Ohio wine making dates back to the early 1800s (Kent State University, n.d.). Nicholas Longworth discovered he could grow Catabwa grapes near the Ohio River in Cincinnati (Kent State University, n.d.).  Fifty years later, Ohio had 3000 acres of wine producing land (Kent State University, n.d.). However, by the time the Civil War erupted, disease had taken over the crops (Kent State University, n.d.). This paired with the need for soldiers, almost destroyed the wine industry in Ohio (Kent State University, n.d.). The tradition was brought alive by German immigrants who brought their own techniques to the islands off Lake Erie (Kent State University, n.d.). The area thrived for many years, but took another hit when Prohibition became law (Kent State University, n.d.). After its repeal it took several decades, but Ohio became a large producer of wine again (Kent State University, n.d.). The grapes from the French-American variety were more resistant to disease and produced wine that was not super sweet (Kent State University, n.d.). Ohio ranks in the top 10 of states that produce wine, creating over a 1 million gallons a year (Kent State University, n.d.).