Ohio Controlling Board approved funds to support the efforts of the Ohio Grape Industries Council to advertise Ohio’s growing wine industry, announced State Representative Jamie Callender (R-Concord). These funds, awarded following a competitive bidding process, will go towards advertising Ohio’s wine industry both locally and nationally. Created in 1981, the Ohio Grape Industry Council was created by the Ohio General Assembly to promote Ohio’s wine industry through marketing, research, and business support. 

Great Lakes Publishing was selected to produce the advertisement following a request for proposal being sent to 5 companies across Ohio. The $100,735 request, funded though the Ohio Department of Agriculture, will go towards digital and print advertising that highlights Ohio’s wine industry. This will include advertisement in Cleveland Magazine, Ohio Magazine, and Sip magazine, as well a digital advertisement on the TourismOhio app. 

“Uplifting Ohio’s grape growers and winemakers is a key component in supporting the state’s number one industry, food and agriculture,” Brian Baldridge, Director, Ohio Department of Agriculture. “The wine and grape industry continues to flourish here, offering the best homegrown products to consumers and bringing in billions of dollars to the state. We will continue to proudly share that message.”  

With a total of 426 wine manufacturer licenses and 125 vineyard operations, Ohio’s wine industry has grown rapidly over the past 13 years. Currently, it is estimated that Ohio’s wine industry has generated over $6.6 billion for the state’s economy and created 41,000 full time jobs. 

“The Ohio grape and wine industry serves as a shining example of the state's investment in a community of winemakers and growers who are so important to the various regions, in mostly rural areas, in where our vines are planted,” said Donniela Winchell, Executive Director of the Ohio Wine Producers Association. “From mere 13 wineries in 1978, this industry has grown to a powerhouse of over 420 wineries in nearly every corner of the state providing jobs, preserving farmland and enhancing the quality of life for Ohio residents while contributing over 6 and a half billion dollars to our great state's economy. "

Home to 35 wineries, Northeast Ohio has become a nationally and internationally recognized wine growing region with local wineries winning awards for red, white, and ice wines. Highlighted as part of the Ohio Wine Producers Association’s Vines and Wines trail, Lake County welcomes thousands of people every year to enjoy locally produced wine and all that Lake County has to offer. 

“Lake County is home to a growing number of internationally recognized wineries,” said Callender. “Through multi-generationally efforts, the residents of Lake County can take in scenic views of Lake Erie or our Metroparks system while enjoying wines grown and produced just up the road.”