Baldridge highlights economic impact of Ohio wineries

As Ohio celebrates Wine Month, Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge visited Lincoln Way Vineyards to highlight the continued growth of the state’s grape and wine industry, which now contributes an estimated $6.6 billion annually to Ohio’s economy and supports approximately 41,000 jobs.

Baldridge toured the winery and vineyard operation, met with owners Jim and Sherri Borton and learned about grape production, winemaking and the role wineries play as both agricultural businesses and community gathering places.

“Agriculture remains one of Ohio’s largest industries at $124 billion annually, and the grape and wine industry is a significant part of that success,” Baldridge said. “What is unique about wineries is their connection to local communities. Each one tells a different story and serves as a destination that contributes not only to agriculture but also to economic development and community engagement.”

Baldridge said Ohio’s wine industry has experienced remarkable growth since the 1980s, when the state had approximately 35 wineries. Today, Ohio is home to more than 430 licensed wine manufacturers, making it one of the fastest-growing wine regions in the country.

To help visitors explore those wineries, the Ohio Grape Industries Committee created the Ohio Wines VIP app, a mobile passport program that allows users to locate wineries throughout Ohio, check in at participating locations, earn points and redeem rewards for Ohio wine-themed merchandise. Baldridge said the app encourages residents and visitors alike to discover Ohio’s growing wine destinations.

Lincoln Way Vineyards has become one of those destinations in Wayne County. Located along the historic Lincoln Highway, the winery incorporates that heritage into its identity. The winery’s logo features the “L” from historic Lincoln Highway signage, with the symbol forming the hands of a clock as part of the winery’s “Find Your Wine Time” theme.

“Ohio wine is starting to gain national recognition,” Jim Borton said. “Wineries around the state are competing at national competitions and bringing home double gold medals and best-of-show awards. That recognition helps all of us.”

Lincoln Way Vineyards currently farms approximately 10 acres of grapes on a 58-acre property and sources additional fruit from vineyards in Wayne, Holmes, Lake, Ashtabula, Harrison and Ashland counties. The winery produces nearly 20 wine labels and emphasizes Ohio-grown fruit in its products.

In addition to wine production, the winery hosts weddings, live music, food trucks, charitable fundraisers, vendor markets and community events throughout the year. Local organizations, including the Wayne County Dog Shelter support group and area fire departments, have utilized the facility for fundraising and recognition events.

Baldridge said that the combination of agriculture, tourism and community involvement helps explain why Ohio’s wine industry continues to expand.

“Wineries are more than places where wine is produced,” he said. “They create experiences, support local economies and strengthen the communities they serve. That’s one of the reasons this industry continues to grow across Ohio.”

Dan Starcher is the communications coordinator for Wayne County.