Patios reopen at wineries in Ohio’s Grand River Valley – WKYC.com

MADISON, Ohio Saturday marked a new beginning for wineries in Ohios Grand River Valley.

Many reopened their patios for the first time since the states shutdown.

At Grand River Cellars in Madison, there was even a special ceremony to mark a blessing of the vines.

In recent weeks, staff was concerned that cold weather could hurt the plants.

That did not appear to happen.

Beautiful weather only added to a bright outlook.

Quinn Marti chartered a bus with friends and family to enjoy the day.

It feels good to be out, he said. We talk about social distancing, which is great, but being social is even better--you need that.

Cindy Lindberg of Grand River put out only half her tables to allow for social distancing. Her employees wore masks and gloves.

She said wine sales had been strong throughout quarantine, as she welcomed people back for sit down meals.

I think that when everything got shut down all of a sudden it was like, Oh my gosh, I miss it so much, she said. I think it just made you realize everything that you truly have and how lucky we are that we have what we have.

Across the country, wine sales are up by nearly 40%.

Read this article:
Patios reopen at wineries in Ohio's Grand River Valley - WKYC.com