Page 10 - Leisure Living Magazine: Autumn 2020 Edition

Heineman Winery
Continued from page 9
fathers footsteps, Edward Heineman graduated from The Ohio State University in 1980 and introduced many new varietals and blends to expand the selection of wines.
Louis, at the age of 92, passed away in 2019. Today, the fourth and fifth generations of the family, Edward and Dustin, are leading the busi- ness. Heineman’s continues to offer “Vine To Wine Quality” growing the majority of their own grapes. Local island growers and the family culti- vate around 40 acres on South Bass Island.
Dustin Heineman said they are proud to also help preserve the history and beauty of the islands. He is actively working with the Lake Erie Island Conservancy to help preserve green space on the islands.
Recently, Heineman expanded those efforts to North Bass Island. Dustin said that he worked with the State of Ohio for several years to secure a lease for over 44 acres of vineyards on North Bass Island.
“At one time there were over 600 acres of vineyards on North Bass Island. We were fortu- nate to be able to lease the last 44 acres of vine- yards and two historic houses there,” he said.
The vineyards and homes have historical sig- nificance for the island. I couldn’t just watch the deep-rooted history of grape growing disappear from North Bass Island, also known as Isle Saint George.” In addition, there are several varieties of grapes grown on this island that aren’t seen on Put-in-Bay, such as Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Vidal and Gerwurztraminer.
“We’ll have more varieties for people to enjoy. Whoever walks in the door will be able to find
Louis Heineman, Edward Heineman, Dustin Heineman, 3rd, 4th, and 5th generations
of the Heineman family.
their favorite,” Dustin said.
Donniella Winchell, Executive Director of
the Ohio Wine Producers Association said the family has been instrumental in the industry.
“The Heineman family has supplied leader- ship to our industry for at least four generations. They worked to protect grapes and wine follow- ing Prohibition. The last three generations have committed themselves to a prosperous future through their support of the trade association. Lou provided vision, financial resources and encouragement as a member of my very first board back in 1978. Ed stepped in and provided expertise for a couple of years. Now Dustin has emerged as a visionary for both the association and the Industry at large, serving on my board, helping to preserve the history of the industry and beyond that his commitment to North Bass has been nothing but exceptional,” she said.
Looking to the future, Dustin said he is work- ing with the Conservancy to continue to preserve green space on South Bass Island. Heineman Winery and the Conservancy are currently work- ing to acquire Stonehenge, an old farmhouse circa 1855, accompanied with a original wine cellar cottage and gift shop. They hope to preserve the buildings and property and be able to share this piece of island history with visitors again soon.
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