2022 Ohio Wine Competition
By Mark Fisher
It was a sweet win for Gervasi Vineyard’s Sognata Vidal Blanc Ice Wine, which captured the highly coveted “Best of Show” award at the 2022 Ohio Wine Competition.
The competition, open to all Ohio wineries, attracted 386 entries, an all-time high.
More than 83 percent of the wines entered (322) received medals. But only one wine achieved the designation of “Overall Best of Show,” and that wine was made entirely from grapes grown in Ohio’s Grand River Valley – a significant accomplishment for the expanding Ohio wine industry.
“For numerous years, ice wines produced throughout Ohio have been recognized as award winners in both state and national competitions,” Christy Eckstein, executive director of the Ohio Grape Industries Committee, told TheWineBuzz. “Gervasi Vineyard’s Sognata Vidal Blanc Ice Wine has joined the ranks of some of Ohio’s premier ice wines by being recognized as this year’s ‘Overall Best of Show’ and ‘Best of Ohio’ wine,” she added.
David Smith, head winemaker at the Canton-based, Gervasi Vineyard, said, “Our wines have a rich history and are very diverse to the palate. I am very pleased and honored with the competition’s results.”
Here is the full list of winners. A “Best of Ohio” designation was awarded to “Best of Show” wines made from at least 90% Ohio-grown grapes. Congratulation to all!
Overall Best of Show: Gervasi Vineyard Sognata Vidal Blanc Ice Wine
Best of Show White: D&D Smith Winery Gewürztraminer
Best of Ohio White: Maize Valley Winery Reserve Blanc
Best of Show Red: Burnet Ridge Purple Trillium
Best of Ohio Red: Debonné Vineyards Classic Red
Best of Show Blush/Rosé: Hanover Winery Sweet Lizzy
Best of Ohio Blush/Rosé: Debonné Vineyards Pink Catawba
Best of Show Fruit Wine: Vinoklet Winery & Vineyard Passion (Blueberry)
Best of Show and Best of Ohio Sparkling Wine: Michael Angelo’s Winery Blanc de Blanc
Best of Show Dessert Wine: Meier’s Wine Cellars #44 Cream Sherry
Best of Ohio Dessert Wine: Gervasi Vineyard Sognata Vidal Blanc Ice Wine
Best of Show Specialty Wine: L’uva Bella Winery Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon
Editor’s note: Mark Fisher served as a judge for the 2022 Ohio Wine Competition.
