Ohio wines honored with prestigious awards

As Ohioans responsibly celebrate Ohio Wine Month in June, local vineyards and wineries are celebrating a major recognition. The 2025 Director’s Choice and Ohio Wine Competition Best of Show and Best of Ohio award winners have been announced. Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director Brian Baldridge honored the Director’s Choice recipients for the Best Red, Best White, Best Dessert, and Best Sparkling/Rosé wines at the Ohio Wine Month Kick-Off Celebration held at the Ohio Statehouse on May 21.

“These awards highlight the strength of our state’s winemaking industry and the people passion of the people behind it,” said Director Brian Baldridge. We congratulate this year’s winners and those who take part in recognizing the importance of Ohio’s $6.6 billion grape and wine industry. Whether you’re a longtime enthusiast or a curious newcomer, there’s never been a better time to discover Ohio wines.”

This year’s winners are listed below:

Director’s Choice Best Red Wine
2023 Le Petit Chevalier Chambourcin
Creola, Ohio
Vinton County

Director’s Choice Best White Wine
2023 South River Grand River Valley Semillon
Geneva, Ohio
Ashtabula County

Director’s Choice Best Dessert Wine
2022 Ferrante Grand River Valley Bourbon Barrel Aged Vidal Blanc Ice Wine
Geneva, Ohio
Ashtabula County

Director’s Choice Sparkling/Rosé Wine
2021 M Cellars Grand River Valley Blanc de Blancs
Geneva, Ohio
Ashtabula County

The 2025 Ohio Wine Competition was held May 13-15 and was coordinated by Kent State University Ashtabula, directed by Todd Steiner, OSU Enology Outreach Specialist and Program Manager, and sponsored by the Ohio Grape Industries Committee (OGIC).… Continue reading