Southwest Ohio wine festival returning to Clark County Fairgrounds in May

Donniella Winchell, executive director of Ohio Wine Producers Association said that the fairgrounds is a perfect location for the event.

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“The advantage of the fairgrounds is that they have indoor (spaces),” Winchell said.

Winchell said she hopes to eventually relocate the event outdoors by the lake at the fairgrounds.

In addition to wine tasting and purchasing, the event will feature musical performances, cooking demonstrations, several vendors, and four food trucks, including Bistro de Mohr, Freddie’s Franks & Burgers, La Pampa Grill, and Young’s Jersey Dairy.

Last year, the wine festival attracted about 1,500 visitors. Moving forward, Winchell said the association’s goal is to eventually increase attendance to 20,000 to 30,000 and to increase year-round traffic to participating wineries.

“The goal of these events is to create a sense of community among wineries and to build a critical mass of consumers,” Winchell said.

The Second Annual Vintage Ohio South Wine Festival will be split into two sessions. They will take place from noon to 4 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, at the Clark County Fairgrounds, 4401 S Charleston Pike, Springfield.

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Tickets are available for pre-sale for $25 or at the door for $30. The entrance fee includes a wine glass and 12 wine sampling tickets. An additional three wine sampling tickets or a glass of wine may be purchased at the event, $5 each.

Designated Driver tickets are available for $10, which includes three complimentary sodas or waters.

Parking is free for this event.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Ohio Wine Producers Association at 440-466-4417 or visit www.ohiowines.org.

Participating Wineries include the following, according to Ohio Wine Producer Association’s website: