Donniella Winchell

Donniella Winchell devoted her entire life to Ohio’s wine and grape industry. She was instrumental in building the Ohio Wine Producers Association (OWPA) into one of the most respected wine organizations across the nation and has served as executive director for 40 years. Under Winchell’s leadership, in 1994, OWPA created the nationally-acclaimed two-day Vintage Ohio Wine Festival which revolutionized wine tasting venues across the nation. She was also influential in the creation of the Ohio Grape Industries Committee which dramatically changed the trajectory of the state wine and grape industry.

Winchell’s enthusiasm for the wine industry and its people is boundless and infectious. Her energy is shared with others through contributes to national wine publications and speaking engagements at wine and tourism conferences.