ODA Celebrates the Start of Ohio Wine Month, Announces Director’s Choice Award Winners

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and Ohio Grape Industries Committee (OGIC) gathered Wednesday evening at the Ohio Statehouse to launch a month-long celebration of Ohio wine and recognize some of the state's top wines ahead of Ohio Wine Month in June.

ODA Director Baldridge poses for a photo with representatives from the winning wineries from L to R: Lauren Fiala, Baci Winery; Beau Guilliams, Raven's Glenn Winery; Tony Kosicek, Kosicek Vineyards; Emmett Reed, Laurentia Winery; Matt Meineke, M Cellar.

The event featured Ohio Quality Wines as well as Double Gold Medal winners from the 2025 Ohio Wine Competition, bringing together winery owners, grape growers, industry partners, and state leaders to celebrate the people and businesses behind Ohio wine.

"Ohio wineries and the people behind them have created an incredible range of wines and experiences rooted in their communities," said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. "Ohio Wine Month is an opportunity to celebrate the innovation, craftsmanship, and economic impact of this industry while encouraging Ohioans to discover outstanding wineries and taste something uniquely Ohio."

Ohio is home to more than 430 licensed wineries and is the seventh-largest wine-producing state in the nation. The industry generates more than $6.6 billion in economic activity annually and supports more than 40,000 jobs statewide.

During the event, Director Baldridge announced the recipients of the 2026 Director's Choice Awards, which were selected during a blind wine tasting hosted earlier this year by ODA and OGIC. The winning wines will be featured at the 2026 Ohio State Fair, July 29 through Aug. 9.

The 2026 Director's Choice Award winners are:

• Best Dessert Wine - 2021 Raven's Glenn Scarlet Raven Raven's Glenn Winery (West Lafayette, Coshocton County)
• Best Red Wine - 2022 Laurentia Cabernet Sauvignon Laurentia Vineyard & Winery (Madison, Lake County)
• Best Red Wine - 2024 M Cellars Cabernet-Merlot Reserve M Cellars (Geneva, Ashtabula County)
• Best White Wine - 2023 Baci Riesling Baci Winery (Madison, Lake County)
• Best Sparkling/Rosé Wine - Kosicek Saperavi Kosicek Vineyards (Geneva, Ashtabula County)

Ohio Wine Month, celebrated each June, highlights Ohio's wineries, grape growers, and the unique experiences they offer across the state. The Uniquely Ohio campaign, administered by OGIC, encourages Ohioans and visitors to explore Ohio wine country and support local wineries.

To learn more about Ohio wines and plan a winery visit, visit UniquelyOhioWines.com.