Learn about the rich history of the Ohio grape industry while sipping local wine at your favorite winery. In this area, the public is invited to attend a screening on Saturday, July 17 at Gideon Owen Wine Company, 3845 E. Wine Cellar Rd., Port Clinton at 1 p.m. at the stage.

Gideon Owen Wine Company is one of only five wineries around the state chosen to air the documentary created by the Ohio Grape Industries Committee (OGIC), which highlights the remarkable grape growing industry in Ohio and recognizes its growers.

The short film shows how the Vineyard Expansion Assistance Program (VEAP) is working to expand new and existing vineyards throughout the state. The goal is to create a conversation around Ohio wineries and vineyards, and celebrate the long history of grape growing, which dates back to the 1850s.

Other showings around Ohio are at Buccia Vineyard Winery and B&B, Conneaut; Folck Winery, Mechanicsburg; Hanover Winery, Hamilton; and Vinoklet Winery, Cincinnati.

VEAP allows wineries to invest in and plant high-quality, high-value grapes onsite instead of purchasing them from other states. The VEAP is an incentive program created and funded by OGIC.

Ohio is the sixth largest wine producer in the country, with just over 1,500 acres of vineyards producing and selling 1.2 million gallons, or 500,000 cases, of wine annually. There are currently 340 licensed wine manufacturers across the state, creating more than 8,000 full-time jobs for Ohioans.

VEAP is managed by OGIC, which was established in 1981 and operates in-part through the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Learn more about Ohio wines at findohiowines.com.