First-ever winery to open in Ohio's Hocking Hills

COLUMBUS, Ohio - March 26, 2015 - PRLog -- Logan, Ohio – The Hocking Hills Tourism Association is pleased to announce the opening of the area’s first winery. Hocking Hills Winery will open April 4. The tasting room and wine-making business was just launched by two brothers and their wives: Drew and Laura Davidson and Blaine and Allison Davidson. The family has been part of the Hocking Hills community for generations. Joining the Hocking Hills' existing craft beer and moonshine scene, the winery will open with three red (Syrah, Malbec and Sangiovese) and three white wines (Chardonnay, Riesling and Moscato), with plans calling for the addition of more varieties in the fall. Detailed information is available at HockingHillsWinery.com (http://www.hockinghillswinery.com/).

“We’re thrilled to have yet another outstanding experience to offer travelers visiting the spectacular Hocking Hills region,” said Hocking Hills Tourism Association Executive Director Karen Raymore. “The area's rich hiking and outdoor adventure offerings lure visitors from around the globe. This is the perfect addition, giving our visitors a wonderful experience, especially for Hocking Hills Winery's evening tastings, live music and events.”

Raymore added that the area's food, wine and beer scene is flourishing, with the annual Comfort Food Cruise highlighting culinary offerings every winter.

What was once the Davidson family cattle farm has been transformed by the current generation, which planted the first grapes in 2008, beginning with just 600 vines. Now expanding with an additional 2,000 vines covering four acres, the Davidsons will harvest and begin making wine with their grapes this fall. They open in April with wines crafted on site from imported grapes.

“We can’t wait for Hocking Hills Winery to get up and running. We look forward to welcoming local visitors and travelers from afar,” Davidson said. “We’re so passionate about our business, and we are pleased to be using our grandparents’ farm to bring something new to our community.”

Located 40 miles southeast of Columbus, Ohio, the Hocking Hills region offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences, with plenty of free activities. In addition to miles of hiking trails, parks and forests, the Hocking Hills is the Canopy Tour Capital of the Midwest, with more than 50 ziplines offered via three distinct guide services.  Unique gift and antique shops, canoeing, horseback riding, golf, spas and more add to the allure of the Hocking Hills as the perfect place to unplug. Complete traveler information is available www.ExploreHockingHills.com or 1-800-Hocking (800-462-5464).

(30)

Comp or press-rate trips and images available. Contact Amy Weirick,

O: (614) 848-8380, M: (614) 296-8513 or amy@WeirickCommunications.com.