Open Access Kent State (OAKS)

Dalton 'Duke' Bixler has worked many years in the Ohio wine industry, growing his 3,000 gallon Breitenbach Wine Cellar into one of the largest wineries in the state. In 1980, when the prospect of turning his meat and cheese market into a winery came up, Duke and Cynthia Bixler took on the challenge. They named it Breitenbach, which means “broad or bright stream.” This same year he joined Ohio Wine Producers Association, as the 20th winery in the state.

Source: Ohio Wine Producers Association Hall of Fame website

Dr. Michael A. Ellis, emeritus professor of fruit pathology at the Ohio State University, has guided the Ohio grape and wine community to produce the best grapes possible. His influence can be seen in thousands of thriving vineyards from the Ohio River to the shores of Lake Erie. Specifically, he was recognized for his research and extension work in grapes. However his enthusiasm, energy, can-do attitude, clear presentations and willingness to be ever helpful made it easy for well-established growers and those just starting out to adopt his recommendations.

Source: Ohio Wine Producers Association Hall of Fame website.

Allan Klingshirn of the Klingshirn Winery in Avon Lake served the industry as a visionary who helped guide the early years of the 'new' industry in the early eighties, first as a member and then as a two-term president of the Ohio Wine Producers Association.

Allan purchased the family farm in 1955 from his father Albert, who had established the winery in 1935 following the repeal of Prohibition. Under Allan's leadership, the winery more than quadrupled in size and its buildings were expanded to include a retail tasting room. When his son, Lee joined the business in 1986, vineyards were expanded to include a wide range of vinifera and hybrid wine grapes.

Source: Ohio Wine Producers Association Hall of Fame website

Tony Debevc (1916-2010) and Rose Petrovic (1921-2017) were inducted for their enduring spirit, success, and commitment to the Ohio grape and wine industry. In early 1970s Tony, with the help of Rose and his son Anthony (Tony) Debevc and the recommendation of Dr. Garth Cahoon and others, transformed their small Concord grape production into a small A-frame winery with 35 seats. The winery emerged as a local labrusca producer but grew to become one of the largest in Ohio.

Running the business was a family affair. Tony managed the vineyards and Rose managed the books. Anthony, Jr. and his wife Beth pursued a dynamic business plan based on growth and quality fruit and fine wines. In 1995, the family was the first establishment to be named by Vineyard & Winery Management magazine as “Wine Family of the Year”.

Source: Ohio Wine Producers Association Hall of Fame website