COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is celebrating Ohio Wine Month this June by highlighting locally produced wines. The festivities kicked off with the announcement of the 2024 Director’s Choice and Ohio Wine Competition award winners.
At the Ohio Wine Month Kick-Off Celebration held at the Ohio Statehouse on May 15, ODA Director Brian Baldridge announced the recipients of the 2024 Director’s Choice awards for Best Red, Best White, and Best Dessert/Specialty wines.
“Ohio wines offer something for everyone,” said Director Baldridge. “We like to think of our state as the heart of agriculture. What’s grown in our fields and produced in our barns is second to none. I hope everyone makes it a priority to buy local and support these small businesses responsibly.”
The 2024 Director’s Choice award-winners are:
Director’s Choice Best Red Wine:
- 2021 Ferrante Signature Series Grand River Valley Dolcetto, Geneva, Ohio (Vines and Wines Wine Region)
Director’s Choice Best White Wine:
- 2022 The Vineyards at Pine Lake Vignoles, Columbiana, Ohio (Canal Country Wine Region)
Director’s Choice Best Dessert/Specialty Wine:
- Kosicek Vineyards Concord Ice Wine, Geneva, Ohio (Vines and Wines Wine Region)
The Ohio Wine Competition, held from May 16-18 and coordinated by Kent State University Ashtabula, saw a record-breaking 436 entries. Debonné Vineyards emerged as the standout, earning both Overall Best of Show and Best of Ohio.
Congratulations to all the 2024 award-winners:
Overall Best of Show and Best of Ohio:
- Debonné Vineyards Riesling, 2023, Grand River Valley
Best of Show Sparkling Wine:
- Kosicek Vineyards Traminette, Non-Vintage, Lake Erie
Best of Ohio Sparkling Wine:
- M Cellars Blanc de Blanc, 2021, Grand River Valley
Best of Class and Best of Ohio White Wine:
- Debonné Vineyards Riesling Reserve, 2023, Grand River Valley
Best of Show and Best of Ohio Blush/Rosé Wine:
- The Vineyards at Pine Lake Avily, 2023, Ohio
Best of Show Red Wine:
- Kosicek Vineyards Cabernet Franc, 2022, American
Best of Ohio Red Wine:
- Baci Winery Cabernet Franc, 2021, Grand River Valley
Best of Show Fruit Wine:
- Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard and Winery Preble Pear, Non-Vintage, Preble County
Best of Show Dessert/Specialty Wine:
- The Winery at Spring Hill Frosted Red Raspberry, 2023, American
Best of Show and Best of Ohio Ice Wine:
- Debonné Vineyards Vidal Blanc Ice Wine, 2023, Grand River Valley
The “Best of Ohio” designation is awarded to wines made from a minimum of 90% Ohio-grown grape varieties and that have received the Ohio Quality Wine seal.