Robert Gottesman

Robert Gottesman, of Cleveland, has made unparalleled contributions to the Ohio wine industry. His leadership, personal and economic commitment inspired the renaissance of the Ohio grape industry. Gottesman purchased and saved Meiers, Lonz, Mon Arnie and Mantey wineries in the 1970s. The purchase of these abandoned and rickety structures preserved the 160-year old historical tradition of the grape and wine industry. In addition to revitalizing the wineries, Gottesman committed time and money to improving the surrounding island communities.

Gottesman originated, presented and initiated the legislation that created the Ohio Grape Industries Program, the organization responsible for research and promotion of the $lO million dollar grape and wine industry. The program is so successful that eight other states have modeled their programs after Gottesman’s concept.