In Wine Enthusiast‘s February 29, 2016 issue, the magazine revealed its list of America’s Top Urban Wineries. And, lo and behold, we were absolutely delighted to see that #6 on the list was none other than Henke Winery in the Westwood neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio—where Bells Up winemaker Dave Specter learned the ropes of professional winemaking from proprietor Joe Henke. Specter worked as assistant winemaker under Henke for three years, from 2009 to 2012.
In the article, writer Jill Robinson contributed the following:
In the 1850s, Ohio was the largest wine producer in the United States, with Cincinnati serving as its epicenter. That may no longer be the case, but there are still quality producers in Ohio. Just minutes from downtown Cincinnati, Henke Winery, established in 1996, set up shop in the city’s Westwood neighborhood after it quickly outgrew its first location. The winery makes all 15 wines right in its cellar, which can produce 20,000 bottles per year.
Owner Joe Henke sources many of his grapes from Ohio as well as Kentucky, Indiana, California and the Finger Lakes region in New York. Among Henke’s portfolio is a spicy Zinfandel from 100-year-old vines, a robust Cabernet Franc and a Seyval that’s a barrel-fermented sur lie style. Nearly 90% of its wine is sold onsite. —J.R.
Congratulations Joe! We are so happy for, and proud of, you. Bells Up owes a great debt to you for the time you took helping us build the foundation for our venture.
Joe Henke of Cincinnati’s Henke Winery enjoys a #bellsupmoment al fresco!
