REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio – Ohio is a top wine-producing state and its wines are gaining state and national recognition for their excellence.
Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Fred L. Dailey presented awards to area wineries at the 2001 Vintage Affair at the Ohio State Fair in August.
The Director’s Choice Award is presented to those who exemplify the best Ohio wines and wine makers and use primarily Ohio or regional grapes.
The winners. This year’s award for best white wine went to Ferrante Winery & Ristorante (Ashtabula County) for their 2000 Pinot Gris.
Valley Vineyard’s (Warren County) 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon was selected for best red wine, and for the best dessert wine, 2000 Vidal Ice Wine.
Firelands Winery (Erie County) got top honors for best sparkling wine, Riesling Champagne.
Valley Vineyard’s 1999 Cabernet Franc received the People’s Choice Award for favorite red wine, while Ferrante Winery & Ristorante’s 2000 Pinot Gris received the award for favorite white wine. Valley Vineyard’s 2000 Vidal Ice Wine received the award for favorite specialty wine.
