Winners of two passes each to Vintage Ohio, drawn at random from all correct responses to our trivia question, were Lisa Hufford and Scott Thanasiu. Congratulations!
According to Christy Eckstein, executive director of the Ohio Grape Industries Committee of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the most widely planted vinifera wine grape in the state is Riesling. This white grape is suited to cooler climates like Ohio’s, and produces wine at every point on the sweetness spectrum, from bone-dry, food-friendly versions to luxurious dessert wines.
Many of you guessed Concord or Catawba, which are indeed popular in Ohio (Eckstein says Concord is probably the most widely planted grape overall) but they are native American grapes, not classic vinifera winemaking varietals.
Vintage Ohio, the annual festival celebrating the state’s wine industry, takes place Aug. 1-2 at Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland and includes wine tastings, food, music and more. See http://visitvintageohio.com/ for information.