Rich and Betsy Hill were both originally from New Jersey, and some may say they still have that eastern habit of always being on the go. Rich has nearly 30 years of experience in the chemical, ceramic, and polymers industry. He holds B.S. and M.Sc. engineering degrees from Rutgers University, and a doctorate degree in Materials Science from the University of Leoben, Austria. Betsy has nearly 25 years experience in the retail trade business, and was the originator and owner of several cookware stores over that timeframe. The businesses she started in New York and Ohio were successfully sold and remain as viable enterprises today

In 1997 the Hill’s purchased the old Stoll farm in Parkman, Ohio. Rich (Dr. Hill) concentrated on gaining experience with growing grapes and making wine. Informational support from the Ohio Wine Growers Association and the state of Ohio’s winter short courses and the helpful staff of the OSU agricultural school and grape extension were instrumental in providing the basics of grape-growing and winemaking knowledge, along with reading, reading, and more reading.

The first harvest was small but promising in 1999. By 2001, with confidence in the newly learned skills, the decision was made to begin the process of becoming an official winery. The first official vintage was 2002, and included chardonnay, vignoles, pinot noir, Bianca, Riesling, and Seyval.

Betsy’s business skills were put to use in establishing solid business practices, and her talents for assembling successful retail enterprises were put to use in establishing the tasting room store. This facility, which is primarily a place for tasting and purchasing the wines made by the winery also includes a full supply of wine related items for sale.