From the Ohio Department of Agriculture

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the All American Quarter Horse Congress (AAQHC) are partnering for the first time to feature locally made wines from Ohio wineries.

“Wine Down Wednesdays” will run every Wednesday through Oct. 22 from 4–7 p.m. Event visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about Ohio’s grape growing industry and taste a wide selection of wines crafted in the region.

“We are thrilled to be able to showcase the incredible talent of Ohio’s winemakers,” said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. “By featuring locally made wines at this event, we are giving folks a true taste of Ohio agriculture while supporting our farmers, growers, and producers who make it possible.”

The AAQHC stands as the largest horse show in the world, spanning over four weeks at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds and drawing in 500,000 visitors each year.

“The Quarter Horse Congress is excited to partner with ODA to offer our attendees a taste of Ohio during their time here,” said Ohio Quarter Horse Association CEO Justin Billings. “Our exhibitors and spectators travel to Columbus from around the world, and as Ohioans ourselves, we take great pride in sharing our amazing state.”

Ohio is the seventh largest wine producer in the country, with nearly 1,500 acres of vineyards producing and selling 1.2 million gallons, or 500,000 cases, of wine annually. There are more than 430 licensed wine manufacturers across the state, creating more than 40,000 full-time jobs and adding $6.6 billion to the economy. The Ohio Grape Industries Committee was established in 1981 and operates in part through ODA.

Food and agriculture is Ohio’s number one industry, adding $124 billion to the economy each year and providing Ohioans with 1 in 8 jobs. Ohio farmers grow or raise more than 200 different kinds of crops and livestock, and the state is also home to approximately 1,000 food processing companies.