Butler County winery expands, will plant new vineyards

The founders of Butler County’s only winery have expanded their production facilities and are poised to plant more than 2,000 grapevines in new vineyards.

Hanover Winery at 2121 Morman Road in Hanover Twp. opened in 2009, but has outgrown its original facilities, co-founders Eddie and Beth McDonald said. Late last year, the McDonalds added 2,400 square feet of production space to the winery to accommodate larger volume.

The couple purchased additional acreage in 2015, and later this month will start planting more than 2,000 vines on their new property. The new vineyards will be home to two grape varieties that can withstand Ohio winters: the Marquette grape, which produces a dry, medium-bodied red wine; and Seyval Blanc, a white-wine grape that can be made in dry or off-dry styles.

“Having a larger vineyard will grant us more control over our estate-wine production,” Eddie McDonald said.

The winery already produces 25 wines, and has captured wine-competition gold medals recently for its Marquette red and for its Blackberry wine.

Other recent improvements have focused on making it more convenient for the winery’s visitors. A new road and driveway connecting the winery to Morman Road was recently completed, and additional parking areas were created, with room to expand if needed.

Starting May 25, the winery will host its first farmer’s market, which will become a weekly event every Wednesday through the summer, the McDonalds said. And some Thursdays this summer have been designated as dog-friendly “Pup Thursdays.”

Hanover Winery will host its annual wine festival Aug. 19-20. Other special events include a Pink Ribbon Girls fundraiser on July 16 and a Circle Tail Service Dogs event Sept. 17.

For more information, go to www.hanoverwinery.com or check out the Hanover Winery Facebook page, or call (513) 863-3119.

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