This points to something prestigious California wineries could probably do better, according to wine business analyst Rob McMillan, founder of Silicon Valley Bank's wine division and author of its annual State of the U.S. But this overall focus on the customer experience is benefiting wineries large and small. Gervasi stands out for the variety of offerings. 'We have designed our entire brand around experiences.'Īnd that approach seems to be paying dividends. 'We are absolutely in the experience business, and I often say that wine, food and spirits are the core of that,' Swaldo said. Its wedding and restaurant sides were decimated in the pandemic.īut business there is effectively back to normal, said Scott Swaldo, CEO of Gervasi's parent company, GV Destinations. Gervasi Vineyard has branded itself as a winery resort at its 55-acre estate in Canton, which includes outdoor event spaces, restaurants and tasting rooms, a distillery and a swanky hotel. 'We saw them not just survive but come out even better.' 'Wineries that took advantage of the situation saw this and adjusted because of the pandemic,' said Todd Steiner, enology program manager and outreach specialist with the College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at Ohio State University. This helped expand the customer base in Ohio, where wine is simply one offering paired with something else - crafted entrees, snacks and small plates, scenic landscapes, outdoor music or other events. Wine's share of alcohol consumption 20 years ago was about 14%.Īfter COVID hit, wineries had to temporarily close tasting rooms and limit gatherings, just as other businesses did.īut they were otherwise rather well-suited to consumer needs during and following the public health crisis, as consumers sought out the outdoor spaces prevalent at so many wineries, regardless of whether they have their own vineyards. Wine Industry Report from Silicon Valley Bank. Wine accounted for approximately 17% of alcohol consumption in 2020 (spirits accounted for 38% and beer 45%), according to the 2022 State of the U.S. Total wine sales may have flattened a bit following some pickup during the COVID-19 outbreak - when people seemed to be imbibing more and opted for packaged drinks at home. We just need to find ways to fulfill the opportunities that are out there.' 'The state of the Ohio industry is promising, and we have the potential for a really bright future. 'The explosion is out of control, and it's phenomenal,' Winchell said. Ohio had 77 wineries in 2000 and 265 in 2016. Much of that growth has taken place in the last several years. There are nearly as many wineries in the state as craft breweries, which topped 400 in operation this spring. Today, the state has at least 375 wineries in operation and applications pending for another 57. When she started, Ohio had just 17 wineries. This is validated by the medals Ohio wines increasingly earn at stages that include the renowned San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition.īeyond the products themselves, wineries are excelling at enticing and impressing guests amid some trends in consumer preferences that bode well for the industry.ĭonniella Winchell has led the Ohio Wine Producers Association for 44 years. The varieties of wine produced are expanding beyond the sweet, fruited types that are popular with a certain crowd but that might make sommeliers thumb their nose. wine production.īut here in Ohio, local wines and the grapes they're made from are improving. Its flourishing industry, home to nearly 4,400 wineries, is responsible for roughly 85% of U.S. With its warm climate and rich soils conducive for grape farming, there's a good reason the Golden State has become synonymous with American winemaking. This may surprise some considering the Buckeye State is probably not the first that comes to mind for wine aficionados.Ĭonnoisseurs would be more familiar with the celebrated Napa and Sonoma valleys of California. With the market trending toward 400 wineries in operation today and local winemakers increasingly drawing awards and respect, Ohio's wine industry is growing at an amazing clip and aging as gracefully as a fine Bordeaux.