At one time the largest American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the country, the Ohio River Valley spans parts of Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia and Indiana, covering nearly 25,000 square miles. Like many AVAs in middle America, the Ohio River Valley is among the oldest growing regions in the United States. Over the past two centuries, wine production here has experienced disruptions and major setbacks caused by the Civil War, Prohibition and issues with powdery mildew, but it has recovered in recent years.
Though established in 1983, the AVA’s boundaries were redrawn in 2013 as other adjacent AVAs were established: The Upper Mississippi Valley AVA (established in 2009) ultimately replaced the Ohio River Valley as the largest AVA in the U.S., making it the second largest.
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Its vast size makes for a great diversity of soils and unique mix of climates, from humid subtropical influences to cooler continental areas, allowing for a wide range of grapes to be grown within its borders. Both hybrids and common vinifera varieties are grown: Prominent hybrid varieties include Marechal Foch, Baco Noir, Seyval Blanc and Vidal; vinifera that thrive well include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Riesling. Wines are produced in a range of styles, and the region is particularly known for high quality late harvest and ice wines.
Mark Zdobinski is one of the owners, as well as the winemaker and production manager, at Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard & Winery
This Article was originally published on Wine Enthusiast
