Cleveland Wineries: Firelands Winery Grows Its Offerings With New Winemaker

Changes are coming to one of the oldest wineries in Ohio. After a new owner purchased Sandusky’s Firelands Winery in 2019, winemaker Margot Federkiel was brought on board in 2020, bringing with her a unique look at winemaking. 

“My approach is heavily influenced by my artistic side but still incorporates a little bit of science,” she says. “I really try to let the terroir of the vineyards we work with express themselves in the wines.”

One of her first projects is a new estate-grown label called 1880 Firelands — a tasting room exclusive available as early as this summer. The label will also include small lots of wines like pinot grigio and barrel-fermented riesling.

“I’m doing a lot of things you probably don’t traditionally see,” she says. “I’m very excited since this was my first vintage here.”

Visitors can also enjoy an outdoor patio, full-service kitchen and live music. Above all, Federkiel wants guests to have a great experience.

“I find a lot of people can get intimidated by wine,” she says. “We want anybody to come in and be able to find a wine that they like.” 917 Bardshar Road, Sandusky, 419-625-5474, firelandswinery.com

Try This: The 2020 Firelands rose ($16.99), boasts a tasty combination of watermelon and guava.

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