Buckeye Reporter

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is promoting Ohio-made foods, products, and wines at the Ohio State Fair. The Taste of Ohio Pavilion, located near the 11th Avenue entrance, will feature the Taste of Ohio Wine & Beer Garden and the Ohio Proud General Store.

"When you choose locally grown and made products, you are supporting Ohio’s family farms, rural communities, and small businesses," said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. "The Ohio State Fair is a great opportunity to celebrate and purchase homegrown goods that showcase the strength of Ohio agriculture. We encourage fairgoers to shop and taste local."

The pavilion will offer 32 different Ohio wines in an open-air setting with ample seating. These wines have either won a double gold medal in the 2025 Ohio Wine Competition or are part of the Ohio Quality Wine program. The state ranks as the seventh-largest wine producer in the U.S., contributing over $6 billion annually to its economy and creating more than 40,000 jobs. Over 420 licensed wine manufacturers in Ohio attract more than 2 million visits each year.

"The Ohio State Fair Wine & Beer Garden offers visitors a unique and educational opportunity to experience many Ohio wines in one location, while also getting to engage one-on-one with the featured winemakers in attendance each day," said Christy Eckstein, Executive Director of the Ohio Grape Industries Committee and ODA’s Director of Marketing.

Next to the wine garden, more than 100 different items will be available at the Ohio Proud General Store. To participate in this program, at least half of a product must be grown, raised, or processed within the state. Displaying the Ohio Proud logo helps businesses stand out on store shelves.

"Visiting the Ohio Proud General Store is a great way for fairgoers to learn about all the amazing food and agricultural products made in the state of Ohio," said Ashley McDonald, Program Administrator for Ohio Proud. "From freshly made cheese and chocolates to handcrafted body care products and your favorite summertime condiments, our local makers have something for everyone."

The initiatives from both programs contribute significantly to making food and agriculture a leading industry in Ohio, which adds $124 billion annually to its economy and employs one in eight residents.

Information from this article can be found here.