Following our look at the technical expertise and statewide impact of the HCS Grape & Wine Team, we reached out to a few of the experts behind the research.
Lisa Dunlap (Enology Program Manager), Dr. Maria Smith (Viticulture Outreach Specialist), and Dr. Cristobal Onetto (Assistant Professor of Enology) shared their reflections on the industry's recent milestones and their long-term goals for Ohio’s vineyards.
What was your favorite part of the Ohio Grape and Wine Conference?
Lisa Dunlap: The Ohio Wine Reception. We get the opportunity to try different Ohio wines for a couple of hours and discuss with others about them. It’s so fun to see what different wineries are doing.
Dr. Maria Smith: The keynote sessions during Monday’s general session were a highlight for me. I always learn something new and interesting from the speakers' perspectives each year.
Dr. Cristobal Onetto: My favorite part of the conference was having the opportunity to taste a large diversity of Ohio wines that covered nearly all the wine regions of the state. This allowed me to gain a good understanding of the stylistic range of wines produced in Ohio and how they reflect the distinct weather conditions and growing environments associated with each region. It was also great to meet many winemakers, the Ohio wine community is very connected and supportive. I believe this strong sense of collaboration and shared purpose is one of the key strengths of the industry and will play an important role in its continued growth and success.
What are your current hopes and vision for the Ohio Wine Industry?
Lisa Dunlap: My hope for the Ohio wine industry is that it continues to grow and gain the recognition it deserves. We have demonstrated that we can successfully grow high-quality grapes and produce remarkable wines here in Ohio. I want to see our industry build an even stronger reputation, both within the state and nationally, by continuing to improve quality, expand innovation, and showcase the unique characteristics of Ohio-grown wines.
Dr. Maria Smith: I echo Lisa’s sentiment. I also hope that we continue to expand plantings of quality Ohio grown grapes to sustain the continued growth in wine production and volume.
Dr. Cristobal Onetto: Lisa said it perfectly!
Are there any specific long-term program goals the team is hoping to achieve in the next few years?
Lisa Dunlap: Over the next few years, our long-term goals include continuing to elevate wine quality across the state through research, outreach, and education. We hope to expand grower and winemaker engagement and strengthen statewide collaboration. Additionally, we aim to increase national recognition for Ohio wines through competitions, marketing efforts, and data-driven improvements that highlight the strengths of our industry.
Dr. Maria Smith: For the viticulture program, we aim to position our long-term research and extension program to align with broader industry trends in order to support solutions for emerging vineyard challenges, the increasing production of different wine styles, and predicted shifts in consumer preferences.
Dr. Cristobal Onetto: My long-term goal is to establish a robust, internationally recognized enology research program at The Ohio State University that serves as a foundational pillar supporting the entire Ohio wine industry.
Looking Forward
The dedication of the HCS Grape & Wine Team underscores a vibrant future for Ohio’s viticulture and enology. By combining world-class research with a deep-rooted commitment to local growers, they are ensuring that Ohio wine continues to evolve in both quality and reputation. As these programs grow, so too does the opportunity for students, winemakers, and enthusiasts to engage with a thriving industry right here in the Buckeye State.
To stay updated on the team’s latest research or to find more information on upcoming industry events, you can visit the HCS website or explore more resources at Buckeye Appellation.
