NE Ohio Times

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Controlling Board this week approved funds to support the digital advertising efforts of Ohio’s wineries, announced State Representatives Jamie Callender (R-Concord) and Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula). These funds, approved following a competitive bidding process conducted by the Ohio Grape Industries Committee, will go towards a program to support Ohio wineries' online advertising. Created in 1981, the Ohio Grape Industry Council was established by the Ohio General Assembly to promote Ohio’s wine industry through marketing, research, and business support.

3rd Street Strategies was selected following proposals submitted by five digital marketing firms generated by a request for proposal sent to nine firms. The $55,000 contract, funded through the Ohio Department of Agriculture, will provide Ohio’s wine industry with digital ads, native mail, and email as well as a cost-sharing program to allow wineries to purchase digital ads at a reduced rate.

“Sharing our unique agricultural story is critical to ensuring the continued success of Ohio’s wine and grape industries,” said Brian Baldridge, Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. “As demand increases to produce more from ground to glass, we are committed to elevating our local winemakers and grape growers who contribute to Ohio’s number one industry, food and agriculture.”

Ohio’s wine industry has grown rapidly over the past 13 years, quadrupling up to a total of 426 licensed wine manufacturers and 125 vineyard operations. Currently, it is estimated that Ohio’s wine industry generates over $6.6 billion for Ohio’s economy, supports 41,000 full-time jobs, and produces 1.2 million gallons of wine per year. An estimated 2.2 million consumers visit Ohio wineries annually.

“The Ohio wine industry continues to grow and contribute significantly to our local economies,” said Donniela Winchell, Executive Director of the Ohio Wine Producers Association. “We are most appreciative of Representatives Callander and Fowler Arthur for their continual commitment to help us grow and give back to the communities where we live and work.”

Home to 43 wineries, Northeast Ohio has become a nationally and internationally recognized wine-growing region with local wineries winning awards for red, white, and ice wines. Highlighted as part of the Ohio Wine Producers Association’s Vines and Wines trail, Lake and Ashtabula Counties welcome thousands of people every year.

“Wineries across the region continue to grow their reputation as both wine producers and tourist destinations,” said Callender. “Through their efforts we have been able to add one more world-class amenity.”

"Digital marketing will expand our local regional footprint," said Fowler Arthur. "I'm excited that local producers will have the opportunity."