COLUMBUS, Ohio – The state agriculture department will showcase Ohio-made foods, products and wines at this year’s Ohio State Fair. The Taste of Ohio Pavilion near the 11th Avenue entrance to the fairgrounds will house a wine and beer bar and a general store.
The fair will open Wednesday, July 23, at the Ohio Expo Center and run through Aug. 3. For information, click HERE.
Thirty-two Ohio wines will be on-hand in the open-air, shaded pavilion at the Taste of Ohio Wine & Beer Garden. All wineries have earned a double gold medal in the 2025 Ohio Wine Competition and/or are a part of the Ohio Quality Wine program recognizing wines made from grapes grown in the state.
Ohio is the seventh-largest wine producing state, and the industry contributes more than $6 billion to the economy each year and creates more than 40,000 jobs.
“The Wine & Beer Garden offers visitors a unique and educational opportunity to experience many Ohio wines in one location, while also getting to engage one-on-one with the featured winemakers in attendance each day,” said Christy Eckstein, executive director of the Ohio Grape Industries Committee.
More than 100 Ohio-made items will be on display next to the Wine & Beer Garden in the Ohio Proud general store.
State residents can register to join the program if at least 50 percent of their item is grown, raised or processed in Ohio. Many grocery stores offer products with the Ohio Proud logo.
“Visiting the Ohio Proud general store is a great way for fairgoers to learn about all the amazing food and agricultural products made in the state,” said Ashley McDonald, administrator of the program. “From freshly made cheese and chocolates to handcrafted body care products and your favorite summertime condiments, our local makers have something for everyone.”
The Ohio Proud and Ohio Wines programs play a role in making food and agriculture Ohio’s No. 1 industry, contributing $124 billion each year and employing 1 in 8 Ohioans.
Pictured at top: A bartender pours an Ohio wine at the state fair in Columbus.