The Ohio Grape & Wine Conference (OGWC) is jointly organized by the Ohio Grape Industries Committee (OGIC), the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, OSU Extension and South Centers) of The Ohio State University, and the Ohio Wine Producers Association (OWPA). The 2026 conference consists of both general and concurrent sessions covering a wide range of relevant topics for grape growers , winemakers, and marketing staff. We are pleased to announce our featured speakers for this year noted below. The marketing section will feature Dan Whitmyer of Whitmyer Thinks who will be sharing the 2025 Ohio Wines’ Consumer Perception Study results; OGIC’s creative strategy team – Freshwater Creative Ventures, LLC, who will be unveiling the industry’s new creative strategy and public relations plan to create awareness of Ohio’s grape and wine industry; as well as a panel of Ohio winery marketing staff revealing helpful tips increase your social media engagement. The enology section will feature Dr. Jennifer Kelly, Senior Scientist in Oenology, Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute, Brock University and Tony Jacobson, Principal Sparkling Winemaking Consultant of EnoCraft, Traverse City, Michigan. The viticulture section will feature Jennifer Phillips Russo, Senior Viticulture Extension Specialist and Team Leader at Lake Erie Regional Grape Program, Cornell University and Tremain Hatch, Viticulture Research and Extension Associate at Virginia Tech and owner /operator of Zephaniah Farm Vineyard in Leesburg, Virginia. The Conference general session will start on Monday afternoon with presentations from OGIC and our featured viticulture and enology speakers. Tuesday will consist of both concurrent and general sessions featuring technical presentations in enology and viticulture from our featured speakers, industry members, and university experts. Special topics will be presented in the general session Tuesday afternoon with the Ohio Division of Liquor Control providing a regulatory update and the Ohio Department of Agriculture providing an update on Spotted Lantern Flies in Ohio.
Additional Highlights of the 2026 Conference:
✓ A mixture of topics for both new and advanced grape growers, wine producers and marketing staff, covering three tracks in viticulture, enology and marketing.
✓ We are currently working with the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) to obtain pesticide recertification credits for educational sessions involving disease, weed, and insect management, including a 1-hour Core recertification session.
✓ Full 2½ -day registration at a low rate of $240, with a discounted rate provided for more than two individuals attending from one establishment or family. Full registration includes access to the Marketing sessions on Sunday afternoon , the special workshop on Monday mornin g and all concurrent sessions , the general session , and trade show. Social events and the following meals are also included: Sunday – Ohio Wine Reception; Monday – buffet lunch and evening banquet; afternoon breaks each day and plated lunch on Tuesday. Sunday’s boxed lunch is optional for an additional fee. You are also entitled to a conference packet and access to the recorded presentations which will be posted on www.findohiowines.com in the “Industry Login” section after the Conference .
✓ Special passes for better accessibility and flexibility at the conference include the 1-day conference pass , complimentary student registration , and conference pass without meals.
✓ A newly laid out two-day trade show with both vineyard , winery, and tasting room equipment and services .
