Like many of you, our winery visits were curtailed in 2020 and our annual visit to the Finger Lakes did not happen. With the new vaccines, 2021 should be a better year!
Most Ohio wineries and those in other states are small businesses and have been hard hit by the pandemic. Some were able to offer scheduled tastings, limited outdoor events and, of course, continue wine sales and shipping. But some were prohibited from indoor activities and all had to limit what indoor activities they did offer.
As we head into 2021, our goal is to continue to bring you Ohio's wineries and those we visit in other states and share the best of each.
We can't leave 2020 without celebrating the life of Arnie Esterer, owner of Markko Vineyard in Conneaut, Ohio, and a member of the Ohio Wine Producers Hall of Fame. Arnie studied the methods of Dr. Konstantin Frank, a Finger Lakes vintner, and brought vinifera to Ohio. Having visited Markko a couple times, we will definitely feel the loss of this Ohio wine pioneer.
Happy New Year to our wine-loving friends! May your 2021 be filled with bottle upon bottle of all of your favorites!